How to Change a Mandolin String

Sooner or later you're going to break a mandolin string and you'll need to know how to change them. This free lesson by Brad Laird will walk you through the process so you'll be more prepared when that time comes. View more at mandolincompass.com/lessons/be...

[@Lisa-qz1nn]

I’ve watched many people changing strings. You , my friend are a great teacher and this is coming from another teacher :) thank you, I will pass this on and I get it now. Change up :)

[@8STRINGR]

Very Helpful ! Been using this method since I first watched this a few years ago. One added suggestion that was pointed out to me from a fellow picker, is once you have the new string in tune (G for instance), grab the string with your thumb and index finger and pull straight up a few times (not too far) from the fret board (with your mandolin laying flat, you're pulling the string straight up, toward you) so when you pluck the string, you'll hear where the string has actually stretched and sounds out of tune. *Hang on to the string ! Don't release it and have it slap against your fret board !* Tune it to the proper pitch again and pull on it again. You may have to do that just a few times on each string, but it gets a lot of the stretching of the strings out of the way and you'll find that you're not having to tune as often, especially with a fresh set of strings. I've even had to do this with one newly replaced string just moments away from going on stage. Works every time !

[@crookedriverranchman]

Thanks Brad for offering, i have been laying for about 5 years now and haven't really had too much of a hard time changing strings, it's always great to see someone elses take on the subject. Thanks for all yor great tips and books which I have all of them and know that you have helped to Improve my playing. Dennis Fehling

[@drjmole63]

Just a general comment. Keep your old strings in a bag or box and when you collect 5 or more sets of old strings you can send them to D'Addario for recycling.

[@zQoQz]

I did not know that actually, thank you!

[@kaygeedubbs]

Just got my mandolin today, never worked with a fretted string instrument before, used to have an upright bass. Haven't touched one in over four years, though, and these instructions were clear, concise, and very easy to follow. Thank you for this invaluable little video.

[@toot_toot_357]

That's definately one of the best stringing tech i saw 'till now. It works like gold in guitars too, so A++

[@AndreaZelones]

Thanks so much. I didn't realize the tailpiece cover came off. Yep, I'm a newbie. I purchased new strings and then went to change the strings and stared blankly at the cover before googling how to change strings. Thanks again. Love the looping for securing. Never seen it done that way.

[@TheDrLloyd]

happens to everyone their first time!

[@DSLRmusic]

Hey, thanks for the video :) I have a mandolin and I haven't break any string, but I didn't know how to change them until I watched your video, you helped me a lot. Thanks!

[@JBiggsNewJersey]

Thanks, excellent demonstration of how to make the loop on the tuning head. Great video

[@SummerAzures]

This is so neat. The mandolin is like a giant, elongated violin. :D I already play violin, so I have high hopes of picking up on how to play mandolin.

[@SusanMillard]

Great video...very clear instructions and demonstration on how to change the strings on a mandolin. Thank you for this - I will be getting my very first mandolin soon and have put this video in a playlist so I can find it when I need it. =)

[@honz2themax]

Thanks for this video! Very helpful.

[@josephamarante5735]

I watch this video every time I need to change my strings. Such a good guide!

[@apfelstrudelmaster]

youre way of locking the strings in the machine head was much better than mine, cheers :D

[@epserps5055]

Thank you so much for this great lesson.

[@71violets]

Good lord! Thank you sooooo much, what a simple, clear explanation, wish I'd found this years ago! Happy strumming x

[@drewsleyy3836]

Thanks so much! I just changed my first mandolin string, thanks to you :)

[@GwenNewclearThePoet]

I used this viedo to put new steel strings on my electric mandolin today. I found it best to always slide the tailpiece off and on this this style. This viedo really helped: it was a big sucess. I was putting this effort off (about a year) and contemplating spending $25 to have a pro do it (but I just can't afford that kind of luxury). And it is great to know that I can do it myself.

[@hiicantthinkofaname]

Good video, everything explained clearly.

[@brunovianarezende]

hey, great video! I'm sure this will help me to change my mandolin strings! Thanks a lot!

[@mandolearner]

Thanks a zillion for this video. And thanks for other such helpful videos.

