OK, my disclaimer. I am NOT a real Mando player. I have had one for a couple years now and have fun with it. Play at our local jams etc, and with some friends once in a while. I can make some "good noise" on one, but will never be mistaken for a true Mando player.

My question ???

Is there anyone out there that actually LIKES changing strings on their Mando ???????????
This is a job I just hate and resist. It's a real PITA. Don't have three hands, and can't figure out where to get the extra. I know about the trick using a dental pick to keep the loop on the itty bitty peg, but it's still an ordeal.

If some of you actually like this task, maybe you can shed some light on what I am doing wrong. Or just tell me to shut up and "do it" !

I just did my MF, and I need a cup O coffee and a break after that.

2 different thoughts on this. Whether to change 1 string at a time or remove all and restring 1 at a time.

If you choose #1:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2Hk34p2OBA

#2 with F-hole, usually can be lined with center of F-hole if you didn't remove all the nice dirt with showed the outline of the bridge.

This was from the cafe:

http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4235...ght=changing+strings

This was from FRETS.com:

http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Musician/Mandolin/Mando...ng/mandostring1.html

If I buy the strings from my local luthier, he restrings it cheap and checks the tune-up for free.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: El Jefe,

i change strings with the mando sitting on my desk on a towel, head propped on a rolled up towel and i use a small string winder. i watch tv as i go........mindless, a pair at a time, starting with the thin strings.......i hate doing these and like to get it over with.

if i am on a roll i will do two or three and maybe a guitar in between.......kind of zen-like.

either that or my luthier restrings with my strings and i give him $20 for interrupting his day and he always gives things a going over.

Mary,

Who is your luthier in York, ME?

my luthier is in connecticut. i go by there on the way back from NJ most weeks.

Now this is sort of cool.
I haver read the stuff from Frets.com etc.
And I know how to do it, just don't LIKE to do it. PITA.

The YouTube instructions are pretty good. Especially since I know Brad. He's in Hotlanta and was a friends Mando teacher. Even picked with him a time or two. Thanks for that link.

BUT I feel so much better knowing that Mary the Mando Queen says she hates this job. I'm OK now being such good company.

BTW, is it just me or is the Collings tail piece just a bit more of a pain than one with a removable cover and "hooks" to put the string loop on ???

Thanks

no, the worst tailpiece was the allen with the hooks on the inside. you could go cross-eyed trying to restring that one.

my favorite (if i was forced to choose) is the James tailpiece. it appears to be like the traditional tailpiece, but the cover is hinged like a car hood. nicely made and easier to restring. that said most mandolin players i know restring once every year or so. i hate the one with the sliding cover. i can never get those off.

my new squeeze

http://www.acousticmusicworks.com/F5V582.html

restrung before it arrived. stick a fork in me....i am SOOOOOOOO DONE.

OH MARY !

What have you done this time ?

That is just too much. I shouldn't ask this, but just how many does that make for you now ?

i truly do not want to think about it......


i played every mando in that store that day and i kept holding on to this one. i have to thank steve for indulging me. there were prettier ones and more expensive ones but i just could not let this one go. i wrote the serial # down just in case steve sold it before i decided.

i think i finally OD'd.

I understand completely about a particular "one". The day I got my MF I played about half a dozen Collings Mandos. From plain A style to MF Deluxe. Wide nut, and not. The one that sang to me is in a case behind me. Not the most expensive or the cheapest. Darn close to the prettiest though, but that had nothing to do with it. This one sang for me.
I passed up that Deluxe for a real deal and my buddy who was there bought it as his "learner" Mando. Bet he has not touched it in a year now.

Who changes mando strings? It's easier to just change mandos

This may confirm my mental state but I enjoy changing strings on my guitars, even when I had the slothead 000.

Changing strings on a mandolin is part of owning one.

Changing strings on an autoharp is...