Mando Hangout Forum Feed

capo

eric@mandohangout.com — Thu, 17 May 2012 08:52:54 CST

I'll soon know if I agree!! I enjoyed your post a lot and thanks for writing it!

Dorothy

NEW! Mando & Banjo Week at The Swannanoa Gathering

eric@mandohangout.com — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:06:21 CST

The Swannanoa Gathering Folk Arts Workshops of Warren Wilson College in Asheville, NC invite you to join us as we celebrate our 21st season with the debut of our newest workshops: Mando & Banjo Week, August 5-11, featuring a staff of some of the world’s finest players, and offering a wide variety of classes for mandolin, 5-string banjo, tenor banjo and guitar:

Mandolin staff:
Mike Marshall – (Improvisation, Brazilian Choro)
Mike Compton – (Monroe-style Bluegrass)
Don Stiernberg – (Swing/Jazz)
Radim Zenkl – (Bluegrass, Modern Mandolin)
Caterina Lichtenberg – (Classical Mandolin)
Marla Fibish – (Irish Mandolin)
Adam Tanner – (Old-Time, Beginner Mandolin)

Banjo staff:
Tony Trischka – (Intermediate & Advanced techniques)
Pete Wernick – (Beginner Bluegrass, Jamming)
Alan Munde – (Intermediate & Advanced Bluegrass)
David Holt – (Banjo Songs, Clawhammer Fiddle Tunes)
Ken Perlman – (Clawhammer Technique)
Seamus Egan – (Irish Tenor Banjo)

Guitar:
Jack Lawrence – (Bluegrass Accompaniment)
Joan Wernick – (Bluegrass Jamming)

In addition, Mando & Banjo Week runs concurrently with our Fiddle Week and students may take classes in either program. The Fiddle Week staff and classes include:

Fiddle:
Byron Berline – (Bluegrass)
Michael Doucet – (Cajun)
Joe Craven – (Improvisation, Blues)
Winfred Horan – (Irish)
Jason Anick – (Swing)
Tashina Clarridge – (New Acoustic)
Lissa Schneckenburger – (New England, Dance Fiddling)
Rayna Gellert – (Old-Time)
Ryan McKasson – (Scottish)
Duncan Wickel – (Irish, Improvisation)
Emily Schaad – (Old-Time)
Josh Goforth – (Bluegrass, Mountain Fiddling)
Tristan Clarridge – (Cello)
Kevin Kehrberg – (Bass)

Guitar:
David Surette – (Celtic Accompaniment)
Roger Bellow – (Swing)

For more information, visit our website, write or call for a free catalog.

The Swannanoa Gathering
Warren Wilson College
PO Box 9000
Asheville, NC 28815-9000
828-298-3434 (phone/fax)
www.swangathering.com
gathering@warren-wilson.edu

lowlands of holland

eric@mandohangout.com — Wed, 16 May 2012 11:11:06 CST

no matter how much i try i cant seem to save this midi file to import to tabledit could someone please help

http://www.myirelandonline.com/MIDI/Lholland.mid

capo

eric@mandohangout.com — Wed, 16 May 2012 09:36:48 CST

I am sorry if this topic bothers any mandolin player!!! I am getting very bad arthritis in my hands and I am looking for ways to be able to keep playing for as long as possible. I have never used a capo but many have told me it might help. I need one that is easy to put on my mandolin. I have tried a few but I can't even open them. Any suggestions?

downloading midis into tef viewer

eric@mandohangout.com — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:11:58 CST

well everytime i find a midi to a song i right click it but all i get is an option to buy something called quick time pro or something , i dont get any save options could someone please help me

Eastman Mandolin

eric@mandohangout.com — Tue, 15 May 2012 12:35:03 CST

Dear freinds I see by an advertisement from the Mandolin shop here in Arizona that they have two Eastman MD904D with reduced price range. I was thinking of getting one but would like to know if anyone out there has one and what is the tone quality is a good sounding instrument? Also a F5 design Kentucky reduced in price, are they any good like comparison to a Gibson or webber etc.................. Dennis in Yuma Az

repair old stradolin or just buy a new mando?

eric@mandohangout.com — Sat, 12 May 2012 21:25:08 CST

Hello all! I am a recent mando convert (merged from drums and guitar, to banjo, to mandolin)

I've been playing my grandfather's stradolin. It isn't in amazing shape. Action is high. wood has shrunk, was at one time reguled where the back came apart from the body.

