Octave Mandolin: Troubleshooting Tuning Problems

Date: Thu, 26 Feb 2004 16:40:38 -0500
Subject: mandolin tuning

Hi,

Greetings Vera,

Glad to assist:

I just have a quick question regarding mandolin tuning. I recently purchased a rather cheap octave mandolin (A-style flat back) and I am having trouble tuning the G-string. The DAE strings are no problem, however, if the G-string is tuned exactly right according to an electric tuner, then the first finger A is super-sharp, almost half a step. The same is true for the next notes on that string. This does not occur for any other string and the fret seems to be straight. I tried adjusting the bridge, but that didn't help at all. Do you think maybe it's the wrong string? Can you recommend strings for a short scale length octave mandolin?

I'm not sure what's going on here...you might want to take it to a local music shop experienced in Octaves..and have it diagnosed for what may be causing this...it's a good possibility that your intonation may be off...this is proper bridge placement..

To ensure that the bridge is properly placed requires some set-up knowledge...if the intonation is off, the problem you've described would be one symptom.

For proper bridge placement: the 12th fret octave should match the 12th fret harmonic exactly...you'll want to use an electronic tuner to measure this...be sure to check out our mandolin section for a slide show on bridge placement...

And, before you do this, you'll definitely want to change your strings to the GHS Octaves...the reason is that every octave I've seen that's arrived as an import, such as Trinity College or Johnson, have unwound A strings...and they sound horrible...and yes, they also do not give a true pitch while fretting...the A strings need to be wound period...

Hope this helps, Mickey

Thanks so much for the help,

Vera (Bronx, NY)