Stringing my Mandolin

I have a Collings model MT Mandolin. A gift, I bought myself with my late mother’s inheritance, it’s the finest instrument I’ve ever owned. When its got new strings on it and is in tune, I can play a version of blackberry blossom that will make you cry (for one reason or another). New strings and attunement can enable a wannabe musician like me to sound pretty good (I often feel skilled beyond my competency with new strings on an instrument). Old stretched strings on the other hand, just don’t have the vibe that make quality music.

Problem is; it’s a bitch to put new strings on the thing. A mandolin has eight strings and it’s a tiny instrument. Maneuvering around the peg head is a delicate proposition. It takes time and patience to restring a mandolin, but the payoff is outstanding.

Like life, every once in awhile, we need to restring and tune up. Life is much sweeter when this happens and the effort (sometimes frustrating) is well worth it.

-John