Originally Posted by
sblock
On a short-scale, high-tension instrument like the mandolin, tiny differences in the measurements can lead to big differences in playability -- and in the sound. In my opinion, you would do well to heed the advice offered by Marty Jacobson. Very few players want (or need) a high action on their mandolin. Not "a lot," as you wrote. Most players go for the lowest action that's still consistent with good tone, based on their playing. This makes the setup extremely important! The most desirable height for the action will depend, to some extent, on the types and gauges of the strings being used, and on their tension. But you have to get things like the flatness of the frets and the fretboard, the nut slot height, and the bridge saddle height just right.
Another thing to check is that the string-pairs (the courses) have adequate spacing. Perhaps the E strings are too close to one another? Or the A strings? Also, make sure the "fuzzy" sound you hear is not coming from somewhere else, like the tailpiece and its cover.
Bookmarks