Results 1 to 18 of 18

Thread: Mando maintenance

  1. #1
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jun 2019
    Location
    Texas somewhere
    Posts
    9

    Default Mando maintenance

    Hi folks,

    I’ve been a viewer but never a poster until now! Recently I made the plunge from guitar only, and circumstances prevailed and I ended up with a used like new Collings MT2. I’m having a blast so far, but I would like to hear if anyone has any recommendation on string cutters for mandolins? I’ve always used wire cutters for guitar but as the tuning machines are so closely spaced, I’m looking for any expert tips.

    And now the good stuff. I should really post a picture of the one piece back but here’s a start:

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	ED95E02A-9A9B-4619-9702-70A00B60F6E9.jpg 
Views:	185 
Size:	1.03 MB 
ID:	178534Click image for larger version. 

Name:	BAA39909-01E3-49E0-896B-18BD176A0648.jpeg 
Views:	131 
Size:	710.9 KB 
ID:	178535Click image for larger version. 

Name:	D42FC544-6AC5-4181-9D51-A4D03E4FAC05.jpg 
Views:	148 
Size:	846.2 KB 
ID:	178536

  2. The following members say thank you to FarmR for this post:


  3. #2
    harvester of clams Bill McCall's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Location
    Forest Grove, Oregon
    Posts
    2,776

    Default Re: Mando maintenance

    I use little diagonal cutters.

    Very nice mando choice. Have fun.

  4. #3
    Registered User GreenMTBoy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Location
    Vermont
    Posts
    266

    Default Re: Mando maintenance

    Nice one ,play the beans out of it !

  5. #4
    Registered User Randi Gormley's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Connecticut, USA
    Posts
    3,379

    Default Re: Mando maintenance

    I use wire cutters (little ones, not big industrial sized ones for cable or something).

    Welcome to the club!
    --------------------------------
    1920 Lyon & Healy bowlback
    1923 Gibson A-1 snakehead
    1952 Strad-o-lin
    1983 Giannini ABSM1 bandolim
    2009 Giannini GBSM3 bandolim
    2011 Eastman MD305

  6. #5
    Registered User John Van Zandt's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2019
    Location
    Mobile Bay
    Posts
    50

    Default Re: Mando maintenance

    Micro diagonal type pliers. As long as part of your mandolin string does not go flying around after the cut, the nitro or other finish will hopefully be protected from scratches.
    Kentucky KM-380

  7. #6
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jun 2019
    Location
    Texas somewhere
    Posts
    9

    Default Re: Mando maintenance

    The only bad thing so far is how addictive they are. Oh well rust never sleeps, nor does MAS

  8. #7
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    NC
    Posts
    4,787

    Default Re: Mando maintenance

    Wow, that’s an awesome first mandolin! I’ve played a couple of MT2s, and they’ll hold up next to most anything!

    I typically use small wire cutters for string changes as well, and a slightly larger set for guitar and mandocello. I do have a string winder that will “sort of” fit mandolins that has a cutter built into the folding handle that works reasonably well, but I can’t recall the brand presently and don’t have it handy at the moment...
    Chuck

  9. #8
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Howell, NJ
    Posts
    26,875

    Default Re: Mando maintenance

    I've really never noticed a difference in cutting mandolin strings and guitar strings. Could you post a picture of the cutters you're using?
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

  10. #9
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jun 2019
    Location
    Texas somewhere
    Posts
    9

    Default Re: Mando maintenance

    Quote Originally Posted by MikeEdgerton View Post
    I've really never noticed a difference in cutting mandolin strings and guitar strings. Could you post a picture of the cutters you're using?
    I would but my last set of old craftsmans wire cutters were toast. I’ve tried some small kobalt ones like the photo below but they don’t seem to hold up to many string changes before they begin to struggle.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

Name:	5DC347E8-F5DE-461D-8F3B-5B9E4E39A503.jpeg 
Views:	163 
Size:	145.6 KB 
ID:	178541  

  11. #10
    Registered User Gunnar's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2019
    Location
    Balama, Mozambique, Africa, Earth
    Posts
    704

    Default Re: Mando maintenance

    I use the pair from Snap-on that I also use for my fingernails, toenails, guitar and banjo strings.
    Last edited by Gunnar; Jul-24-2019 at 10:30am.
    Mandolin: Kentucky KM150
    Other instruments: way too many, and yet, not nearly enough.

