Mandolin action too high Due to space limitation on YouTube this version of the lesson ha Hello all! I am new to the mandolin and recently bought a secondhand Ashbury AM-50. I would guess that the nut is too high and should be lowered. Any help appreciated. The action could be the exact same as it was, I just found that the last time I played it, the action seemed a little too high. com/blogs/banjo-bens-blogJake shows us how to easily adjust the action on our mandolins with the bridge! For a bowl back, that's not too bad. com ‍🔸 Shop favori Good Evening Folks: I think the action is too high on my mandolin. A subreddit for the wonderful world of mandolin. The action at the saddle (bridge) can have an effect on how tight the strings feel, the action everywhere and especially on the higher frets, the intonation and to some degree the instrument's Action describes the distance you have to press the strings down to get a fretted note to ring properly. mcH - Big Joe's correct. Oct 30, 2018 · The setup of the mandolin depends on your preference, however, no matter how you like your action, there are several important points to consider when setting up a mandolin. Changes in Climate and the Sinking Bridge Problem Dec 2, 2015 · A mandolin needs very little relief. If i could afford a new one i’d get even a cheap one. On that one the action was high because the neck had been set at the wrong angle. Most new guitars start with action that is too high. I checked my action on my old Gibson snakehead, and as best as I can tell, it's 1-2 millimeters high. The ‘why’ might be that the instrument is beginning to fold from the string tension, not so much from only the neck bowing. 04 thousandths of an inch or 1. Hey there, I’ve just started playing mandolin last summer and so far I love it, but since I got some trouble having clear notes low on the neck because the strings are quite hard to press, I was wondering if the action is too high? I play guitar too and I know it’s a problem that happens often with folk guitars, maybe that’s the same The Folkmusician Mandolin Setup Bridge First we check the adjustability of the bridge. Agree that contouring the bottom of a bridge is a delicate business, especially as the top changes shape without string downforce, so take material as just Feb 17, 2021 · How high should my mandolin action be? The standard mandolin’s average action height is around 0. How high should the action be, and does it sound like I should raise it? I would be most grateful for any help. One to two thousandths (. That said, as a long-time guitarist and some-time music teacher (though mandolin newb) I have always advised anyone starting out to use a very 16 votes, 16 comments. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player you want to fine-tune your instrument for optimal playability and tone. 001) of an inch, measured at the sixth fret, with the string fretted at the first and twelfth, works well for most players. The action on my Lebeda "Special" on the G side is 1/16" & 5/64" on the treble side. My only experience with lowering the action on a Chinese mandolin (and the Rogue must be Chinese at that price) was on an F-style. I just don't want to mess things up. If the strings are too low, they will buzz when played open. Before we get to the action, so to speak, let’s discuss a few common problems and how to address them. I got a few high frets sorted so they're nice and level and truss adjusted for very nearly flat (a little less than . Luthier and Instructor, Robert O'Brien, shows several techniques to fix a classical guitar with action that is too high. IF i need to trim down the hight of the bridge, whats the best way to do it on a ebony bridge? So, I have a Weber Octave mandolin from 2014. 5mm on the low string (C) to 2mm on the highest (A), but that you might want it lower than that. If this mandolin were in my hands, I would remove the existing bridge, put in a guitar bridge saddle as an erzatz bridge (cut 8 string slots to the pattern of original bridge), if it is too high, keep shaving it off, if it is too low, start putting strips of credit card material under it as shims (use expired credit card!), once action is as If the first fret is a problem then the nut is probably too high. Cheers. I changed the strings as they were quite corroded, but the action seems really high at the 12th fret. The action refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard. Action If you look at the third post there are some real number from various peoples mandolins. It appears he is not a fan of the "manly action," as Mr. Action on a mandolin is a combination of nut height, bridge height, neck bow (i. 110. 02mm. Grisman tends to have high action and gets that huge tone-but his playing style and technique work within the high action framework. Edit: One more thought. 