Date: Sun, 13 Feb 2005 08:26:46 EST
Subject: Johnson Mandolin bridge replacement
Hi Mickey, I am a new player and have a Johnson MA-120. It seems hard to press the strings and painful so I was looking at adjust the bridge down to position the strings lower to the frets. The problem is it is all the way down now. What should the distance actually be? Is there a higher quality bridge I can buy from you that will do this for me?
Thank you
Terry
Greetings Terry,
A set-up should always be performed before the shipping of an instrument...unless there was a shift in the neck/bridge during shipping. We, ourselves, perform about a 45-minute set-up on an MA-120...for they usually require filing and sanding on both the bridge and nut.
In your case, before you decide that the bridge needs further sanding, which is the only way to gain lower clearance since it's already adjusted at its lowest setting, you might sight down the neck. For your action problem could stem from a bowed neck. If so, you'll have to perform a truss rod adjustment.
We're building a new adjustable bridge now, under the Mystic West name, of which may be a great option for you at a later date. In the meantime, my suggestion would be to take your MA-120 in for a proper set-up and repair through a qualified repair technician. There are too many variables to count when adjusting action...and one small thing like accidentally moving your bridge, will cause other problems such as poor intonation.
Mickey
Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2009 22:49:37 -0700
Subject: Kentucky Mandolin
Mickey: I just got the mandolin and it's beautiful. I've been playing it for the last half hour and it's just terrific. It was worth the wait. Thank you for all your advice and patience.
I'll start the dvd tomorrow and will have no excuses for bad playing. -Maureen
Hi Maureen ... Thanks for the positive update. I am so glad you like it. It really played like a dream before it left ... nice smooth low action. In fact, it really can't be much lower. Now, keep in mind, with humidity changes or weather in general, you might find the mandolin to start buzzing (very slight chance this might happen) ... happens to a few of my instruments periodically, and I have to readjust the truss rod at different times of the year. Although the set-up I performed should last for years, if anything should go awry, feel free to write me anytime, I'm completely at your disposal. And, if you should ever have any questions as you view the Intro to the Mandolin DVD, you may e-mail them to me as you progress.
On another note, I set the intonation as accurate as possible ... hence, if you ever have to change strings, change them one at a time (to ensure that the bridge remains completely stationary). Your strings should last for many months as a student ... if and when you feel a need to change them, feel free to write me. I should have another slide show or video up on how to change mando strings without disrupting bridge placement.
All my best,
Mickey Cochran
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