    My blog: https://theoffgridmusician.music.blog/
    My YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChF...yWuaTrtB4YORAg
    My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/africanbanjogunnar/
    Free backing tracks:
    https://backingtrackers.wordpress.com/

  12. #11
    Gibson F5L Gibson A5L
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    2,526
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default Re: Mando maintenance

    I love hanging out with mandolin nerds . . . . . Thanks peeps ...

  13. #12
    Registered User Al Trujillo's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2015
    Location
    Southern Colorado
    Posts
    694

    Default Re: Mando maintenance

    Quote Originally Posted by Gunnar View Post
    I use the set from Snap-on that I also use for my fingernails, toenails, guitar and banjo strings.
    Next time use a concrete grinder on the toenails.

  14. The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to Al Trujillo For This Useful Post:


  15. #13
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Howell, NJ
    Posts
    26,875

    Default Re: Mando maintenance

    You shouldn't have any issue with the size of those cutters. Quality is another thing. I use the same cutters for everything. Obviously you need to make sure you're cutting the right string on the right side of the post but that is the same thing on a guitar. Don't let the distance between the posts worry you, you should be fine.

    I've been using an old set like this for decades. You can buy cheaper versions but I've found the better sets hold up better.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

  16. #14
    Registered User John Van Zandt's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2019
    Location
    Mobile Bay
    Posts
    50

    Default Re: Mando maintenance

    Consider this type of micro cutters. These happen to be sold in a five pack. (One will do.)

    On Amazon.com:
    IGAN Wire Flush Cutters, Precision Electronic Cutting Pliers, Micro Wire Cutter, Red, (5 Pack)
    Kentucky KM-380

  17. #15
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Columbus, GA
    Posts
    1,360

    Default Re: Mando maintenance

    Quote Originally Posted by Vaulted View Post
    Consider this type of micro cutters. These happen to be sold in a five pack. (One will do.)

    On Amazon.com:
    IGAN Wire Flush Cutters, Precision Electronic Cutting Pliers, Micro Wire Cutter, Red, (5 Pack)
    I think it's a 5-pack because they're almost disposable. They're great for cutting softer copper wires but I don't they'l stand up to cutting very many G or D strings.
    David Hopkins

    2001 Gibson F-5L mandolin
    Breedlove Legacy FF mandolin; Breedlove Quartz FF mandolin
    Gibson F-4 mandolin (1916); Blevins f-style Octave mandolin, 2018
    McCormick Oval Sound Hole "Reinhardt" Mandolin
    McCormick Solid Body F-Style Electric Mandolin; Slingerland Songster Guitar (c. 1939)

    The older I get, the less tolerant I am of political correctness, incompetence and stupidity.

  18. #16
    formerly Philphool Phil Goodson's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Statesville, NC
    Posts
    3,256

    Default Re: Mando maintenance

    Quote Originally Posted by UsuallyPickin View Post
    I've used that one too. Works surprisingly well, considering the low cost.
    I actually removed the winder (held on w/ screw) just to make it smaller and simpler, since I don't use the winder. Fits in the 'stuff' compartment of the case too.
    Phil

    “Sharps/Flats” “Accidentals”

  19. #17
    Registered User mbruno's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2012
    Location
    Seattle WA
    Posts
    821

    Default Re: Mando maintenance

    I use an old guitar tool called The Gizmo but I don't think they make it anymore. I'd suggest any instrument tech too that has cutters and ideally some other tools - but be careful there's no knife in there if you plan to fly (I've made that mistake before).

    In addition to the cutters, IMO a mandolin string winder is also a necessity. I use the one from the mandolin store - https://themandolinstore.com/product...-for-mandolin/. Guitar string winders typically don't work due to the closeness of the tuning machines on the mandolin.
    Information on lessons, gigs, and misc musical stuff: www.mattcbruno.com
    Weekly free Mandolin Lessons: www.mattcbruno.com/weekly-posts/
    My gear and recommendations: www.mattcbruno.com/gear-recommendations/
    Cooking fun: www.mattcbruno.com/quarantine-cookbook/


    Mando's in use
    Primary: Newson 2018
    Secondary: Gibson F9 2014
    Primary Electric: Jonathan Mann OSEMdc 5

  20. #18
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Howell, NJ
    Posts
    26,875

    Default Re: Mando maintenance

    My favorite string winder is the Jop.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

Name:	jop.jpg 
Views:	164 
Size:	73.4 KB 
ID:	178555  
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

  21. The following members say thank you to MikeEdgerton for this post:

    mbruno 

Tags for this Thread

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •