Frequently Asked Questions
 |
 |
Will an armrest damage my finish?
It is possible to cause some damage using and armrest.
Using a strap, tuner, and arm contact will also damage a
finish. I can add felt as well as cork for those who desire. The
felt to me seems to slip more and sometimes requires the
armrest to be tightened more than it needs to be.
It is possible to cause some damage using and armrest.
Using a strap, tuner, and arm contact will also damage a
finish. I can add felt as well as cork for those who desire. The
felt to me seems to slip more and sometimes requires the
armrest to be tightened more than it needs to be.
How will an armrest benefit me?
An armrest can provide greater control and aid in hand
position. It also keeps you from dampening the top,
allowing it to vibrate more freely.
An armrest can provide greater control and aid in hand
position. It also keeps you from dampening the top,
allowing it to vibrate more freely.
Does size matter?
That's a personal thing. Sometimes less is more, but I
like a thicker size up to .60". I also like a larger shape
for better arm contact. I love the "McClung" style.
That's a personal thing. Sometimes less is more, but I
like a thicker size up to .60". I also like a larger shape
for better arm contact. I love the "McClung" style.
How tight should the armrest be tightened?
Just tight enough to hold it in place. Too tight really
might damage a finish.
Just tight enough to hold it in place. Too tight really
might damage a finish.
What are the different hardware options?
You have your semi-Hill, standard, and Hill
style. The hardware is violin or viola
chinrest screws. All work the same, some
have more style to them. The semi-Hill and
standard both attach by holes drilled in the
back of the armrest. The Hill style is
countersunk and attached by screws on the
underside of the armrest.
You have your semi-Hill, standard, and Hill
style. The hardware is violin or viola
chinrest screws. All work the same, some
have more style to them. The semi-Hill and
standard both attach by holes drilled in the
back of the armrest. The Hill style is
countersunk and attached by screws on the
underside of the armrest.
What is the "McClung" armrest?
It is a new concept in armrest design. The armrest is
shaped to slope from front to back to provide and
angle simular to the angle of the strings sloping to
the bridge. You have more arm contact and control
of the instrument.
It is a new concept in armrest design. The armrest is
shaped to slope from front to back to provide and
angle simular to the angle of the strings sloping to
the bridge. You have more arm contact and control
of the instrument.
Do I need a pick guard?
If you post your pinkie or fingers, or
touch the top of your mandolin when
you play, you will love a pick guard
(finger rest). The strings are usually
high enough to prevent the pick
doing damage, but you will wear a
spot in the finish with your fingers. A
pick guard will protect your top and
give you a reference as you play.
If you post your pinkie or fingers, or
touch the top of your mandolin when
you play, you will love a pick guard
(finger rest). The strings are usually
high enough to prevent the pick
doing damage, but you will wear a
spot in the finish with your fingers. A
pick guard will protect your top and
give you a reference as you play.
Will the pick guard muffle the volume?
This is much debated among players. Most of the
pick guards I make are the abbreviated style that do
not cover the F holes.
This is much debated among players. Most of the
pick guards I make are the abbreviated style that do
not cover the F holes.
How do the pick guards attach, I don't want to drill holes?
I use the traditional method with two pins made from nails or
rivets. It does require drilling holes into the pg and fret board.
Gluing one to the fret board would cause way more damage
than drilling holes (they can be filled later).
I use the traditional method with two pins made from nails or
rivets. It does require drilling holes into the pg and fret board.
Gluing one to the fret board would cause way more damage
than drilling holes (they can be filled later).
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |