Setting the Bridge on an Octave Mandolin
Setting the bridge correctly on an octave mandolin ensures that the notes you fret are in tune and that the instrument is comfortable to play. The position of the bridge on a stringed instrument determines the vibrating length of the strings and therefore the notes that are produced by it. The octave mandolin is like an ordinary mandolin, except that the strings are tuned an octave lower. Some octave mandolins also have thumbscrews for setting the string action, which is the distance between the strings and the frets. Too high an action can make notes difficult to fret, and too low an action can cause unwanted buzzing.
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Instructions
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Locate the “f” holes on your mandolin. Some mandolins have f-shaped holes on either side of the body. These can be used as a guide as to the correct position to put your bridge. If your mandolin has a sound hole in the body, you will not have “f” holes. Locate the notches in the middle of the two “f” holes.
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Position the bridge so that the saddle is between the notches of the two “f” holes. The saddle should point to both of the notches in the middle of the “f” holes, and the strings should arch over the top of it. Notice that each string has specific notches cut into the saddle. Ensure that the strings rest inside their relevant notches.
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Place the bridge on the outside of the sound hole if your octave mandolin doesn’t have “f” holes. The sound hole is the large hole in the middle of the mandolin’s body. Position the bridge on the opposite side of the sound hole to the neck. Ensure the strings sit in their notches to keep the bridge centered.
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Play an open G string. This is the octave mandolin’s thickest string. Fret the G string at the 12th fret and play the note. Determine whether this note is the exactly an octave higher than the first one, flat or sharp. “Flat” means too low and “sharp” means too high. Use an electronic tuner to determine whether both notes are a perfect G if you wish.
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Move the bridge closer to the neck of the mandolin if the fretted note was flat, and away from it if the fretted note was sharp. Play the notes again to determine if your adjustment was successful. Continue to adjust the bridge until the notes are both correct.
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Turn the thumbscrews on your mandolin bridge counter-clockwise to raise the string height. This is necessary if you hear a buzzing when playing an open note. Turn the screws clockwise if the strings are hard to press down as you move down the fret-board. Bridges without thumbscrews should preferably be adjusted by a professional.
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References
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