First Setup - Octave Mandolin

[OneChordTrick]

Just doing the set up of my octave mandolin.

The action at the 12th fret is about 7mm so I'm going to sand the bridge. I think I can take at least 2mm off without buzzing but when I marked up the bridge it seems like a lot of wood.



The pencil line is at 2mm which is below the "feet" that rest on the soundboard. Am I being too aggressive?

I bought an adjustable bridge but that sits too high. Without the saddle it places the strings at about the same height as they will be when I sand the bridge and there's no buzzing so I think its about the right amount

- - - Updated - - -

P.S. Noticed that the line isn't straight - I'll redo before I start sanding!

[Folkmusician.com]

5mm is still on the high side, so I don't think you are being overly aggressive at all. I would make it a full contact bridge though.

[OneChordTrick]

5mm is still on the high side, so I don't think you are being overly aggressive at all. I would make it a full contact bridge though.

Thanks, I'm naturally impatient so just got back from taking the 2mm off.

I'm very new to this so why do you suggest a full contact bridge? By which I assume you mean get rid of the "legs" altogether?

[billhay4]

Full contact bridges tend to be a bit more stable and impart string vibrations to the top better. It is not easy to get really "full" contact, though.
Bill

[GarY Nava]

Remember to lower the action 1mm at the 12th fret, you have to lower it by 2mm at the saddle/bridge.
5mm sounds way to high- the measurement should be from the top of the fret to the underside of the string. I wouldn’t be happy with an action of much more than 2mm at the 12th on an octave mandolin.
Cheers Gary

[OneChordTrick]

Got it down to about 3mm now, feels better already!

[fox]

You seem to be working very fast but it can take quite a long time to get a good 'bridge to top fit' especially if you go for a full contact bridge!
2mm at the 12th would be great if you already have a well fitted nut, and you don't have low tension strings.

[OneChordTrick]

Yes, the first iteration was pretty radical! But it's a "starter" instrument with what passed for a setup from the factory, the next stages will be far more gentle!