How To Change Your Mandolin Strings - by Nate Lee

[@DurlJones]

Thanks Nate. Good Instruction! A couple additional ideas that I use are to pull up on each new string once I have it tightened. I find this helps to stretch it so that it stays in tune better. I also check my bridge when I change strings to make sure it is vertical to the top of the instrument. With the strings a bit loose, you can rotate it back to the correct position. If you are even braver. this is also the time to turn your bridge thumb-wheels to raise or lower your action if needed. Lastly, some mandolins buzz from the strings vibrating between the bridge and the tailpiece. I use small rubber grommets from an automotive store to place between each string set to mute this sound. Keep sounding good! Thanks, Durl

[@NateLeeLLC]

+Durl Jones Hi Durl, thank you for your input; you've shared lots of good info here! You're such a valuable resource due to your experience as a mandolin builder. Do you have a website for Wild Wood Mandolins? I'm glad you mentioned the automotive store for rubber grommets. I used to buy them at Radio Shack, but it's kind of difficult to find one of those these days.

[@rickpearlstein6421]

Thanks Nate! This is good stuff.

[@NateLeeLLC]

You're welcome! If you haven't already, check out my Play Nately channel here on KZbin. I've moved my instructional stuff over there. www.youtube.com/@playnately-learnhowtojam6393

[@taayzie]

the graphite trick's a new one for me. so clever!

[@catherinemcbride351]

Thanks for a great video! Very thorough and helpful! I FEEL LIKE I CAN DO THIS NOW! :)

[@Sal_Vito]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@MagnaMater]

Legend, such a well presented tutorial!

[@NateLeeLLC]

Thank you! Keep an eye on the channel, I'm working on some more videos.

[@woodlandwilds7525]

Thanks for the instruction Nate - made a new subscriber out of me.

[@NateLeeLLC]

I'm happy to hear it was helpful!

[@bb38313]

use a capo to hold tension on the loop then you have both hands to wind the string

[@TheRycooder]

good vid...what pickup are u using and what size are the grommets... thanks again!!

[@NateLeeLLC]

Hooter Bear I that pickup is a McIntire. I don't normal use one and I had put it on there for one or two gigs that requires it. I'm not sure the size of the grommets. I bought a multi pack at Harbor Freight and used the smallest ones. I think they are about a quarter inch.

[@budmaynard5952]

Thanks, though I'm still trying to envision working "I've graphited my nut slot" into a casual conversation... Cheers!

[@NateLeeLLC]

Lol

[@rustyshoemake1794]

Where do you get that type of graphite pencil that you have.. Thanks

[@NateLeeLLC]

I buy them at Staples, but you can get them most anywhere. Pretty much any mechanical pencil will do, and a finely sharpened wood pencil will work too. My favorite is the PaperMate Sharpwriter #2.

[@rustyshoemake1794]

@@NateLeeLLC Thanks Nate...

[@louieo.blevinsmusic4197]

Actually wasn’t as bad as changing guitar strings. That damn metal piece was a pain in the ass tho… big time.

[@NateLeeLLC]

The tailpiece cover? Those are so annoying to work with.

[@louieo.blevinsmusic4197]

@@NateLeeLLC it still isn’t on….. I said funk it.

[@NateLeeLLC]

@@louieo.blevinsmusic4197 lol