20K subscribers in the mandolin community. Can't take it too a Luthier because there isn't one around here and so I have to do my own set ups and so far I have never had a problem doing so. , maybe like a sheet of paper). Do you have access to a luthier or repair person? Does this mandolin have a truss rod? Usually access to this is under a small plaque on the headstock. The frets are in good shape, and the bridge has been dialled down as far as it’ll go. The mandolin is about 3 years old and I have never made any adjustments prior to just letting the adjustable bridge down as far as it can go a few minutes ago. I don't think high action works if stylistically you are modern, fluid and technique driven. With the right adjustments, you can make playing your mandolin much easier and more comfortable. Monroe would say. 5/32” or 2mm Action at 1st fret: 1/32” or 1mm. Howdy, Jake here! Let me show you a safe and easy way to adjust your mandolin string height, or action! Remember, we professionally setup every instrument we sell at the General Store. I suspect that mandolin would be a little harder to fret the strings, considering the small size of the frets and the fact that you have two strings to a finger, but I still suspect that the action is unusually high. Measuring String Height Please understand that action is a personal taste and a personal choice. With the correct setup, your mandolin will sound its best Hmm, OK. However,it takes quite a jump in 12th fret action before the action at the 1st fret becomes really too high for comfort. Feb 2, 2023 · Ensure that the nut and bridge heights are set properly and the strings are the correct type and tension for your playing style. This is about the thickness of a piece of paper, so not much at all. Hopefully other members on here will chip in with their advice, Ivan CB - You did the right thing. Note: The website shown on the video is no longer active. Unfortunately, the “set-up” in many shops s confined to getting the bridge in roughly the right position and adjusting it’s height so that the strings don’t rattle. It's exactly the opposite of most f or a style mandolins. I’ve started learning on it, but my biggest problem is the action is too high and it hurts to fret. 001" relief) -- and my action is set very low E=. 070 on the G's and . Make sure the action is set properly so the strings are not too close or too far from the fretboard. yours may have had the bridge changed or be one of the few that rolled out and shipped with a too high bridge. Might be that I'm learning better how to do and AND that the strings are a bit looser or some such. Mandolin strings are very tight when tuned up to pitch, so having the action low makes your mandolin easier to play and causes less pain to your fingertips. com/academyIn today's video, we're diving into the essential skill of setting your mandolin' And does this mean I will soon need a neck reset? And how do you know when you need one other than string height is too high. A lot of mandolins lose tone and/or volume around their lowest, non-buzzing setting. I'm not sure what is considered normal, but coming from guitar it doesn't seem right. . I have moved all of my mandolin lessons to http://www. Hi everyone I'm pretty new to the mandolin, I've been playing my ortega rma5na for about 4 months now but I'm concerned my action is too high. You don't want the action too high, but not too low either. The problem arises when high action is not a result of the neck relief needing adjustment, but instead is because the action needs to be adjusted at the bridge, nut, of both, and people who think the truss rod is meant to adjust action start cranking away on that thing, and the neck becomes back bowed, yet the action is still to high. However, if the action is too low, the strings buzz and rattle against the frets. Are there any suggested paramaters, e. Jan 18, 2025 · Setting The Action. I've been playing guitar and banjo for twenty years and have experience with stringed instruments but I've never experienced action this high before, is it normal to feel such difficulty in playing due to action when your used to playing other stringed Hello, I've just bought my first mandolin (I'm a guitar player) & it comes with a 1 piece/solid bridge which leaves the action too high. String height is adjusted by filling the nut slots until the strings are at the desired height. Apart from custom built jobbies, the nut has been too high every new mandolin I’ve ever bought. 