Anyway, I took it to a local luthier, who quoted 80 bucks to make it more playable, he advised leaving the previous glue job be and let good enough be good enough. Which is fine by me.

There is some sinking in the top. The luthier would be shaving down the bridge and doing work on the nut.

I am tempted to go through with this, as the only mandos I would consider buying cost at least 500 bucks.

I just worry that I'll still be unsatisfied with the repair. Though I could bang around with it and save for a new one in the meantime.

Any thoughts or opinions welcome. Thanks!

Jukebox Rocks!

eric@mandohangout.com — Sat, 12 May 2012 20:22:10 CST

Hi all,

I don't post much but have to say that I love the Jukebox feature of this website. Often I will be crusing the internet with the Jukebox playing in the background. I love it.

No thread for Everett Lilly???

eric@mandohangout.com — Sat, 12 May 2012 20:03:06 CST

One of the great pioneers of Bluegrass music AND a mandolin player besides passes away and there is no thread? This is a mandolin forum?? Pretty sad.

I gave up on this lame site and went back to the Cafe a while back. They have some faults but at least they have a thread for Everett Lilly!

Happy Mothers Day

eric@mandohangout.com — Sat, 12 May 2012 15:19:46 CST

Let's not forget her folks.

Durham gaol

eric@mandohangout.com — Sat, 12 May 2012 09:25:25 CST

ive been listening to this track by the dubliners and a singer from the North east of England called jez lowe and was wondering if any one knows of any tabliture for this song ive looked everywhere , thanks

Who Plays Bill Monroe in the Movie?

eric@mandohangout.com — Fri, 11 May 2012 16:13:49 CST

Folks,

I used this title to point out that on the Banjo Hangout, there is a discussion thread currently 3 pages long discussing this very topic! I am sure that the irony is not lost to members of the MHO. We have a two-page thread on the Mando Hangout asking where everyone is and why there is so little posting here. Maybe the mystery has been solved, and everyone is lurking on the Banjo Hangout!! Why can't we have a dialogue on the Mando Hangout page with the same level of passion and enthusiasm that is taking place on he BHO about one of the most important mandolin players in recent history? Seems the discussion thread taking place on the Banjo Hangout debating the merits of different actors and their worthiness to portray Bill Monroe is tailor made for this Hangout. I know some may say that the discussion on actors is trivial and not worthy of three pages of discussion, but that isn't the point. The point is that in a matter of days banjo players will generate three pages of comments on an issue that centers around a mandolin player, (imagine how long the thread would be if the discussion was about who plays Earl?) and our neck of the woods stays eerily quiet. Maybe the point is that mandolin players do indeed spend more time in the woodshed than on the computer, or maybe mandolin players don't feel the need to post their thoughts and opinions, but I do enjoy coming here for the ones who do post. I do hope to see more.

Players to emulate? Song writing?

eric@mandohangout.com — Thu, 10 May 2012 08:39:37 CST

So as n00b per se, I'd like to ask the rest of you what players you listen to or watch, and whom are good candidates for learning and pulling technique from?

My classical guitar teachers always taught me to look to actual players and try to understand and learn from their technique and application.

Right now the ones I'm aware of are Bill Monroe, Ricky Skaggs, David Grisman, Chris Thile, and Tim O'Brien.

Who else should I be paying attention to/studying?

I know there are sort of a group of classic and old school players,

are there also newer players/unorthodox players on the circuit that I should be aware of?

Any Les Claypools or Frank Zappas of the mandolin?

------

As a songwriter, where do you start with your mandolin?

Are there practical limitations to the instrument that are helpful to observe when playing and writing?

On my mandolin, I find the fretboard above the twelve fret is less responsive, quieter, and hard to play. I don't have this issue on the guitar, but the fret here are much tinier.

Do you have a technique or suggestion to get the most out of the fretboard?

I'm frankly happy with my twelve frets on all four string pairs.

But as a improv lead player, I crave versatility and access to notes.

How about alternate tunings?

When I first got my instrument I dorked out for a few hours with each string pair tuned slightly apart, in 2nds or minor 2nds or so. I even fiddled with fretting different notes on each string of a string pair.

