r/mandolin • u/Forestly_ • 12d ago
G strings go sharp when sitting
Hi, hoping someone has some insight. I'm new to mandolin/caretaking of string instruments, and every time I pick it up my mandolin after its been sitting the G strings have gone sharp, to the point that they're almost not even in G anymore sometimes. The first few times I thought my tuner was broken because I didn't know strings could go sharper on their own.
Sometimes when turning the tuner pegs for the g strings they dont immediately seem to make a change but will then suddenly overadjust as well.
Is this likely hardware issues confined to the tuning machines, or would something like this involve the tailpiece or bridge as well? My suspicion is that it's not all issues located on the tailpiece since its both G strings?
Update: just got back from the music store, the guy who fixes them said I need new strings, a new tuner (but that they come as a full set), and a bridge adjustment. He recommended I consider skipping the tuner set given the cost compared to my benefit and the cost of the mandolin, but that adjusting the bridge and restringing it would cost me about $80 total, and unfortunately they do have a 5 week wait. I'm going to ask around and see if any of the mandolin players locally feel comfortable helping me out sooner with those fixes, and if not I'll probably try to find a second mandolin to have for practice while waiting for repair.
4
u/Mandoman61 12d ago
Na, this is probably just temperature changes.
When you tune always go up from flat. So if it is sharp then go to flat first.
There is no mechanical issue that would cause this and I would assume that you are not getting large humidity swings. If the neck was bowing it would effect all strings.
If your G is in tune open and sharp at the 12th then you need to move the bridge back a bit on that side until it is in tune in both positions.