String Installation on the Mantispa
String Installation on the Mantispa
Here is a detailed step-by-step guide, illustrated with images, on how to install the strings on the Mantispa using the Allen keys provided with the guitar.
Remove the old string’s ball:
To remove the ball of the previous string, start by unscrewing the screw located in the tuning peg. This will release the ball and allow you to remove the string. Use the provided Allen key for this step.
Install the new string:
Insert the ball of the new string into the designated slot on the bridge.
if needed, you can use one of the Allen keys to properly insert the ball. It is important that the ball does not stick out of the slot.
Once the ball is in place, gently tighten the screw in the tuning peg. This will press the ball down to secure it.
Do not tighten the tuning peg completely just yet; leave the ball as close to the bridge as possible for now.
At the headstock, each string is held by two screws. Unscrew them to release the old string.
Position the new string above the tuner piece and mark where to cut it, typically at the level of the red line on the guitar.
Use wire cutters to cut the string to the correct length.
Insert the string into its designated slot,
then tighten the first screw slightly to hold it in place.
Next, tighten the second screw more firmly than the first. The string should be held securely, but be careful not to overtighten, as this could break the string. Find the right balance between enough pressure to hold the string in place without damaging it.
You can now tighten the knob to tension the string and tune it.
Adjusting the Saddles
The Mantispa bridge has several adjustment screws for each saddle. Each saddle has two screws to adjust the height, as well as three screws around the saddle to lock it in place and fine-tune its lateral adjustment.
To adjust the saddle for the second string, start by loosening the three screws around the saddle
First remember to loosen the string knob to slacken the string and move it to the side of the bridge.
This way, by adjusting this screw, you can raise the bridge by tightening it and lower it by loosening it
Then tighten the second one.
By adjusting these two screws, you can set the angle of the saddle and therefore optimize the string’s contact point.
You can also slide the saddle to adjust the string’s intonation. Keeping the Allen key in the screw helps a lot.
Finally, tighten the three screws around the saddle again and retighten the string.