----

Are there any pieces of equipment that are easily overlooked that could improve a playing or performing experience for a mandoliner?

I play with just a dunlop green tortex mandolin pick and a very light strap.

----

Thanks for your time/attention, that's all for my crazy brain today.

Mother's Day Virtual Open Mic

eric@mandohangout.com — Thu, 10 May 2012 07:16:43 CST

http://www.musician-central.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=66&t=5218

This is something we're trying to get going in another forum, where I'm one of the mods, 2nd Sunday of each month.

Everyone who'd like to post a video and/or an mp3 is cordially invited to do so.

Any style, any genre, and it doesn't have to be Mother's Day related.

Hope to see y'all there!

McKinley

eric@mandohangout.com — Wed, 9 May 2012 15:34:14 CST

Anyone know anything about McKinley mandolins made near Mansfield, Ohio?

New Mando Student

eric@mandohangout.com — Mon, 7 May 2012 19:15:28 CST

Good evening folks,

Just figured on make a quick post to introduce myself. I'm mostly a brass player, but most of my favorite music doesn't include brass instruments. I briefly picked up the acoustic guitar, but really didn't get "into" it and fell off of it and never really got anywhere with it. I have, however, had a deeper interest in the mandolin for many years, but have never had the drive to try it until this past Saturday. I went with my mother (an avid acoustic guitar player and beginning banjo player) to a local bluegrass night. I enjoyed the music, and my interest in the mandolin soared. Since then I have been browsing around this forum, other forums, YouTube, and many other sites that have any mandolin related content.

I memorized D, G, and C chords and went to the local music store this morning to make the initial jump. Given my history of picking up an instrument and after a while of playing (or at least trying to learn to play) and dropping it, I figured it was best for me to "test the waters" with a budget mandolin such as a Rogue before I jump into a nicer, hand carved solid top F style mandolin. As luck would have it, the local shop does not carry Rogue or even a similar brand. Probably a good thing. I looked at a few mandolins, including an F style Fender that they had for about $500 or $600 (can't remember, didn't pay to much attention to the price, as I knew it was out of my current price range anyway). It came down to 2, either a Fender starter kit including an A styler mandolin, gig bag, tuner, extra strings, strap, and Hal Leonard instruction book for $220, or an Epiphone MM-20 for $170. After picking those basic 3 chords on these 2 and looking them both over, I felt the better of the 2 was the Epiphone and went for it.

After getting her home, I promptly pulled her out, checked the tuning, and began to practice Steve Earl's Copperhead Road, as shown on YouTube user gtrjoeles's video. I know, while I enjoy the song, it's not exactly the style of music I want to play. I chose this because it's a good song, seems somewhat simple (even with the hammers and slides), and I felt that it would give me something "fun" to play in between practicing the fundamentals to keep my interest going. I've been "practicing" on and off for about the last 5 or 6 hours. I even did a bit of a jam session with my mother (playing the guitar) on a few simple bluegrass/gospel tunes. So far, I'm loving it, and can't wait to get better with it.

Take care ladies and gents,

Shannon

Guitar strings

eric@mandohangout.com — Mon, 7 May 2012 08:28:49 CST

Recently, I came into possession of an inexpensive Washburn hollow-body electric guitar. I haven't played any guitar in nearly 20 years, and I'm not sure if I'll hold on to it. It looks good, and sounds surprisingly rich for a ~$300 piece. My issue is that it came with flat wound strings, which are relatively new. I don't object to them, but I'm not sure I want to hang on to them either when it comes time to switch them out. Right now I'm experimenting with these, but i wouldn't mind suggestions for when it comes time to change.

I may yet post elsewhere, but I know there are guitar players lurking about here.

Simple Sheet Music - Standard Music Notation Source...

eric@mandohangout.com — Sun, 6 May 2012 09:31:50 CST

Just found this...

Using it as a source for myself and my students...

http://www.1manband.nl/sheetmusic/index.htm

Tom

Shove That Pig's Foot a Little Further into the Fire

eric@mandohangout.com — Sat, 5 May 2012 22:09:18 CST

One of my favorite fiddle tunes. Inspired by Ed Britt and Don Brochelt, two banjo pickers and sound amazing together.