[@dina-barnese]

Thanks so much for this tutorial. It was very helpful!

[@Labrabob]

Thanks. Two ideas were new to me and helpful: the piece of leather to mute and the way of looping and locking on the tuner.

[@heikej.8295]

Thank you very much for this excellent tutorial. 😀🙏The first time I have change the mandolin strings and everything is o.k.now.🙋‍♀️ best regards from Germany

[@Srouble]

Thanks so much for your knowledge and help!

[@musicaman68]

When I changed the strings the fourth strings will not stay in. Do I need a new nut or what type of strings should I use?

[@mundomagico7787]

Great explanation and made me giggle too! Thanks

[@lunablues]

awesome. never strung my mando with such confidence!!!

[@magicgalexy]

I don't actually have a mandolin, but I'm borrowing one at the moment, and I think you do the strings one by one, as they have floating bridges, so the bridge shouldn't move that around that way :)

[@Billkwando]

Especially if you're borrowing one! ;)

[@TheDrLloyd]

floating bridge is a nightmare! You are supposed to line it up with the "notches" in the F holes. But I would never take off all my mandolin strings at once.

[@billderinbaja3883]

This is a great tutorial on string changes. I have become pretty efficient with guitar string changes but I just learned a couple of nifty tricks. I haven't had to change a string on my new mandolin yet but this is a great reference when the time comes. When you have to change the full set, do you replace just one string at a time on mandolin? (guitar you pull all 6 off and change them)

[@Billkwando]

Not on a Floyd Rose tremolo guitar, you don't. ;)

[@maghercushag1902]

Once the string is on the hook, I hold it in place with a lump of Blu Tack on the hook while I wind the string around the post. So easy after that.

[@Mavericco]

Excellent Vid. Learned alot from the common sense perspective. Great job! Thanks...

[@nutmegger1957]

When I pull the tail Piece Cover off, I slide it to the rear.....I noticed you pulled it up and off......doesn't pulling it "up and off" force the sliders to expand and make the fit loose?

[@pederlettstroem980]

Thanks. You make it easy.

[@tin2type]

Very nice. Suggestion: after cutting the excess strings, bend the ends toward the head stock as they can be quite sharp -- point them where they won't poke you.

[@killergirls]

Wonderful Video!

[@chrisnewkirk2196]

Do u know where to get the mandolin strings with red silk at the ends?

[@stefanosenzigni3556]

Complimenti per la spiegazione, bravo.

[@Dunaldango]

how often do you nead to change strings?

[@fjlawrence]

tip: I use a capo to hold the string in place so it doesn't slip off the tailpiece hook while I'm fiddling with it on the other end.

[@maxwellfan55]

GR8 idea.

[@Travelersole]

I don't play but after 81 views I thought I should say something . way to go you guys! keep on doing what you do. take Care Gary

[@iAMxZombie]

how do you get the tailpiece off???

[@epserps5055]

Thanks so much!!

[@Blackpower6115]

How do i take the cover off?

[@properjob]

Thanks for a simple, concise explanation. pj

[@MRBHV]

i tried googleing it but i could only find what the standerd tuning is. Thankyou for the info though!

[@EzyoMusic]

@kikekiss I don't think so - as he says mandolin strings have loops and not ball-ends. Maybe some newer instruments take ball-end strings - then you probably can (I don't see why not, either).

[@CopperwoodBluegrassBand1]

nice technique.....I also like you pentatonic video lessons :)

[@aspektx]

Thank you.

[@MRBHV]

it does! thankyou very much!

[@gauthierruberti8065]

Thank you

[@mikesrandomchannel]

Love the safety tips, all too often forgotten!

[@canadianrushfan12]

I just got mine yesterday. I adjusted the bridge then when I retuned my high e snapped.

[@JasonUmbrellabird]

Thanks for the info. keen beginner bassist guitarist hoping to sell one of my basses for mandolin.

[@thierrycaturegli8928]

Merci bcp

[@MRBHV]

Does anybody know the order of the strings. Not what you tune them to, what the strings come as.

