I don't mind changing strings on my guitars at all. Even slop heads are not that big a deal, just take your time and get it right.

The Mando on the other hand is one of those things that I do, but I don't HAVE to like it.

Considering how long most all Mando players leave strings on it's not that often. One of those neccessary evils we all have to deal with.

quote:

Originally posted by El Jefe:
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...

...worse than almost any portable string thing. However, an old 12 fret National with slotted headstock might be as bad or worse than a mando.PITA's indeed!

Anybody ever try re-stringing a Rickenbacker 12-string? That looks like a job for a brain surgeon/rocket scientist.There's a pic somewhere in a Beatles book of a smiling George Harrison doing one but I've heard they had lots of smile inducing substances around for just such events.

Before I got a James tailpiece I HATED changing strings. That's why I went to coated string and played them until they were deader'n roadkill. My last three mandos have had James tp's and I'll never go back. I'm kinda surprised that Collings hasn't changed to them yet. They are awesome!

I do have an old Flatiron flattop that has a clamshell tp. Talk about maddening! Just got a Lyon and Healy with a similar tp. I don't see it getting new strings very often! ;-)

quote:

Originally posted by cowboycamper:
However, an old 12 fret National with slotted headstock

CC: I think that the person who designed the slotted National was a midget small person with baby fingers who never changed the strings.

In the auto industry, the designer never really has to repair his product so he is surprised when you have to pull the engine and remove one tire to change the oil filter.

I consider a bloodless string change to be a major accomplishment, and it doesn't happen often. On the Collings mandolins I use a capo to keep tension on the strings in the tailpiece. I've never been able to push the loop back through the tunnel.

I had not thought about using a capo to hold the tension on the string keeping the loop on the peg. I'll have to try that next change.
Though that may be next year for me. LOL

If you have a loop that starts to pull through on you a used dental pick, that nasty looking thing with the hooked ends he inflicts pain with, is the perfect tool for pulling it back and getting it back on the peg. Most dentists dicard them when they break an end etc, and most will happily give you an old one if you ask nice.

Though (like my dentist) they look at you REAL funny when you tell them what you want it for.

changing the strings on my 000 (slothead) is the worst. i try to keep the strings from scratching the headstock. the mando's not too bad. i keep some tension on the string when tuning it up by lifting it slightly away from the fretboard. this keeps it from popping off the pin on the collings tailpiece, and getting stuck.
my favorite tailpiece was on a gibson F-2. you made a right angle for a few strings down at the tailpiece. it stayed put.
i knew it was only a matter of time for mary to get the MF-5.
rick: send me your mandos. i'll re-string 'em for you.

pete, that mf5v is the sister to my mt2v.......fer real. but i am done. seriously done. i felt my eyes roll back in my head after the last two deals.

Peter, the Oval will be due for strings long before the F is again now. And I never been to Colorodo, so I'll just bring em out next summer and you can change them while I'm there.
OK ?

ah, a varnished one too! well, you can't beat that unless you get a nugget or gilchrist. and that's a matter of opinion. so, mary, i'd say your about done with your mando shopping.
rick, just let me know when you're headed our way with a mando. colorado's great in the summer too.
think i'll go change my strings...

I just changed strings on my MT-1 last week. I hadn't changed them since May and they really sounded dead. Then when I went to put the new string package in the case (dated, so I know when I changed them last), I saw that they had not been changed since May of 2007! I pull the strings tight and wrap 'em around the peg. To me, much easier than leaving slack to tighten.

quote:

Originally posted by marymary:
but i am done. seriously done.

You have obtained the ultimate, the acme, the prize that we all seek but we know that we will never obtain.

No need to ever buy another... in 2008.

In a note of modicum proportion, my new MF mandolin spent the night driving from Albuquerque here and will be delivered tonight.

"God bless us everyone"- Tiny Tim (The little kid, not the guy with the uke who got married on Johnny Carson)