Bending maple sides...

eric@mandohangout.com — Sat, 5 May 2012 07:42:05 CST

How are you folks bending your sides? I have been using various diameters of iron pipes, called nipples in the plumbing trade, 6" long mounted to flanges which in turn is screwed to a piece of 5/4 x 6 pine with a 2" hole drilled through.

I heat the pipe with a propane torch and this has worked well for many instruments, even as large as guitars. Now that I am getting ready to make a cello, I decided to get an honest-to-goodness electric bending iron.

I wondered how many of you builders use electric irons, or do you use heated pipes. I bet some of you even use the heat blanket method.

Need help with figuring out Practice Regime

eric@mandohangout.com — Sat, 5 May 2012 07:19:05 CST

Hello,

I picked up the mandolin a few months ago and have been playing fairly consistently since then.....

What I can do

* Read music semi-fluently

*Pentatonic scales

*Major scales

* Play a few songs

*Simple improv things that kind of sound like jigs

* Aonzo scales

What I can't do

* memorize music well ...no interest at all

* form chords quickly

* venture to the upper frets often

* play songs with a flat instead of a sharp even though a sharp for the lower note fits (can anyone explain to me why they do that)

* improvise chords and notes into a decent improv song

* playing by ear

*probably alot more that I am not aware of

What I want to do

*improv well

* read sheet music fluently

*play by ear

Well I probably could think of more things but that's basically where i'm at. I don't have one particular type of music I want to learn, and that might be why I don't know what direction I want to go with a practice schedule. However I know I want to be able to improvise better. I guess my question is what do you guys recommend for a practice schedule that will improve overall improv skills in a way that isn't genre specific?

Autographed mandolins?

eric@mandohangout.com — Sat, 5 May 2012 07:15:23 CST

I had the opportunity to see Punch Bros. in Freeport Maine, and afterward was the signing/autograph session. I stood in line with my personal F-5

and had Chris Thile sign it. I asked him to sign it above the bass-side F-hole, but instead he remarked, "Actually, I like signing them here," pointing to below

the treble F-hole. His signature is not that legible, so you'd have to take my word for it. I have a beater fiddle that I bring to concerts to have fiddlers sign, and it

is only for that purpose. I got the idea from Mark O'Connor who has such a signing fiddle.

Has anyone else had a prominent performer sign your mandolin?

What to clean with

eric@mandohangout.com — Thu, 3 May 2012 12:29:05 CST

Afternoon,

Sorry if this is a stupid question but as a new player I'm wondering that should I clean my mandolin with after I've played/practiced around with it for a few hours? And how about the strings? Would just a clean cloth be enough?

Mandolin Chords

eric@mandohangout.com — Wed, 2 May 2012 14:38:09 CST

My wife is learning Mandolin. She has a chord chart that is confusing. Hopefully you be able to see the attachment and explain this. In case you can not see the picture, the question is on an A chord it shows two # 1's on the second fret, the top two strings. The B chord shows two # 2's the the second fret, the bottom two strings.

If it represents finger position, how do you put the same finger on two different strings at once?

Rory Gallagher's mandolin style

eric@mandohangout.com — Wed, 2 May 2012 12:18:51 CST

Hi every body,

I'm a french musician, and I'm interested in mandolin.

I'm a fan of Rory Gallagher, and I wanted to know if someone can explain the caracteristics of Rory's style on mandolin? Is it more something in typicall irish style, or is it influenced by bluegrass or country style of mandolin?

More generally, can someone explain the big differences between irish style of mandolin, bluegrass style and country style, in rythm and solo?

Thanks

Tex Logan's 85th Birthday Celebration

eric@mandohangout.com — Tue, 1 May 2012 19:07:14 CST

I was thrilled to attend Tex Logan's 85th Birthday Celebration last week.

There were hours and hours of music by a stunning list of luminaries.

Fortunately I captured several hours of video.

With Jody Logan's permission, here is Part 1...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAGO0rYyb9o

Due to other obligations, it will take me a while to make the rest available, so please stay tuned.

Temperance Reel

eric@mandohangout.com — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 21:47:27 CST

Here's my take on Temperance Reel, a fun and beautiful melody. Hope I do it some justice, hope you enjoy!

