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| Mandolin Geometry http://mowrystrings.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10128&t=35587 |
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| Author: | George L [ Thu Mar 01, 2012 12:57 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Mandolin Geometry |
Friends, As noted in various other posts, I'm currently building my first mandolin. I've looked around and haven't found target numbers for the geometry between the neck, bridge/saddle, and strings. I'm at the point where I need to adjust the alignment and set of the neck and I could use some direction. [Edited to add: This is a simple Army/Navy or campfire style mandolin, so while there is a very slight arch to the top it is basically flat.] Here's where I'm at right now: Neck angle = 2 degrees Fingerboard thickness = .250 Saddle height = .63 When I lay a straightedge along the top of the unfretted fingerboard it hits just at the top of the saddle. If this were a guitar I'd have a good idea as to how I should proceed, but the mandolin is basically a foreign object to me. Am I in the ballpark? Way off the mark? Are there general numbers I should be aiming to hit? Your guidance would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, |
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| Author: | WudWerkr [ Thu Mar 01, 2012 1:49 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Mandolin Geometry |
Is that an adjustable Bridge/saddle ? If yes , then you are in great shape . When you work off the nut height above the frets at a proper distance and then adjust the bridge accordingly. Maybe Chris O will pop in and sound off on this thread . |
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| Author: | George L [ Thu Mar 01, 2012 2:21 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Mandolin Geometry |
Right now I have a non-adjustable bridge/saddle. I could change that, of course. Thanks, |
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| Author: | WudWerkr [ Thu Mar 01, 2012 3:05 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Mandolin Geometry |
I would say from my limited experience that with a set non adjustable bridge / saddle it would be done the same as a guitar in basic set up. I always use adjustable so I really cant answer with 100% sureness |
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| Author: | Chris Oliver [ Fri Mar 02, 2012 1:30 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Mandolin Geometry |
George, Steve Smith over at Cumberland Acoustic sets is necks on his 'Traveler' model (Army/Navey style) at 1 1/2 degrees and shoots for a 5/8" tall bridge. He uses his Cumberland Acoustic adjustable bridges that have been modified to have the feet shaved off for a shorter bridge with more contact area. He's sells them at a discount from the full blown CA patent bridges. He said he used to use a steeper angle but the bridges would get too high, causing an excessive break angle and putting too much pressure on the top. He also had to use a fretboard wedge at higher angles. Hope this helps out.. and do check out Steve's bridges. Good luck, I've been doing some neck setting myself lately. |
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| Author: | George L [ Sat Mar 03, 2012 10:48 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Mandolin Geometry |
Chris, Thanks for the info. That's just what I needed to know. I'll go check out the Cumberland Acoustic site now. |
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