Mandolin Care & FAQ
At The Mandolin Store, we want to make sure you have all the tools and knowledge you need to help your instrument last a lifetime. Below are answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
Why do we recommend a case humidifier?
Solid wood instruments must be properly humidified to stay healthy.
We recommend keeping your instrument in its case with a humidifier whenever it’s not in use.
Our shop humidity stays between 45%–50%, which is ideal for most instruments.
Improper humidification can void your manufacturer’s warranty.
If you don’t already have one, we suggest the D’addario Small Instrument Humidifier.— it’s simple and effective
What strings do you recommend?
We use D’addario EJ74s on nearly all of our mandolins, except for flat-top models, which typically get EJ73s (a lighter gauge).
It’s always a good idea to keep an extra set on hand, as the E-string is under high tension and the most likely to break.
How should I clean my mandolin?
For gloss-finish instruments, use a quality instrument polish and a soft polish cloth.
Wipe your mandolin down before and after playing to remove dirt, sweat, and debris — it will keep your finish looking great for years.
Do I need to buy a tuner?
Not necessarily! There are plenty of free smartphone tuner apps that work great for practice and home use.
However, if you plan to play live or jam with others, we recommend picking up a clip-on tuner for quick, accurate tuning in any environment.
What picks should I buy?
For mandolin, a minimum thickness of 1.0 mm is important for tone and control.
We personally prefer 1.5 mm picks — the thicker material helps reduce pick noise and increase volume.
If you’re new to mandolin, try our Variety Pick Pack to experiment and find the style that feels best for you!
