Just finished my first mandolin string change!

[Bill Kammerzell]

I'll have to shave a bit off the bridge, I think. That should fit it better to the curve of the sound board as well.

You shouldn't have to do that with a new mandolin. Are you sure? Could it be that it is tilted? Possibly leaning toward the fretboard?

[colorado_al]

Seriously, get the Rob Meldrum setup e-book. It will teach you what you need to know to make this mandolin play well.
If you're not into the work that it takes, I'd return the mandolin and buy one from a know seller who will do the setup for you before delivery.
Where did you buy the loar from?

[Erok]

Just to make sure I made the right decision on not sending the mandolin back. The bridge slanted like that to achieve good intonation is fine?

I've gone back and forth on the issue, if it is one.

[Bill Kammerzell]

Truthfully, to be certain, I'd have to have the mandolin in my hands. If it plays well, sounds good, intonates correctly, I'd likely keep it. If you are not satisfied though, send it back.

[Erok]

Truthfully, to be certain, I'd have to have the mandolin in my hands. If it plays well, sounds good, intonates correctly, I'd likely keep it. If you are not satisfied though, send it back.

I've warmed up to it a bit. I've been playing it pretty much non-stop.

[Jim1hays]

I am having intonation issues as well. more like buzzing. I have a Washburn F body M3Ek mandolin and like the feel of thin strings. I have been using Martins light strings. I tried your positioning adjustment nut to 12th fret then 12th fret to the bridge. I measure 12-11/16th inches from nut to 12th fret and if I measure from 12th fret to the bridge the E string side of the bridge is about 1/4 inch forward of the G string side. And the F hole points do not line up with the same point on the bridge. Is this normal? It is advertised with a 13.75 inch scale so is that from nut to bridge?

[Jim1hays]

Man I am embarrassed. It measures 11 and 11/16th inches from nut to 12th fret and same from 12th fret to the bridge.

[Bill Kammerzell]

A number of things could cause buzzing. If it is one string, could be the nut slot. If it's more than one, it could be the neck relief. Or the action could be set a little too low.

[twilson]

First string change? Way to go. Only 10.000 or so more to go. If you’re a youngster.

[Jim1hays]

I removed the tailpiece cover and also checked the clearance at the first fret and it is .015 inches. does not seem to be too low but maybe. The bridge is adjusted all the way down. and It is on all strings.I reset the bridge today and will see what that does. I may just go to D'Addario medium EJ74 phosphore bronze strings as well. Also will try to raise the bridge a little as you suggested. Thanks!

[Bill Kammerzell]

I removed the tailpiece cover and also checked the clearance at the first fret and it is .015 inches. does not seem to be too low but maybe. The bridge is adjusted all the way down. and It is on all strings.I reset the bridge today and will see what that does. I may just go to D'Addario medium EJ74 phosphore bronze strings as well. Also will try to raise the bridge a little as you suggested. Thanks!

What is the measurement at the 12th fret?