Thank you for this nice explanation on mandolin set-up. You've taken most of the mystery out of it for me. Just one question: should someone adjust a truss rod if the mandolin has one or is it really unnecessary due to the short length of a mandolin's neck?
Unless there is a problem with the neck (for example, bowing) there is no need to tighten the truss rod. I only try to adjust the truss rod when there is an issue with the neck, but will admit that the length of the neck and eight strings, as well, makes it a hit or miss kind of thing.
All the ones I have seen the bridge is just held in place by the strings themselves. Just loosen the strings a little and slide the bridge backward or forward to adjust the intonation. Then bring the strings back up to correct tuning
Dan, the bridge is held in place by the strings. David's comments are correct. The only thing I might add is.........because the bridge is compensated the way it is, it's next to impossible to get all four strings to be exactly right. I usually set the E and the G string and let the other 2 fall where they may. Also, set the E and G just a little flat.......slightly flat notes are less harsh on the ear than slightly sharp ones.
Exactly the info I was looking for especially the bridge placement.
HeyHey Justin! You really rock that mandolin. Thank you for the info and the music.
Thanks for that video. Excellent and I now know how to do it.
Much appreciate sharing your knowledge.
Dang man, thanks for this vid... just doing research in picking up one for first time. lots of info, i probably got to look into a forum tho.
Purdy dang nice video! Thanks for the information.
Great!
Thank you for this nice explanation on mandolin set-up. You've taken most of the mystery out of it for me. Just one question: should someone adjust a truss rod if the mandolin has one or is it really unnecessary due to the short length of a mandolin's neck?
Unless there is a problem with the neck (for example, bowing) there is no need to tighten the truss rod.
I only try to adjust the truss rod when there is an issue with the neck, but will admit that the length of the neck and eight strings, as well, makes it a hit or miss kind of thing.
@@RatliffMandolins Thanks again for your thoughts! 👍👍👍
Plays it upside down at the end! Or is it strung Hendrix style?!
great video thanks
medium gauge strings ?......appreciate the video
How do you actually adjust the intonation=? Is the bridge glued on or held there by the tension of the strings?
All the ones I have seen the bridge is just held in place by the strings themselves. Just loosen the strings a little and slide the bridge backward or forward to adjust the intonation. Then bring the strings back up to correct tuning
Dan, the bridge is held in place by the strings. David's comments are correct. The only thing I might add is.........because the bridge is compensated the way it is, it's next to impossible to get all four strings to be exactly right. I usually set the E and the G string and let the other 2 fall where they may. Also, set the E and G just a little flat.......slightly flat notes are less harsh on the ear than slightly sharp ones.
Ratliff Mandolins
Thank you both, that was very helpful. My mandolin is now pretty much intonated. Now I just have to figure out how to play it.