ToneRite Issues

**Fingerwalker** · Jun-04-2020, 4:12pm

I have a question for ToneRite owners.

First, I have been happy with my ToneRite for my guitars, so I decided to get a ToneRite for my mandolins. The problem is that it fits very loose on the strings, especially on the treble side. So loose that the ToneRite unit actually vibrates off the treble strings, resulting in an unacceptable amount of noise, even at the lowest setting. I have a Collings mandolin with standard spacing.

I tried contacting the ToneRite people but so far they have not been helpful.

Do any of my Mandolin Cafe brethren have a similar experience with a ToneRite? Solutions?

Thanks!

**sblock** · Jun-04-2020, 4:22pm

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**Joey Anchors** · Jun-04-2020, 4:31pm

Fingerwalker I don’t know the answer to your question, but if you are looking for the best way to mature the sound of your Collings (by the way you should post pictures as we all would love to see!). I would suggest playing it as much as you can and as often as you can.

**Jim Hand** · Jun-04-2020, 5:18pm

I use one ona regular basis and no issues, fits just fine

**Fingerwalker** · Jun-04-2020, 7:06pm

Originally Posted by Jim Hand

I use one ona regular basis and no issues, fits just fine

Thank you, Jim. I see you have a round hole mando which sometimes have a wider string spacing than an f hole. Have you used your ToneRite on an f-hole by any chance?

**Stop** · Jun-05-2020, 2:46pm

My impression( loose or not..) any vibration artificial or actual play will aid the development of tone. Many use them when they are not playing.

**DHopkins** · Jun-05-2020, 5:18pm

Like Stop said, any vibration will work. You might try putting it between bridge and tailpiece. I did that with my octave, The regular mandollin Tone Rite didn't fit comfortably in the normal position but it worked great "below" the bridge.

**Alfons** · Jun-05-2020, 9:54pm

Tonerite 3G fits fairly snug with standard width - easy to insert and to get out, but not falling out. I am hesitant to leave it on in a vertical position, since with the vibrations, especially at higher settings, it slides right down against the bridge, and I'm afraid it will vibrate the bridge out of position.

On a wide neck (two different ones) it definitely fits more loosely and I wouldn't be at all surprised if it vibrated itself loose, or even just fell out. I would not want to leave it unattended without some way to make sure it wouldn't fall and hurt the instrument.

As far as solutions, I'd try David's suggestion to put it between the bridge and tailpiece, or possibly try to rig some kind of padded strap to secure it with velcro? And of course Joey's solution is a fine one too.

**Fingerwalker** · Jun-06-2020, 8:37am

Originally Posted by DHopkins

Like Stop said, any vibration will work. You might try putting it between bridge and tailpiece. I did that with my octave, The regular mandollin Tone Rite didn't fit comfortably in the normal position but it worked great "below" the bridge.

David-
This works perfectly. I had placed the TR above the bridge while on a stand, so the mandolin was vertical. It would slip down and touch the bridge, then the treble side would come off the strings. Placing the unit just below the bridge holds the TR in place since the strings narrow at the tailpiece. No more annoying and loud rattling. Now just the normal hummmm of the ToneRite.

As an aside, I emailed the ToneRite people several times with no response. Their customer service is less than awful. Without a solution I was going to return this unit on Monday.

Thank you to all!

**Jim Hand** · Jun-06-2020, 2:21pm

Originally Posted by Fingerwalker

Thank you, Jim. I see you have a round hole mando which sometimes have a wider string spacing than an f hole. Have you used your ToneRite on an f-hole by any chance?

Sorry that is an old pic I no longer have that mando. My current mando has F holes with a 13/16 neck and no problems holding the TR in place.

**ccravens** · Jun-10-2020, 8:57am

Never understood why the "anti" people would want to go onto a thread they don't agree with just to ridicule and insist their opinion be known.

You see it often on threads like TR, BC's, etc. Why not allow other to have their opinions without ridicule?

What cumpulsion is that?

**Mark Gunter** · Jun-10-2020, 2:14pm

“Tonerite Issues”

**Jeff Mando** · Jun-10-2020, 2:45pm

Originally Posted by ccravens

Never understood why the "anti" people would want to go onto a thread they don't agree with just to ridicule and insist their opinion be known.

You see it often on threads like TR, BC's, etc. Why not allow other to have their opinions without ridicule?

What cumpulsion is that?

Oh c'mon! It sure makes life a lot more fun, don't ya think?