Changing Strings on a Mandolin Changing Strings on a Mandolin string change cover shot scaled

August 31, 2020, 0 Comments

Changing Strings on a Mandolin

Tools needed:

  • New strings
  • Tweezers
  • Wire cutters
  • Needle nose pliers
  • String winder (optional)
Always start with the first G string and change only one string at a time.
Tailpiece Closed Changing Strings on a Mandolin tailpiece one 750x536
  1. Lift the tailpiece to expose the strings  (INSERT TAILPIECE TWO PIC)
  2. Unwind the string from the tuner post using the tuner knob
  3. Remove the loosened string from the tuner post using tweezers if necessary
  4. Attach new string to the tailpiece using tweezers if necessary
  5. Bring string up to the peghead measuring two tuner posts above the one you are changing for excess string
Changing Strings on a Mandolin tailpiece two 740x620
  • *this is the key to having enough excess string to wind around the tuner peg*
  1. Trim the string
  2. Using needle nose pliers, bend a 90 degree angle with the top one-quarter inch of the string
  3. Insert end of string into hole of tuner peg orienting it so the end faces the edge of the peghead
  4. Using the tuner knob, wind the string around the tuner post in a direction that keeps the string in the center of the peghead
  5.  Continue winding the string around the tuner post using the tuner knob (a string winder helps speed this up!)
  6. Wind until fairly tight but not to pitch
  7. Move to the next string starting at Step 3
For the Upper D and Upper A tuner posts, measure the excess string length in the following manner:
  1. Attach new string to the tailpiece using tweezers if necessary
  2. Bring new string up and measure to the tuner post
  3. While still gripping the string at the tuner post, slide the string back two tuner posts. (See Measure Two Image Below) Using the tuner posts as a measurement guide for the excess string, (See Measure One Image Below) trim the string (See String Cut Image Below)
  4. Follow Steps 7 through 11
Measure Two Changing Strings on a Mandolin measure two 740x620
Measure Two
Measure One Changing Strings on a Mandolin measure one 740x620
Measure One
String Cut Changing Strings on a Mandolin string cut 740x620
String Cut

Once all strings have been changed, tune the instrument.  It’s often helpful to tune the string above the pitch, tune back down below pitch to stretch the string slightly before turning back up to pitch this helps move they string through the nut in both directions and minimizes the tendency for a new string to de-tune.  Always tune a string up to pitch.  If you overshoot the pitch, tune it back down below pitch and then try again to tune up to pitch.

It is a good practice to clean the slot in the nut out and use a small bit of lubricant like Vaseline to aid in moving the string back and forth.  

NOW PLAY UNTIL YOUR FINGERS BLEED

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