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Thread: String changing jig

  1. #1

    Default String changing jig

    After wrestling with my first string change I decided to make a jig to hold Betty Lou, my mandolin. Probably been done before but this was a fun, quick project. I just used some wood I had laying around. It could be done using 3/4” ply and some 2x4 scraps.

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  3. #2
    Confused... or?
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    Default Re: String changing jig

    Neat! I'll bet it could be adapted to handle mandolin OR guitar, and for more than just changing strings. I already feel the wood moving in my basement ...

    At first, I thought that you'd composed "Lively Music to Change Strings By"!
    - Ed

    "Then one day we weren't as young as before
    Our mistakes weren't quite so easy to undo
    But by all those roads, my friend, we've travelled down
    I'm a better man for just the knowin' of you."
    - Ian Tyson

  4. #3
    Registered User John Bertotti's Avatar
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    Default Re: String changing jig

    Coo! I have always just used a couple of pillows of appropriate size.
    My avatar is of my OldWave Oval A

    Creativity is just doing something wierd and finding out others like it.

  5. #4
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: String changing jig

    I use a violin repair stand.
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    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

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

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  7. #5
    Registered User John Bertotti's Avatar
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    Default Re: String changing jig

    Now that gives me some ideas! Very cool.
    My avatar is of my OldWave Oval A

    Creativity is just doing something wierd and finding out others like it.

  8. #6
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: String changing jig

    Historically these were made out of wood. I never found a wood one but I grabbed this one many years ago. I don't remember paying this much for it.

    https://www.internationalviolin.com/...-cradle-holder

    https://www.metmusic.com/tools/cradl...inviola-cradle

    A pretty basic wooden cradle

    https://stephenchurchill.ca/2016/11/...-carousel-2329
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

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

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  10. #7
    Registered User John Bertotti's Avatar
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    Default Re: String changing jig

    Are the clamps lined with cork? I'm making one of these myself!
    My avatar is of my OldWave Oval A

    Creativity is just doing something wierd and finding out others like it.

  11. #8
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: String changing jig

    Quote Originally Posted by John Bertotti View Post
    Are the clamps lined with cork? I'm making one of these myself!
    Yes, every contact point has a cork lining.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

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

  12. #9
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    Default Re: String changing jig

    I’ve never used any form of jig or even a table when changing strings. I simply do it on my knees whilst sitting down, occasionally resting the wide end on a carpeted floor.

  13. #10
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: String changing jig

    Quote Originally Posted by Pgambon View Post
    After wrestling with my first string change I decided to make a jig to hold Betty Lou, my mandolin. Probably been done before but this was a fun, quick project. I just used some wood I had laying around. It could be done using 3/4” ply and some 2x4 scraps.

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Nice work.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

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

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  15. #11

    Default Re: String changing jig

    You can add some bells and whistles...
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    Personally I just use a piece of carpet and one of these bunny ear rests.
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