Mandolin Intonation

Kameraad Pannekoek · 10-18-2008, 10:59 PM

Just a quick question maybe somebody could help me with. A while back I got a cheap Rogue Mandolin off Musician's Friend, but the intonation on it isn't great. I can get it in tune just fine, but then say I fret on the 5th, it'll sound out of tune. I'm guessing the intonation is adjusted by moving the bridge since it's set up like a violin or viola or cello bridge and not glued down or anything. I was wondering if anybody knew of a guide that could help me out with the process.

James+ · 05-08-2009, 05:14 AM

Like every other stringed instrument, the distance from the 12th fret to the bridge is exactly the same distance as that from the nut to the 12th fret.
Get it close to right, then use a chromatic tuner to tune it at the 12 fret by slightly adjusting the bridge. Lightly tap the bridge with something to move it.
Once 12th fret tuning is good, open strings should be very close, if not perfect.
Nut and bridge grooves (angles?) might also need to be tweaked, but the above is enough to get you up and running.

10-18-2008, 10:59 PM	#1
Kameraad Pannekoek Drunk on power. And beer. Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Wazzu Posts: 3,179 Thanks: 61 Thanked 133 Times in 114 Posts Rep Power: 151	Just a quick question maybe somebody could help me with. A while back I got a cheap Rogue Mandolin off Musician's Friend, but the intonation on it isn't great. I can get it in tune just fine, but then say I fret on the 5th, it'll sound out of tune. I'm guessing the intonation is adjusted by moving the bridge since it's set up like a violin or viola or cello bridge and not glued down or anything. I was wondering if anybody knew of a guide that could help me out with the process. __________________ If you ever need help with anything, anything at all, just send me a PM and I'll see what I can do for you. Dave's Gear: MIM Fretless Fender Jazz Bass Fender Rumble 100w Bass Amp Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster Vox Valvetronix AD30VT Guitar Amp Dunlop .71mm picks (Pink picks for the win!)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Intonation Question	frizzlefry09	Guitar and Bass Discussion	2	03-11-2009 09:19 PM
Mandolin (or guitar) Trempicking Tips	Strings	Helpful Tips and Lessons	1	10-13-2008 01:52 PM
ATTENTION people who want to play mandolin	Kameraad Pannekoek	Other Instruments Discussion	3	12-29-2007 07:50 PM
Mandolin!	Kameraad Pannekoek	Other Instruments Discussion	6	06-09-2007 03:55 AM
Anyone play a mandolin?	viperip	Other Instruments Discussion	3	02-28-2006 12:59 PM

05-08-2009, 05:14 AM	#2
James+ Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Mollymook NSW Australia Posts: 25 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts Rep Power: 17	Like every other stringed instrument, the distance from the 12th fret to the bridge is exactly the same distance as that from the nut to the 12th fret. Get it close to right, then use a chromatic tuner to tune it at the 12 fret by slightly adjusting the bridge. Lightly tap the bridge with something to move it. Once 12th fret tuning is good, open strings should be very close, if not perfect. Nut and bridge grooves (angles?) might also need to be tweaked, but the above is enough to get you up and running.

Sponsored Links
KMA Music Forum Advertisement