Any Mandolin Players Here?

Evan Skopp

Evan Skopp

SDUGF Founder
I've wanted to learn to play the mandolin ever since I was a teenager. But I just never got around to it. Well, no time's like the present, so I'm thinking of springing for one.

Any other mando-players here? If so, what got you into it? What style of music do you play? Do you play out with your mandolin? Do you have an F or an A style -- or some other style? What brand or model would you suggest for a beginner?

Ever hear of Eastman Strings Mandolins? They're made in China, but I've heard that they use great woods and lots of hand carving, etc. Anybody have any experience with these?

What about Mid-Missouri Mandolins or Weber Mandolins?

Any thoughts or opinions would be appreciated.

Thanks!
 
Re: Any Mandolin Players Here?

Well I am in near the same boat as you are Evan except I have the mando, don't quite have the hang of it yet but I am getting there. My mandolin still needs a little TLC to get it back to prime, it is a very special piece, it was my maternal Grandfather's.

A lot of the pieces coming out of Asia are pretty damn good. I liked near all the Weber stuff I played at a Bluegrass festival last year, well built and sounded great. I've got a bunch of good mando sites bookmarked, I'll post them when I get home. Have fun searching!

1068360659_EPSN0064.jpg
 
Re: Any Mandolin Players Here?

my friend plays alot of Blink 182 on a mando, i should dare him to do it on stage next show :p


sorry i couldn't be any help, though
 
Re: Any Mandolin Players Here?

I have an old Gibson F-Mando, but I very rarely play it. I really should take it for a spin more often, though ;)

Unfortunately, that´s all I can add, other than my (probably well known) standpoint on imports in general which you didn´t ask for ;)

BTW, how was the MusikMesse. I didn´t make it this time out, but next year we gonna have a beer or 2. I mean, where´s the harm in negotiations with a guitar manufacturer ;) :D :D
 
Re: Any Mandolin Players Here?

Wattage said:
A lot of the pieces coming out of Asia are pretty damn good. I liked near all the Weber stuff I played at a Bluegrass festival last year, well built and sounded great. I've got a bunch of good mando sites bookmarked, I'll post them when I get home. Have fun searching!
Click to expand...

Thanks in advance, Wattage. I've also seen good-looking stuff from Tacoma and Godin. But I'm a total newbie. Do you know of any mando forums?


Zerberus said:
I have an old Gibson F-Mando, but I very rarely play it. I really should take it for a spin more often, though ;)
Click to expand...

Hey, if your Gibson F decides it needs a trip out to California, I'll be happy to put it up at my house!


Zerberus said:
Unfortunately, that´s all I can add, other than my (probably well known) standpoint on imports in general which you didn´t ask for ;)
BTW, how was the MusikMesse.
Click to expand...

Actually, I don't know your opinions on imports. Please lay 'em on me. Musikmesse was great. Too bad we didn't get to hook up there. I'm probably going to take next year off -- after going 12 years in a row.

Thanks for the replies!
 
Re: Any Mandolin Players Here?

Hi Evan, I play a little mandolin and mandola. I like the mandola better...my fingers can fit more easily between the tiny frets and the tone is deeper.

Mandolins are tuned liked a violin and mandolas are tuned like a viola.

The Webers you mentioned are supposed to be excellant pro level instruments, but there are many mandolin makers in the USA...they're alot easier and cheaper to make than guitars!

The Flatiron is a nice mandolin that's US made...it's based on the Army/Navy model Gibson used to make about 70 years ago! It's a flat top with an oval A style sound hole. I almost bought one when I was starting out but I found an even nicer mandola by a builder named S. Peterson. It's a great mandola but I have no idea who Mr. Peterson is!

I had a nice 20's era Gibson model A and traded it for a National Resonator guitar. I still play my A style Peterson mandola.

I think the model A's are louder to the player than the F models but the F models project better and have a more refined tone. Like the diff between a Gibson Southern Jumbo and a L5.

Tim Obrien plays A style Gibson mandolins with the arched top and sounds great...Sam Bush plays only the Lloyd Loar designed Gibson F style.

I would look in music stores in your area that cater to acoustic musicians. Here in Colorado we have the Old Town Pickin' Parlour, HB Woodsongs and the Denver Folklore Center. Those are the type of stores that carry nice mandolins and mandolas...and the owners will be much, much more knowledgable about those instruments than a store that sells mostly electric guitars.

Mandolins sound best tuned in the traditional way: E A D G but high to low! Not like a guitar with E A D G being low to high.

Guys like studio legend Tommy Tedesco always tuned thier mandolin like the top four strings of the guitar: D G B E low to high. But that doesn't sound like a mandolin to me.

The fingering is exactly like a violin...and the instrument is tuned in 5th's...rather than 4th's like a guitar.

But go to one of those folk type guitar stores and try out a few...and try a mandola! You might like it even better.

Lew
 
Re: Any Mandolin Players Here?

Lew and Wattage, thanks for the 411!

What's the bluegrass equivilant of "You guys rock!?"
 
Re: Any Mandolin Players Here?