5mm Action at 12th fret: 3/32” or 2. e. It should be slight (i. Mar 4, 2017 · I'm new to mandolin, but experienced with setups on other stringed instruments. I say that it is high. If you try to lower the action at the nut, do not gouge out the string slots. g. obrienguitars. It looks like your saddle is too tall, especially on the bass side. Posted by u/Yiamu - 2 votes and 8 comments Re: Action too high or am I just playing badly? Dan, your vid shows a fairly "heavy hand" in your playing approach, and you might well end up with a higher action than some of us players who are wimpier, or should I say "more subtle and tasteful," in our picking. Some can play with super low others with super high. bridge bases/saddles had to be I have my bridge adjusted as low as it can go and to go any lower I will have to sand the upper bridge part where it meets the thumbscrews, just wondering what measurement is considered "low" so I can see if I really need to lower it more or not. 050 across with J74's, but lately I've raised my action to . Usually I have the high E string side a touch lower than the G side to make up for string size. Seems to have more pop and depth now. If the strings are too high, it will be really tough to fret and the intonation in the first position can be sharp. Additionally, we want a little extra adjustment range should the player prefer it lower than average, or to allow for changes in the m Stop fighting with high action on your mandolin! Learn the details on adjusting your action. Setting the action on a mandolin is crucial for a great sound. Your action at the 12th is also very high - in your other thread I suggested starting at 2. I've set the bridge as low as possible, but reluctant to mess with the How do I know if my mandolin action is too high? If the strings are too high, it will be really tough to fret and the intonation in the first position can be sharp. The following tips are important when stringing, with regards with the number of winds of string wrapped around the mandolin tuner: If there are too many winds then the string will cross over itself. All too often,folk go for a low action, & very often,unless you have a very responsive mandolin,it doesn't work,especially on the "E" strings which tend to sound low powered & don't ring out clearly. He told everyone that their strings were too high, including me. And for the treble strings, 0. 075 as a medium-high setting at this spot. I'll leave it alone if the string height at the 12th fret is OK I play other instruments and got this mandolin that was my grandfathers. What's going to compound your playing is that bowl backs play much better with lighter strings. The action’s uncomfortably high. Too much relief and the action can be high, yet buzzy, mid neck. More often than not, we need to modify the bridge to be able to lower it enough to get low action. Duh -L- Bill Monroe discusses high action on the Homespun/Smithsonian DVD. I just about got it perfect. bradleylaird. Just how high was his action? I look for an optimal balance between tone, volume and playability for how the person plays his/her mandolin. This article will cover the basics and will serve as an overview to give you an idea on how different adjustments can make your mandolin play and sound great. Dec 21, 2023 · In today's video, we're diving into the essential skill of setting your mandolin's string action height using an adjustable bridge. How to Fix a High Action Oct 24, 2007 · Being a Tele player, I'm used to getting the slinkiest action possible on a guitar, without it fretting out. A higher action 'does not necessarily' mean more volume,but a too low action most certainly means less,unless you happen to have an unusually responsive Mandolin. Here are some approximate measurements, in 32nds of an inch and in mm Action at 21st fret: 3/32” or 2. 13 votes, 10 comments. See more Tech Tips here: https://store. That said, as a long-time guitarist and some-time music teacher (though mandolin newb) I have always advised anyone starting out to use a very Please understand that action is a personal taste and a personal choice. It's a 22" OM (which, honestly, I wish I'd gone 20" because it's a bit much for my pathetic noodle fingers) and I was about to replace the strings with d'addario EJ80 medium loop end phosphor bronze because that's what the shop recommended I use. So they just get them in the ballpark and call it good, as do most setup techs. banjobenclark. I just got a new (er) mandolin and I have been adjusting the action for two days now. If the action of a guitar is too high (which is the most common scenario) then the guitar will play fine, except that it will be harder to push down on the strings. 