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Thread: Does your mando need a setup? Learn to do it yourself!

  1. #1
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    Default Does your mando need a setup? Learn to do it yourself!

    Hi there, mandolin lovers. Many moons ago I wrote an ebook on how to set up a mandolin. Mandolins are finicky little beasts and very slight adjustments can make a very big difference. I've been giving the ebook away to any and all that ask. Just email me at rob.meldrum@gmail.com and put Mandolin Setup in the subject line.

    Since early 2012 I've been giving away an average of three copies of the ebook each day, which means I've sent out somewhere north of 13,000 copies. This summer I noticed that requests have been slowing down to three or four per week. Maybe the global supply chain problems are slowing down mandolin sales... who knows?

    At any rate, the ebook is still available, and it is still free. If you request one and find it useful, please put a note on this thread or one of the others on this fantastic site. That "bump" makes the offer more visible to new members.

    BTW, after I send out the ebook PDF file I delete your request and my reply, so there's no risk of me selling your contact information. This is just my small way of giving back to the music community.

  2. The Following 23 Users Say Thank You to Rob Meldrum For This Useful Post:

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  3. #2
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    Default Re: Does your mando need a setup? Learn to do it yourself!

    Highly recommended! Thanks Rob!

  4. #3
    harvester of clams Bill McCall's Avatar
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    Default Re: Does your mando need a setup? Learn to do it yourself!

    A great book. thanks so much Rob.
    Not all the clams are at the beach

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  5. #4
    Got Buckstrips? Jerry Byers's Avatar
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    Default Re: Does your mando need a setup? Learn to do it yourself!

    It's a great ebook. I got my copy in 2014.

  6. #5

    Default Re: Does your mando need a setup? Learn to do it yourself!

    I just got my copy, thanks Rob!

  7. #6
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    Default Re: Does your mando need a setup? Learn to do it yourself!

    To my horror I discovered my copy went down an unknown rabbit hole on my computer. Rob sent me a new one today. Thanks.

  8. #7
    Registered User Sue Rieter's Avatar
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    Default Re: Does your mando need a setup? Learn to do it yourself!

    Awesome book. If you're handy at all, it will give you direction and confidence to tackle the job; if you're not, you'll know what you're talking about when you take it in to a professional.

  9. #8
    Resident Hack
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    Default Re: Does your mando need a setup? Learn to do it yourself!

    I much appreciated the instruction and the time + effort that has gone into honing it.
    Takes the mystery out of the whole setup process and gives all the info needed to either make a budget mando good or a good one great.
    What I play
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  10. #9
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    Default Re: Does your mando need a setup? Learn to do it yourself!

    Thanks for the book. I recommend it frequently.

  11. #10
    Registered User Isaac Casas's Avatar
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    Default Re: Does your mando need a setup? Learn to do it yourself!

    Great book and a very generous iniciative, Rob! Thanks!
    Prucha F5 2015
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  12. #11
    Registered User Randy Mallory's Avatar
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    Default Re: Does your mando need a setup? Learn to do it yourself!

    Rob's book has been very useful to me and I HIGHLY recommend it.
    Randy Mallory
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    and a few more....

  13. #12

    Default Re: Does your mando need a setup? Learn to do it yourself!

    I'm a beginner, but keen to set my shiny new mandolin up properly and sort out a few intonation issues.

    The e-book looks just what I want and need. Thanks!

  14. #13
    Registered User Little JC's Avatar
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    Default Re: Does your mando need a setup? Learn to do it yourself!

    Hi, I'm new here. . .long time guitar player, but new to the mandolin. I recently received Rob's ebook on setting up your mandolin. I must say, it couldn't have come at a better time. My new mandolin arrives tomorrow. Rob's ebook is packed with valuable info. I highly recommend it. Thanks Rob!

  15. #14

    Default Re: Does your mando need a setup? Learn to do it yourself!

    A great concise guide for getting your mandolin in top notch playing condition! Thanks Rob.

  16. #15
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    Default Re: Does your mando need a setup? Learn to do it yourself!

    This book is totally AMAZING!! First of all, after reading his post I emailed Rob and within less than 30 minutes, he had sent me a copy. How's that for service? Second, understand that I am still somewhat of a mandolin novice. I am learning to play, but have a long way to go. But, I eventually want to be able not only to play and play well, but also to understand the instrument itself and eventually be able to do things like set up a mandolin. Rob's book is so clearly and expertly explained and with appropriate pics of the key steps, I doubt there is anything out there better than this for guiding one thru the set up process. Kudos to Rob for doing something so extremely well and important for mandolin players. What a valuable book he has written!!!
    Old Dog Dave: Do the best you can, as long as you can, and all the rest is gravy.

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  17. #16
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    Default Re: Does your mando need a setup? Learn to do it yourself!

    Just got a copy from Rob yesterday also, when I couldn't find my old copy from a couple of computers ago. Rob is really doing the community a great service by offering this eBook, and anyone from novice to expert can really benefit from the information. So go get yours!

  18. #17

    Default Re: Does your mando need a setup? Learn to do it yourself!

    I can't believe this ebook is free! There is so much useful information here that it could easily be worth $10, $20 or even $30 dollars to anyone who want's their mandolin setup correctly. If you have a starter mandolin this ebook will save you hours and hours of frustration and sore fingers, especially if you're just starting to learn how to play. Even if you have an expensive mandolin there are many many helpful tips in this book. Rob Meldrum has gone the extra mile to share this valuable information and I salute him for his efforts. Just drop him an email and get your free copy today before he changes his mind.
    ++++++++++++++++++++
    Mel
    RSDMM #5-30

  19. #18

    Default Re: Does your mando need a setup? Learn to do it yourself!

    Thanks for the ebook, Rob! Highly recommended to anyone.

  20. #19

    Default Re: Does your mando need a setup? Learn to do it yourself!

    Thanks for the ebook! Can't wait to read this and get to work. Highly recommended to anyone, newbie or not. Thanks!

  21. #20
    Registered User Frankie D's Avatar
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    Default Re: Does your mando need a setup? Learn to do it yourself!

    Very nice of you to this Rob! Thanks,

    Frank
    Eastman 515 Mando
    Gibson J-30 Guitar
    RK-80 Banjo

  22. #21

    Default Re: Does your mando need a setup? Learn to do it yourself!

    Thank you for making this ebook available. It is very helpful.

  23. #22
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    Default Re: Does your mando need a setup? Learn to do it yourself!

    Thanks Rob! Great info in your ebook.

  24. #23
    Registered User Cary Fagan's Avatar
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    Default Re: Does your mando need a setup? Learn to do it yourself!

    I just got mine. Thanks, Rob!
    Cary Fagan

  25. #24

    Default Re: Does your mando need a setup? Learn to do it yourself!

    This is a great book. Lots of info and tips. Thank you, Rob!

  26. #25

    Default Re: Does your mando need a setup? Learn to do it yourself!

    Thanks Rob, for the great ebook. I really like the custom nut files you made from a set of feeler gauges. Brilliant! (I have some of those expensive ones, but yours would work just as well.)

    I've found that a significant increase in volume and tone can result from making sure the base of the bridge conforms exactly to the top of the mandolin. While it is not easy to do, it is well worth the hassle involved and you only have to do it once. While I'm at it, I also make sure the metal posts on the bridge are tight to the base. A loss of tone and volume can result if the posts are loose! So many things to check and so little time.

    Once again, thanks for the information!

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