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Thread: Bad sounding notes

  1. #1
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    Default Bad sounding notes

    When I fret the D flat, sixth fret on the G string on my mandolin, it sounds like the two strings in that course are out of tune. It’s most pronounced there, but it happens to a lesser degree on other frets from there on up, only on what would be the black keys. Dampening the D string makes it stop. So, that D flat seems to be making the D string produce some tone. Same thin, but less pronounced, happens one fret over on the D string with same remedy by dampening the A string.

    Any thoughts on whether this is something that can be fixed? By the way, it’s not because of old strings.

  2. #2

    Default Re: Bad sounding notes

    Sound like you have a resonate mandolin (generally a good thing), You may have to actually mute the strings with your fingers while playing

    You may be able to lesson it, but again, a resonate instrument will do this.
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  4. #3
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    Default Re: Bad sounding notes

    Agree with Folkmusician on resonate mandolin being a good thing. A change in string type and gauge may result in an improvement if you are inclined to go to the effort. I would make sure the intonation is correct as a start to finding a solution. Muting the strings with your fingers while playing is a technique that can be developed. Muting the strings a bit at the bridge with the side of your right hand may also work.

  5. #4
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    Default Re: Bad sounding notes

    resonant

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  7. #5
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    Default Re: Bad sounding notes

    Yes, it’s a very resonant mandolin, and I appreciate that quality. That said, that note sounds horrific when the D string isn’t damped.

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    Default Re: Bad sounding notes

    Intonation is spot on. I’ve had three sets of different strings on and the effect is more or less the same. I like 40s on the G, but tried some 38s. As for muting, I’m afraid I haven’t got the chops to make sure - or even remember - to mute an adjacent string when playing just that fret, or the few others that trigger the same (though less) effect.

  9. #7
    The Amateur Mandolinist Mark Gunter's Avatar
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    Default Re: Bad sounding notes

    Quote Originally Posted by Brian B View Post
    As for muting, I’m afraid I haven’t got the chops to make sure - or even remember - to mute an adjacent string when playing just that fret, or the few others that trigger the same (though less) effect.
    It's the kind of thing you'll do out of necessity and habit, the longer you have a relationship with that instrument. "Haven't got the chops ..." but, the brain and the fingers are miracle workers, it will become second nature and require no conscious thought or effort eventually.
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  11. #8
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    Default Re: Bad sounding notes

    You might be getting sympathetic vibrations from the strings between the bridge and the tailpiece and they may be ringing the D strings. If you don't already have string dampeners between the bridge and tailpiece, I'd try that. A piece of leather laced through the strings or rubber grommets will do the trick.

  12. #9
    Mandolin user MontanaMatt's Avatar
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    Default Re: Bad sounding notes

    Quote Originally Posted by colorado_al View Post
    You might be getting sympathetic vibrations from the strings between the bridge and the tailpiece and they may be ringing the D strings. If you don't already have string dampeners between the bridge and tailpiece, I'd try that. A piece of leather laced through the strings or rubber grommets will do the trick.
    It can also happen between the nut and the tuners. I have to dampen both ends on my Ratliff.
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    Default Re: Bad sounding notes

    Quote Originally Posted by colorado_al View Post
    You might be getting sympathetic vibrations from the strings between the bridge and the tailpiece and they may be ringing the D strings. If you don't already have string dampeners between the bridge and tailpiece, I'd try that. A piece of leather laced through the strings or rubber grommets will do the trick.
    That was the first thing I tried - Inshould have mentioned it in the original post. No change, but thanks....

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  16. #11
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    Default Re: Bad sounding notes

    Quote Originally Posted by Brian B View Post
    That was the first thing I tried - Inshould have mentioned it in the original post. No change, but thanks....
    I'd also check the nut slots. If you have any sideways play in them, you might get some unwanted vibrations

  17. #12
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    Default Re: Bad sounding notes

    Yes, "resonant" it is. Thanks for that.

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