The untimely demise of my first mandolin

[bgmort]

Recently I became interested in picking up the mandolin. After a lot of online research, including on this forum, I got close to choosing the KM-150, from the Mandolin Store. Then I discovered the KM-256, which for $100 more, comes with a $70 hardshell case, more attractive finish, and higher quality components. I was sold.

When the mandolin first arrived, there were no obvious issues with it. The bridge looked a little concave when viewed from the end, but had been filed so the strings themselves were level, so I didn't think too much of it. Intonation was spot on, and the action seemed right, if a little tough on my fingers for the first little while. It didn't stay in tune long, but I would expect that from a new instrument.

A few hours in I noticed a consistent buzz at the C# on the 4th fret of the A string. Looking closely at it, it seems that there's a low spot on that particular fret. After noticing it, it because quite an annoyance, and after a day or two I started to wonder if I ought to return it to have it fixed.

Tonight, as I was playing it, I noticed a small crack on the bridge, near the post under the E string and only visible from the inside. It looked like it might be the source of the slight bowing of the bridge, and if so, it was probably there when the instrument was set up since the bridge had been filed so the strings were level. Obviously this was going to need to be returned or repaired.

I played on for a while. Somewhat suddenly, the strings started going way out of tune. Then I saw the culprit: the tiny crack in the bridge was spreading. It is now well across the bridge and I wouldn't be surprised if when I look in the case again it's broken all the way across. After 6 short days, my mando is ruined.

I have reached out to TMS to see what they can do for me. I paid a few extra bucks to purchase it from them rather than somewhere bigger and cheaper based on recommendations that I found here, so let's hope that it pays off now!

Thanks for listening; I just wanted to tell my sad tale. Hopefully there's a happy ending.

[Bertram Henze]

All the symptoms seem to come from the collapsing bridge. I guess they'll replace it and you'll be good to go.

[Bill Snyder]

It is just a bridge. An easily replaced part (although somewhat annoying that it has to be).
Take heart, with a new bridge you will be up and playing again in no time.

[colorado_al]

Bridges? We don't need no stinking bridges!

Just kidding. I'm sure they'll send you a new bridge. Take it to a local store to get it setup once it arrives. Unfortunately, the less expensive the instrument, the poorer quality control of the components. The bridge should still be replaced under warranty though.

[9lbShellhamer]

Sorry to hear it. You made a wise choice with your Kentucky KM-256 and it will prove to be a good instrument once this small problem gets fixed. Stay posititive, you made a good choice. Keep us posted of the outcome.

[bgmort]

They gave me the option to either ship out a new bridge, or send out a replacement with a return label to send the other back. If not for the problem with the 4th fret, I would just take the new bridge, but because of the bad fret, I opted to just have them send me a new one. Their customer service has been great so far.

[DHopkins]

Their customer service has been great so far.

I've never seen it any other way.

[Michael Bridges]

They have an excellent reputation, I have no doubt they'll take care of ya!

[JFDilmando]

You know, you might just have them take the mandolin back, and have the bridge fitted... There will be a difference between just popping a bridge on a mandolin, and one fitted properly....
If you are at all handy, you can fit it yourself with just a bit of fine sandpaper of varying grits.... It was their bad, and I expect they would step up to do it right

[lflngpicker]

I agree. Great guys at the Mandolin Store. Best to return it outright, and let them repair, adjust, re-set up, or replace the entire instrument. They will stand behind it if it has been handled carefully, which I am sure it has.

[Emmett Marshall]

I had an issue with a mandolin purchased from TMS and Dennis replaced it right away. You've got no worries with them.

[Bill Bradshaw]

I wish it had been just a bridge. Chuckle chuckle.

[Dick Hutchings]

Holy cow, did someone drive over that?

[T.D.Nydn]

What happened to that mandolin? ,it looks like a car ran over it,case and everything....

[oneeyeross]

I wish it had been just a bridge. Chuckle chuckle.

Requiescat in pace, serve bone et fidelis...

[Bill Bradshaw]

What happened to that mandolin? ,it looks like a car ran over it,case and everything....

Yes. I will always blame it on the car! It's an old story posted here right after it happend, but it does provide some perspective to the concept of "destroyed" or "ruined". The relative thing ya know.

It all had happy endings amongst the people invoved though.

BB

[Petrus]

I wish it had been just a bridge. Chuckle chuckle.

It seems the case is also destroyed which implies it was damaged in the case.