{"id":1290,"date":"2020-09-06T08:24:36","date_gmt":"2020-09-06T14:24:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wordpress-686768-2265439.cloudwaysapps.com\/?p=1290"},"modified":"2021-04-12T06:33:28","modified_gmt":"2021-04-12T12:33:28","slug":"clean-restring-mandolin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cleanmyinstrument.com\/clean-restring-mandolin\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Clean And Restring Your Mandolin"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cleaning and restringing your mandolin is one of those things that many players enjoy and actually look forward to. The smell and feel of a clean fretboard and polished mandolin, and the bright, crisp, clean tone of a brand new set of mandolin strings is just something that causes mandolin players to well up with excitement. Every mandolin player is different, so when to change your mandolin strings will depend on how often and how long you play; however, you will likely need to change your mandolin strings several times a year and you\u2019ll want to give it a good cleaning while you\u2019ve got the strings off.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cleaning and restringing your mandolin is a simple procedure and the more you do it, the quicker and easier it gets. Begin by using a small piece of painter\u2019s tape or masking tape to mark the front of where the bridge sits on the mandolin\u2019s top. Remove the tailpiece cover and loosen the strings until the bridge can be easily removed, then remove the strings by unwinding each one until you can easily remove it from the tuning machine spool. Then remove each mandolin string\u2019s loop from the tailpiece. With the strings off, use a clean dry cloth to remove all the dust, dander and debris that will easily wipe off the mandolin. Wet a quarter sized section of cloth with naphtha or other mandolin cleaner, wipe the entire mandolin body, neck, fretboard, and headstock until you are satisfied with its cleanliness. Restring the mandolin by putting the bridge back in place and winding the strings back on the tuning machine posts.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

\"Mandolin<\/p>\n

Mandolins are tuned to a higher register than many stringed instruments and rely on higher frequencies for their signature bright tone. A mandolin\u2019s tone benefits from a new set of strings more so than most stringed instruments so you\u2019ll want to change the strings more frequently than you might a guitar. The good news is that even though you are buying more strings, the cost of a set of mandolin strings is about the same as guitar strings.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before you can clean your mandolin you should remove the strings so that you can clean deep around the tuning machines, tailpiece and pickguard. Before removing your strings, use painters tape or masking tape to mark where the front of the mandolin bridge sits on the mandolin top. If you aren\u2019t super familiar with your mandolin, it\u2019s also a good idea to put a small piece of tape on the front of the bridge itself so that you can place it back in the correct direction.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to clean a mandolin:<\/span><\/h2>\n

I use naphtha (pronounced naf-tha or nap-tha) to clean every mandolin that comes into my shop. Naphtha is an inexpensive solvent that is effectively similar to oils, causing them to break down and allowing for easy removal. It can be purchased at most paint, hardware, or construction stores or purchase online from Amazon<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

WARNING!: If you choose to use <\/b>Naphtha, know that it is a petrochemical and is extremely flammable<\/b>. You must use it in a well-ventilated area away from open flame.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Naphtha does an excellent job of breaking down the oils that the human body secretes, allowing the sebum and the dirt and other debris that accumulates in it to be easily wiped off of your mandolin. Naphtha also evaporates rapidly and will not harm wood or finish and it won\u2019t leave any residue on your mandolin.<\/span><\/p>\n

What you will need to clean your mandolin:<\/span><\/h3>\n