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Mandolin Evaluation
Part 3
Part 3: Setup

Ultimately a mandolin’s potential can
only be realized by proper setup. In
general, the better instruments
respond to finely honed setup more
than less expensive trade instruments.
A super expensive bridge and fancy
strings won’t help without optimal
installation. The exact setup that is
optimal depends on the particular
instrument and player. But a generic
setup suitable for the quality level of
the instrument does fine as a starting
point.
 On a new mandolin, we generally:

  1. Check fit and finish.
  2. Tighten all screws, including the post screw of tuner sets.
  3. Check endpin tightness
  4. Check to see that trussrod nut is engaged
  5. Lubricate tuners if required
  6. Check bridge fit, usually refitting to our standards.
  7. Rough set bridge height & position
  8. String up.
  9. Fit afterlength damper for mandolins undergoing optimization
  10. Adjust nut slot depth.
  11. Lubricate nut slots and bridge notches.
  12. Tighten E and G outermost strings to tension.
  13. Set preliminary action height.
  14. Set intonation.
  15. Tighten all strings to pitch.
  16. Check relief and adjust truss rod as required.
  17. Check for fret troubles.
  18. Test play for intonation, action height, make adjustments as required
    19. Settle bridge so pressure is even 20. Retune & test play

That’s a pretty comprehensive setup. Someone buying an instrument
should get an instrument that is set up well and plays well. This doesn’t
always happen.  We do lots of setups on instruments sent to us.

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