27mm for the bass strings. When I try to play forte, I get a buzz. I'm not qualified to say which is the issue here. Nut slots, saddle slots, tuners, all of it operates smooth and precise. The excuse is that it’s easier to take some off than to put some back. Some will say that 5/64s is a medium action at the 12th fret. This the standard height for playing the mandolin comfortably. I seemed to have the same deal going at first with my new mandolin (Eastman 505MD) but now that I've been playing it for a couple of months it seems much easier to work the first fret. What is a good measurement for action at the 12 fret for good comfort, yet no buzz? Much appreciated! :mandosmiley: Level Up Your Mandolin Playing Today! http://www. 060 on the E's. There seems to be an ideal action height for the best balance for each instrument, but that is also a function of how the person plays it. 037" at 12th fret. Steve Holst the builder of my mandolin gave me this advice on action: As high as you can get it and still be comfortable. You can measure this using a feeler gauge or small ruler. A couple years ago I ran my action at . Additionally, keep your mandolin clean and in tune. My new mandolin came with a Brekke bridge so you can adjust action under full tension, of course you have to retune after you adjust. Nov 13, 2020 · Checking string height at the nut has an enormous impact on how the mandolin plays in the first position. I have an adjustable bridge, which I'm wondering if I need to raise. 025" G=. If your bridge is bottomed and action still too high I would check if the neck joint didn't move under string tension lowering the neck angle (especially if the bridge is original factory bridge that should be of correct height allowing adjustment). I think I get better tone and response with the higher action. The bridge is lowered all the way down and i can’t fine a truss rod for the life of me. How do I know if my mandolin action is too high? The easy answer is: High enough so the strings do not buzz at any fret when the instrument is played hard but low enough to make the instrument playable. I was going to change my strings as they're kind of old, now, but I also have a buzz when I play. Web search mandolin action height; yours does seem high. If your strings have a high tension, they're going to be very difficult to play with that action. But I noticed that my mando was awfully low, so I cranked it up a bit. The problem rises when you use too much string or too little string when you string your mandolin. It really depends on who you are talking to as to what is high or low. Let’s dive into the steps involved in setting the action. i have encountered improper height bridge pieces on more than a few well known name brands that would not adjust down to low action. 05 thousandths of an inch or 1. any tips for adjusting the action at home? Does the bridge need to be cut down to a lower hight? i can't tell if there is a truss rod in the neck or not. If the mandolin feels too stiff to play, lower the bridge. com/playthemandolin/index. fret to string gap at certain frets, etc. , truss rod), string weight, and to a certain extent fret height. High action makes it play out of tune on all frets, but worse on the higher frets. The higher the action, the harder it is to play. Seemingly easy, but if you do it yourself, expect to have a go at it (i. If the action is set too high, the instrument becomes too hard to play. Well that makes me feel a little less sheepish about heading down there. html A The spec sheet that came with the gauge stipulates . My bridge is adjustable so it is not problem lowering it. It is important to set the action the way you want it - because the action will affect the sound a bit, and the playability a lot. IME nut slots are almost always too high from the factory, because time is money, getting the slots down to the perfect depth takes time, and the risk of a blown nut with slots too deep increases exponentially as the perfect height is approached. Mike That depends on the action at the 12th fret preferred by individual players & of course,what the actual height of the frets is. The action at the nut (too high, too low or just right) will have the most effect on playability (for the fretting hand) and the least on the sound. My mandolins action is way to high for me. Proper action makes your mandolin easier to play and helps produce clear, crisp notes. The action on my mandolin is . We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. mandolinsecrets. However, there are some pros out there who I think use too high of action. With complaints of too high action. 5mm Action at 5th fret: 2. I have a friend with a rather low quality Mandolin. Also, the "A" string on my TC had pretty bad buzz when I would dig in when I first bought it new. At The Monroe Style Mandolin Camp last year, almost everyone in a group I was in, asked Frank Wakefield to take a look at their mandolins. Can you recommend a decent (not too expensive) adjustable bridge? The Mandolin is a Kentucky 120 so I basically need a basic decent adjustable bridge. Check out our mandolin selection HERE. , you may end up too low and then need to add a shim to the bottom of the nut. www. pgians wjyubw gcup gcc jajhia ttp srmorfek byely ttbjy zjryf