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Thread: Mandolin Care?

  1. #1

    Default Mandolin Care?

    Just got a Loar 310 to wtart learning to play. Other than wiping with a soft cloth after playing, is there any maintenance or regular care I should be aware of?

  2. #2
    Registered User J Mangio's Avatar
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    Default Re: Mandolin Care?

    Get a toothbrush for brushing the grit away from the frets.
    I don't wipe it down after playing, I use a feather duster.
    2021 The Loar LM700 VS

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  4. #3

    Default Re: Mandolin Care?

    A feather duster won't remove fingerprints.

    Dave H
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    Registered User Mandobart's Avatar
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    Default Re: Mandolin Care?

    When it comes time to change strings, do them one pair at a time. Some new players aren't aware that string tension is what holds the bridge on. If you remove all the strings at once your bridge will fall off.

    If you haven't got your mandolin set up yet, take it to someone who knows mandolins (NOT necessarily your standard Guitar Center tech). Also search this forum for Rob Meldrum's guide.

  7. #5
    Gibson F5L Gibson A5L
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    Default Re: Mandolin Care?

    + 1 on Rob Meldrum's guide. Change your strings either one pair or one side at a time. I change one side at a time and that allows me to use a damp then dry cloth to clean the finger board. You may also clean the area between the bridge and tailpiece that way. Keep in mind that bridges occasionally get moved either through playing or the accidental bumping of the instrument or case. The bridge has to be in exact place for the intonation to be correct up the neck. If the open string , the noted string at the 12th fret and the harmonic at the 12th fret are not the same then the bridge is off or the fretting is not correct. Luck R/
    I love hanging out with mandolin nerds . . . . . Thanks peeps ...

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    Default Re: Mandolin Care?

    I use a 1" natural bristle paint brush to clean next to the frets. It will get under the strings from the side. joe

  9. #7

    Default Re: Mandolin Care?

    Half the folks here with expensive, presumably more fragile instruments will insist that humidity control, and daily storage in a case is vital. Others don’t bother, but that’s about it for maintenance. Cleaning, dusting, and (horrors) waxing are not maintenance. Even routinely changing strings is important only if you can hear the difference, and it’s important to you. Paying attention to the “action height” and learning how to adjust it for best playability will be a great help in sustaining your interest.
    And some cats think an open case is a great bed or a litter box….

  10. #8
    small instrument, big fun Dan in NH's Avatar
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    Default Re: Mandolin Care?

    If I leave a guitar or mandolin case open for more than 30 seconds, my cat will curl up in it.
    It’s like he has a radar for this.

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    Registered User Charlie Bernstein's Avatar
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    Default Re: Mandolin Care?

    Quote Originally Posted by J Mangio View Post
    Get a toothbrush for brushing the grit away from the frets.
    I don't wipe it down after playing, I use a feather duster.
    Okay for the top, but it won't get much of your finger oil off the strings. Better: soft cloth, like a bandana or shirt sleeve.
    Gibson A-Junior snakehead (Keep on pluckin'!)

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    Default Re: Mandolin Care?

    I only change strings one string at a time. It's not as easy to wipe and clean, but it keeps the tension on the top more consistent than doing two strings or half of the strings. Two would not be a huge change, but half of the strings would make a big change in the downward tension on the top. I prefer not to change that unless I am doing other work on the mandolin and have to take the strings off.
    THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE!

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  14. #11
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    Default Re: Mandolin Care?

    Best care for your instrument is to play it regularly.
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    Registered User Tug's Avatar
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    Default Re: Mandolin Care?

    Yes. cat hair case removal is a part time job around our house.

  17. #13
    Registered User haggardphunk's Avatar
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    Default Re: Mandolin Care?

    I use the Dampit humidifier in all my mandolins. It seems to work. It's very dry where I live and especially in my house this time of year when it's cold out.
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