Ellis mandolins are covered by a limited warranty to the original purchaser for as long as he/she owns the instrument. We ask that you fill out the return warranty card and return it to us within 30 days of purchase to properly validate the warranty. Ellis Mandolins are warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship. Ellis Mandolins are covered by the warranty for as long as the original purchaser owns the instrument. The warranty is non-transferable.

The Ellis limited warranty does not cover damage incurred by misuse, accidents, normal wear, unauthorized modifications, or damages from unauthorized or self-made repairs, improper maintenance, exposure to adverse temperature and/or humidity and other careless action, which results in damage to the instrument or finish. This is the sole warranty of Ellis Mandolins and includes the warranty of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. No other written or oral warranty applies.

Unless special ordered, your Ellis shipped with GHS A270 strings.

Tom likes the larger A strings on the GHS strings, which he feels contribute to the sound he is trying to achieve with his Instruments.

Note: When special ordering an Ellis, Tom is happy to install and set up the bridge for the strings you prefer.

The mandolin was shipped to you with the bridge on or off. The bridge should be centered on the inside F-hole point. There is an arrow on the bottom of the bridge that points to the fingerboard. The bridge top can be oriented correctly by examining the string slots and putting it on with the flat front face section under the E string.

Pay attention that the bridge top doesn’t tip forward as strings are constantly tightened over time, which it will. It causes the bridge base to not make full contact with the top and only touch at the front edge. With the mandolin at pitch, lay the mandolin on your lap with the tailpiece against your belly and firmly pull the bridge top toward you till it moves and/or squeaks. If you can’t budge it, loosen the strings some and try again. Keeping the bridge top straight will improve tone and intonation.

The mandolin is finished with Behlen Rockhard Oil Varnish with a Tru-Oil french polish. The varnish I use is very durable and quite resistant to sweat, heat, and alcohol, however it will still be curing and soft for 6 months or so. To clean, your mandolin should be wiped with a dry or damp then dry t-shirt. Be careful not to snag the corner of the f hole when wiping. A small amount of lemon oil or guitar polish is ok. If the finish has shrunk back into the pores as it cures, I can re-polish it if you wish.

Your mandolin was built at a humidity of 45%, please be cautious in the winter and do not leave it out of the case. Purchase a room humidifier, not a case humidifier. I personally think its better for the mandolin to be generally a little stressed (not less than 35%) all winter than to live comfortably at 50% and be taken out and shocked at a 15% humidity jam.