I play a little bit. I have a flatiron, and an old harmony with a pickup in it (maybe i could get a seymour duncan for it, a little mag-mic.) My dad has one, but I don't remember the make or model. I inherited them from my grand-dad when he passed away. I play by ear, and my grand-dad showed me a bit when he was around. they are a blast to play. the falt iron is a great mandolin, I'd recomend that style. I'm not sure where they are made now. the one I have came from the factory that gibson makes there acoustic from now. I have a book that shows the chords, then I try to play along with Bill Monroe and Ricky Skaggs CD's. Most importantly HAVE FUN!!
 
Re: Any Mandolin Players Here?

i've been g.a.s.sing for a mandolin for awhile now too...

i've always loved their sound...probably my favorite stringed instrument sound period, even moreso than the guitar...

nothing like hearing a really good mandolin player play... :rolleyes:

maybe one of these days i'll try and pick it up...

good luck with your search Evan!
 
Re: Any Mandolin Players Here?

Evan,

Being from the South, I've picked the Mandolin a good bit. There is a tremendous Luthier named Randy Wood in Savannah, GA. Not only is he one of the best Acoustic Repairmen on the planet, he makes a darn fine Mandolin, too.

You can reach him via his website:

Randy Wood Guitars

His craftsmanship is worth every penny. I promise.

Best Regards,
Lee Moore

P.S.> In case you don't know Randy, we was one of the original three that opened Gruhn Guitars. He is a very neat guy and has repaired and built instruments for countless musicians worldwide. If you have a chance to talk to him, tell him that Don and Lee Moore (from Savannah, GA) said hello.
 
Re: Any Mandolin Players Here?

I just checked out Randy Woods site........HOLY CRAP, I NEVER SHOULD'VE READ THE PRICE LIST!!!

Beautiful work & I seriously DO NOT DOUBT the craftsmanship...but....WOW !!!

Honestly, I've wanted a mandolin for quite some time, but I am really amazed at the cost of these little beauties ! This might sound seriously naive, but is there really THAT big of a difference between say a $200.00 Kentucky vs a $6000.00 Randy Woods original?

AND I MEAN ABSOLUTELY NO DISRESPECT TOWARDS MR. WOODS...his instruments appear to be magnificent. Just wonderring, for you guys that play....And what's a good beginner mandolin????
 
Re: Any Mandolin Players Here?

Puck,

No offense taken, bud. You can get into a beginner Mandolin for $200-300. Randy's offsprings are designed for collectors and serious, full-time musicians that play Mandolin. Every single piece of those instruments is hand-cut and crafted. They are true works of art.

Now, do they sound different from the $300 Mandolin? You'd have to see for yourself. I can tell you that Randy's instruments sound phenomenal. As we don't play (or hear) to many Mandolins on a daily basis, it might be hard for us to tell a difference. However, the crowd to which Randy caters can tell a difference. That's why they pay $6,000 for one of his instruments. He has definitely sold a bunch of them over the years. They don't just sit on the racks as inventory overhang - Randy custom makes them on an individual basis.

Best,
Lee Moore
 
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Re: Any Mandolin Players Here?

Thanks Lee...I see your points & truly enjoyed that website. Beautiful craftsmanship to be sure!!!
 
Re: Any Mandolin Players Here?

PUCKBOY99 said:
I just checked out Randy Woods site........HOLY CRAP, I NEVER SHOULD'VE READ THE PRICE LIST!!!

Beautiful work & I seriously DO NOT DOUBT the craftsmanship...but....WOW !!!

Honestly, I've wanted a mandolin for quite some time, but I am really amazed at the cost of these little beauties ! This might sound seriously naive, but is there really THAT big of a difference between say a $200.00 Kentucky vs a $6000.00 Randy Woods original?

AND I MEAN ABSOLUTELY NO DISRESPECT TOWARDS MR. WOODS...his instruments appear to be magnificent. Just wonderring, for you guys that play....And what's a good beginner mandolin????
Click to expand...

When you get into the diff between a $300 mandolin and $1000 mandolin, there's a bigger diff than the diff between a $4000 mandolin and a $6000 mandolin. The $1000 mandolin might be twice as good as a $300 mandolin...and there's a $700 diff in price between the two. But the $6000 mandolin won't be twice as good as a $4000 mandolin...even tho the diff in price might be $2000! Same with guitars...the diff becomes increasingly more subltle and refined as you get up and up in price. Same with violins too. Same with most instruments. Are they worth it? Are Duncan Antiquitys humbuckers at $110 each worth the extra cost over $70 Duncan 59's? Sure! If you can hear that subtle difference, they're worth every penny. Lew
 
Re: Any Mandolin Players Here?

Lew -- or anyone -- what's the difference between round or oval soundholes vs. f-holes?
 
Re: Any Mandolin Players Here?

Lewguitar said:
But the $6000 mandolin won't be twice as good as a $4000 mandolin...even tho the diff in price might be $2000! Same with guitars...the diff becomes increasingly more subltle and refined as you get up and up in price. Lew
Click to expand...

This is true. After a while, the price difference becomes labor. With almost everything, you get a 'diminished return' on preparation and craftsmanship. Some people can a tell a difference at the upper levels - others can't. If you can't tell, then don't buy it!
 
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