kogan RYAMANDOSBA A-Style Acoustic Mandolin User Guide
- June 8, 2024
- Kogan
Table of Contents
kogan RYAMANDOSBA A-Style Acoustic Mandolin
SAFETY & WARNINGS
Read Carefully Before Proceeding
- When using a strap, make sure the strap is securely attached to the mandolin.
- Refrain from treating the instrument in a rough manner. Do not swing it around.
- Do not place your face close to the instrument when changing or adjusting the strings.
- After changing the strings, cut off the leftover string ends. Clean the instrument with a soft, dry cloth.
- When cleaning the headstock, be careful not to injure yourself on the sharp string ends.
- Broken mandolin necks are mostly the result of accidents such as dropping the instrument, the instrument falling over or from shocks occurred during transport. When the mandolin is not be in used, make sure it is kept on a sturdy stand where it won’t fall over or place it in the supplied bag.
- Note that images in this user guide are for reference only and may differ to actual design.
Store the Instrument Properly
- DO NOT keep the instrument close to a fire or flame and keep it on a low, stable surface.
- DO NOT place the instrument in an unstable position where it might accidentally fall over.
- DO NOT expose this instrument to direct sunlight, high temperature/humidity or leave stored in an automobile.
COMPONENTS LIST
- Mandolin
- Bag
- Tuner
- Replacement string set
- Picks
- Cleaning cloth
OVERVIEW
TUNING 
The standard mandolin tuning is
the same as violin tuning: G-D-A-E, from low to high.
On a mandolin, you tune each “course” (or pair) of strings to the same pitch, so the mandolin’s tuning is really G-G-D-D-A-A-E-E.
Find the tuners that correspond to each string. Typically, you’ll find the tuners for the G and D strings on the upper side of the head (closest to you) and the tuners for the A and E strings on the lower side of the head.
Start from the lowest pitch and move to the highest pitch, tuning in a clockwise direction around the mandolin’s head. Tune in pairs. Start by tuning each string individually using a tuner to get as close to the correct pitch as possible. Then, play the two strings consecutively and listen to see if they sound the same as one another.
If one sounds higher or lower, adjust it accordingly until both strings are in unison.
Double check the tuning again after you’ve tuned the E strings. As the tension of each string changes, the previously tuned strings will have slightly gone out of tune, so will require further adjustment.
BRIDGE INTONATION
Step 1: Study the string slots on the bridge and be aware that the thicker strings will go into the wider slots. Generously loosen the strings so that the bridge can sit upright underneath the strings without any string tension. Lift the loosened strings and carefully place the bridge underneath the strings.
Step 2: Centre the bridge between the notches of each F-hole. If the mandolin has an oval shaped sound hole, place the bridge behind the sound hole, centered to the body. Step 3: Tune up the low G string to pitch, making sure it is resting in the appropriate groove in the nut and the bridge. Play the G string open and fret it at the 12th fret. If the two notes are the same then the bridge is in the correct position. If the fretted note is flat, move the entire bridge (not just one side) slightly forward. If the note is flat, move it slightly back.
Step 4: Once the open G and the fretted G are in tune, repeat the same step with the high E string. Adjust the bridge accordingly.
Step 5: Once the G and the E are intonated, tune up the rest of the strings to pitch and you’re ready to play. Adjust the thumbscrews on the bridge to your preferred string action.
REPLACING STRINGS
Step 1: Loosen and remove old string
When re-stringing a mandolin, you can save yourself some later readjustments
by changing only one string at a time.
Step 2: Lift the tailpiece cover
This cover will be attached to the tailpiece at the bottom of your mandolin.
It covers the area where the strings are attached to the tailpiece and
protects your forearm while playing. This cover should just pop off the
tailpiece by pulling up on it a bit or sliding it down toward the bottom of
the mandolin.
Step 3: Detach the string
The tailpiece at the bottom of your mandolin has eight hooks on it, where the
strings attach. Mandolin strings usually just have a loop at the end that
attaches to one of the hooks on the tailpiece. You will just need to pull the
loop off of the hook on the tailpiece to detach the string.
Step 4: Hook the loop on your replacement string to the correct hook on
your tailpiece
Be sure you are attaching the correct string, one that matches the one you
just removed. Once hooked on, keep the string taut so that it doesn’t come off
the hook.
Step 5: Pull the string up, along the fretboard and up towards the peg
head (tuner)
Make sure that the string is seated properly in the bridge and the nut, which
is located at the top of the fretboard. These two pieces hold the string
centered in place, as well as off the surface of the body and fretboard.
Step 6: Pull the string tight through the hole then wrap the string
around the post
You want to lock the string in place, so put a kink in it right where it comes
through the hole in the post. Then wrap the string around the post, locking it
in place.
Step 7: Tighten the string by turning the tuner knob associated with the
post it’s attached to
You do not need to tune it yet, just make sure the string is taut and won’t
slip out of place. Using pliers, clip off any excess string sticking up off
the tuning post.
CLEANING & CARE
Wood is an organic, porous material that either absorbs moisture from the air
or evaporates it out into the air, depending on the humidity and temperature
of the environment surrounding it. Like a sponge, when wood absorbs moisture,
it swells up and conversely, when it dries out, it shrinks. One of the
greatest threats to the integrity of fine wood is a lack of attention to
maintaining the instruments in the appropriate temperature and humidity range
that will ensure the ideal moisture content in the wood.
The ideal temperature is about 21°C (70°F) and humidity is between 40% and
50%. Take care of your instruments to ensure longevity.
When the instrument is not in use, we recommend that you keep it in its bag.
Do not leave the instrument out of the case for long periods near a heating
vent, radiator or in direct sunlight near a window. Cracks in the wood are
typically caused by changes in temperature and humidity.
Clean the instrument after each use, making sure to wipe the fingerboard and strings, as well as any of the plated parts with a soft dry cloth. If you plan to store the instrument for a long period of time, loosen the strings a bit to relieve the tension, but do not remove them. Rough, exposed fret edges are evidence of an overly dry and shrunken fingerboard. The wood will contract as it dries out, but as the frets are inert, you will feel the fret edges begin to protrude past the edge of the fingerboard.
CHORD CHART
Need more information?
We hope that this user guide has given you the assistance needed for a simple
set-up.
For the most up-to-date guide for your product, as well as any additional
assistance you may require, head online to
help.kogan.com