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Thread: Changing my mandolin strings for the very first time

  1. #1
    small instrument, big fun Dan in NH's Avatar
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    Default Changing my mandolin strings for the very first time

    My G strings are just so dead and lifeless. I decided tonight I'm going to change my strings. For the very first time.

    Light a candle, say a prayer to St. Jude, and wish me luck.
    Eastman MD-514 (F body, Sitka & maple, oval hole)
    Klos Carbon Fiber (on order)

    And still saving my nickels & dimes & bottle caps & breakfast cereal box tops for my lifetime mandolin.

  2. #2
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Changing my mandolin strings for the very first time

    One tip that helped me after years of changing strings is to take a piece of masking tape and put it over the new string loop and hook so that it will not come off when tuning up the new string.
    Last edited by Charles E.; Aug-24-2022 at 8:25pm.
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

  3. #3
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Changing my mandolin strings for the very first time

    Watch this...

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nwMRwbXyXc

    Best of luck!
    Last edited by Charles E.; Aug-24-2022 at 8:29pm.
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

  4. #4
    small instrument, big fun Dan in NH's Avatar
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    Default Re: Changing my mandolin strings for the very first time

    So the Great Spirit was with me, and I survived.

    A few thoughts:

    I took off the G and the E strings and put those new strings on. Then I removed the D and the A strings. I tuned up the G & E strings then I checked my intonation. I was a little sharp, which I guess is to be expected since I rest my palm behind the bridge when I pick. I moved the bridge back a little (easy since it was only being held their with 4 strings) and with a little more tuning & moving I got the intonation spot on.

    I bought my KM-250 from Elderly Instruments since I read from several places on the internet that Elderly Instruments is the place where new players are suppose to buy their first mandolins. Once I had my KM-250 in my shopping cart I added extra strings, an arm rest, a Tone-Gard, my favorite electronic tuner, a mandolin capo (that I have never ONCE used), and on I lark I threw in the special $32 mini peg head winder, because why not, right?

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Well that mini peg head winder turned out to be worth its weight in gold. I highly recommend one if you don't have one.

    All in all much less arduous and disasterful than I expected.
    Eastman MD-514 (F body, Sitka & maple, oval hole)
    Klos Carbon Fiber (on order)

    And still saving my nickels & dimes & bottle caps & breakfast cereal box tops for my lifetime mandolin.

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    Default Re: Changing my mandolin strings for the very first time

    I hate changing strings on mandolins, but once a new set of Curt Mangan's is on , I can't put it down!
    I recently bought a '72 Japanese made Harmony Batwing mandolin as a beater I could leave at the office, I put a set of CM mediums on ( a pain as some of the tuners don't turn so easy- side note -a winder is great friend at times!)
    now I don't want to leave it at the office.....
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    Default Re: Changing my mandolin strings for the very first time

    If you didn’t draw blood at least once it never happened
    Chuck

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    Default Re: Changing my mandolin strings for the very first time

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    Default Re: Changing my mandolin strings for the very first time

    Assuming the old strings have at least four or more turns on the tuning peg measure them when you take them off.
    If you use a similar length you wont end up with hardly any turns and loose the ability to slacken off and still be able to do work on the frets/nut/bridge.
    Do not ask how I know this.

  12. #9
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    Default Re: Changing my mandolin strings for the very first time

    I don't measure, don't use tape on the hooks, and don't use a winder.

    Put the string on the hook and keeping tension on the string by pulling on it, wind it around the peg the appropriate amount for the string (wound or plain). Now poke the string thru the hole above the windings, pull tight and tune. It won't take long to tune so you don't need a winder, and you already have the correct wraps on the peg so no guesswork. It's fast and easy, been doing it for decades.

    If I did it right, NO blood.
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    Default Re: Changing my mandolin strings for the very first time

    As pops1 says. I’ve done it this way for the last couple of years and had no problems. Prior to that I did it the old way for over 50 years. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work with slotted headstocks!

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  16. #11
    small instrument, big fun Dan in NH's Avatar
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    Default Re: Changing my mandolin strings for the very first time

    Quote Originally Posted by pops1 View Post
    I don't measure, don't use tape on the hooks, and don't use a winder.

    Put the string on the hook and keeping tension on the string by pulling on it, wind it around the peg the appropriate amount for the string (wound or plain). Now poke the string thru the hole above the windings, pull tight and tune. It won't take long to tune so you don't need a winder, and you already have the correct wraps on the peg so no guesswork. It's fast and easy, been doing it for decades.

    If I did it right, NO blood.
    This is genius
    Eastman MD-514 (F body, Sitka & maple, oval hole)
    Klos Carbon Fiber (on order)

    And still saving my nickels & dimes & bottle caps & breakfast cereal box tops for my lifetime mandolin.

  17. #12

    Default Re: Changing my mandolin strings for the very first time

    Sounds like you were going to tackle this last night and I am a bit late in responding here but as someone who is fairly new to mandolin and has just successfully gotten through his first few string changes....I watched a few tutorial videos and found this one done by Banjo Ben and his setup guy to be the most helpful. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IV9xyVZvg8k

  18. #13
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    Default Re: Changing my mandolin strings for the very first time

    Well .... I have a James tail piece so it locks the loop end in place. I use a capo to keep the string stretched tight on the loop on my other instruments. R/
    I love hanging out with mandolin nerds . . . . . Thanks peeps ...

  19. #14
    Registered User Charlie Bernstein's Avatar
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    Default Re: Changing my mandolin strings for the very first time

    You're in our thoughts and prayers.
    Gibson A-Junior snakehead (Keep on pluckin'!)

  20. #15
    The Amateur Mandolinist Mark Gunter's Avatar
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    Default Re: Changing my mandolin strings for the very first time

    Quote Originally Posted by Ray(T) View Post
    As pops1 says. I’ve done it this way for the last couple of years and had no problems. Prior to that I did it the old way for over 50 years. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work with slotted headstocks!

    +1 No need for tape, etc. I do it just as pops1 does ... except for my slot head guitar, which is always a pain; slot heads are just a little too much work (grrr) but I love playing it.
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    Default Re: Changing my mandolin strings for the very first time

    I've used this method since I started ages ago. I never have drawn blood. I did add a capo to assist keeping the string on the post but that isn't needed.

    Jamie
    There are two things to aim at in life: first, to get what you want; and, after that, to enjoy it. Only the wisest of mankind achieve the second. Logan Pearsall Smith, 1865 - 1946

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