Someone help me. I've tried to lower the action, but I can't tune the E string. I've broken 3 ones.

[@garyteague9555]

i learned something, thanks

[@Devi_Shammuramat]

Thanks !

[@backpacker617]

thanks this was helpfull

[@RavenMadd9]

thank you boss

[@thiccboii5547]

how do you take off the cover 😶

[@tonydandtheoldjims]

Thabks for this video !

[@jazzisification]

I can't get the tailpiece back on it's too tight. Any suggestions?

[@FreddyFazbear101]

Marc Babin did you solve the problem yet

[@petereuropa]

Thanks.

[@WildwoodvalleyBoy]

It would also be advisable to apply some graphite from a lead pencil to the slots in both nut, and saddle. Also, be SURE the coils stack DOWNWARD ....and,...WEAR GLASSES !

[@LifeInTechnicolour]

cheers, didn't even know the cover at the bottom came off haha :)

[@meadandmilk]

How do I put non-hooped strings on a regular mandolin bridge?

[@chocknog5763]

If they are Ball End Strings then prise the ball out and you have a loop (you can widen) for the hook.

[@TurnipOfPeach]

Thank you ^-^

[@bonspielsong]

I found the description pretty straight forward - there was no obvious tying of the string, and he described everything he was doing at the tuning peg with the 180 degree direction. ...sorry you broke 2 strings though.

[@drumnjazz]

Brad! Take it to the bridge!

[@shannonduggan5416]

How often should I change my mandolin strings?

[@SirSelby]

shannon duggan It depends on various factors. I suppose the simplest explanation is to change them when they start sounding dull. How quickly this happens will depend upon how often you play. Also, strings go dead faster for some people due to the composition of sweat and oils in the hands, which is why it is always good to wash and completely dry your hands prior to playing. Coated strings such as EXP's or strings like Thomastiks will last much longer than an uncoated string will. Just use your ears and change them when you think they need it. This could be anywhere between a week and 3 months. Some people even do it more or less often than this.

[@shannonduggan5416]

SirSelby​ ok thanks :)

[@peterodonnell9789]

Change them only when they break.

[@dianeaishamonday9125]

@@SirSelby haha haven't been able to afford strings for my poor baby for 4 years. Oops.

[@christophertsiliacos8958]

👏 👍 Excellent tutorial! 😊 Just like on my violin, I snapped the E string on my mandolin. 😢 Hopefully, It will never happen again. 👌 😉

[@1998bigben]

thank u!!! ;o

[@patjoslin]

my tip, always change your strings with your shades on. But ive had em hit me in the ear as well, which hurts, so maybe wear some headphones as well...

[@dallas94bass]

Me too! I can't get mine off!

[@CBbehereNOW]

Don't leave it on the floor, cause someone might step on it 😂 or The Cat will find it and you know they will ! 🙀

[@leeroa1]

yea thats great but...theres 12 hooks on the bridge end and only 8 strings,,how the hell do put the rest on?????

[@davidlewis3574]

Gently bend the tailpiece out just a touch. But be careful. Or you can wrap a screwdriver in a towel and push it on.

[@bluesboydude]

fuck. i just cut all the old strings on my mandolin and found out the bridge is not attached to the mandolin.. help?

[@agungwayne3090]

Dang it.

[@Luke73650]

My problem is getting the tailpiece back on... *sigh*.

[@Jebowski]

You didn't say anything about the bridge/action stuff in this video... kind of misleading when I tried to put the strings on....

[@hotone23]

Lots of one eyed Mandolin players due to those E strings popping!

[@slimeflyer]

WEIRD HOW WHEN SOMETHING POPS IT ALWAYS HITS YOUR EYES

[@t.j.gilbert]

well shit, I was stumped on how to get the tailpiece off, the rest is easy... blonde moment :P

[@benrns]

thats why u buy full body armor

[@caitlanedwards9910]

X

[@IIISWILIII]

Nobody freaking tells you how easy it is to snap the goddamn E strings!! I've broken 4 and have yet to successfully tune this GD mandolin 🤬🤬🤬

[@orehamax]

@kikekiss lmao. no.

[@GrantWigchester]

Load of crap.