Byron

washburn mandolin

eric@mandohangout.com — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 20:39:53 CST

What is the value of a 1897 washburn Mandolin? Dennis in Arizona

Opinions on a Kay

eric@mandohangout.com — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 05:49:18 CST

Is it my imagination, or does this seem like a really good deal:

http://www.elderly.com/vintage/names/kay-kraft-a-style-mandolin-%28early-1940%27s%29--90U-6087.htm

Interview w/ Phil Madeira on "Mercyland: Hymns For The Rest of Us"

eric@mandohangout.com — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:34:25 CST

I would like to share an exciting new interview that I have recently posted on my music blog, Uprooted Music Revue.

It's a Q and A with songwriter, musician, producer Phil Madeira, who is also in Emmylou Harris' band, the Red Dirt Boys.

For Mercyland: Hymns For The Rest of Us, Mr. Madeira has brought together such extraordinary artists as The Civil Wars, Shawn Mullins, Buddy Miller, The Carolina Chocolate Drops, Madeira, Mat Kearney, Cindy Morgan, Amy Stroup, The North Mississippi Allstars, Dan Tyminski, Emmylou Harris, and John Scofield for the album.

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Phil Madeira to discuss his own musical experiences, as well as the making of Mercyland: Hymns For The Rest of Us.

Interview: http://www.uprootedmusicrevue.com/2012/04/phil-madeira-joins-artists-in-harmony.html

Thanks very much for reading, and if you enjoy the interview, please be sure to follow Uprooted Music Revue on facebook and twitter. I would really appreciate your support.

Cheers,

Chris

Chords/Tab for If I Die Young?

eric@mandohangout.com — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:00:03 CST

DH and I are working on this, I've got the guitar down but he's having trouble with the mandolin part.

Thanks,

Theresa

Interview w/ Creators of Punch Brothers Film "How To Grow A Band"

eric@mandohangout.com — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:09:38 CST

Hi All,

I would like to share an exciting new interview that I have recently posted on my music blog, Uprooted Music Revue.

It's a Q and A with the creators (director and co-producer Mark Meatto and co-producer Michael Bohlmann) of the Punch Brothers documentary, "How To Grow A Band".

How To Grow A Band Interview: http://www.uprootedmusicrevue.com/2012/04/filmmakers-of-punch-brothers-film-how.html

Thanks very much for reading, and if you enjoy the interview, please be sure to follow Uprooted Music Revue on facebook and twitter. I would really appreciate your support.

Cheers,

Chris

Mini 6 string electric in fifths

eric@mandohangout.com — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:45:04 CST

I was just wondering about the feasability of tuning a kids electric 6 string guitar with a scale length if about 22 " to fifths tuning.
Thanks, Eric

Yank Rachell CD

eric@mandohangout.com — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 06:57:43 CST

Just got my copy of "Blues Mandolin Man" in the mail and I love this guy's playing! I scooped up a copy of his "Too Hot For The Devil"CD and will be getting that in about a week. There's another compilation CD called "Mandolin Blues" and am discovering other players I like such as Will Hatcher "Garbage Man Blues" and Carl Martin. "Gravedigger Blues"

Hats

eric@mandohangout.com — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 06:35:10 CST

How many MHO members wear hats on stage? Does the whole band wear them? I'd love to see some pictures in this thread.

Mel Bay Mandolin Sessions closes

eric@mandohangout.com — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:55:53 CST

What a bummer-for whatever reason,Mel Bay has ended all their online sessions. Very shocking as I thought it was a good promo for them & probably sold a lot of books & DVDs that way. You can still access the archive but no more new articles. Drat.

probably number one basic question of many

eric@mandohangout.com — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:28:08 CST

as people who have read my introduction post will realize i am a brand new member of the mandolin playing family with no previous experience of playing a musical instrument well just been reading some of the posts on pics and was wondering whats the difference between the many pick varieties and is there a definitive pick for a beginner or is it trail and error thanks for your time

Gibson 'A' Question

eric@mandohangout.com — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:26:43 CST

Gibson 'A' oval hole mandos made 1900-1927 - it's my understanding these always had a nut width of 1 1/4 inches. True or...?

Jim

Birthday story - need help

eric@mandohangout.com — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 08:03:50 CST

My lovely wife surprised me for my birthday with an Epiphone MM 50-E mandolin, telling me that she knows nothing about musical instruments and that I should feel free to return it if its not right. I am an experienced guitar player -- and probably spoiled in my tolerance for entry-level instruments -- but have never touched a mandolin until yesterday. The Epi strikes me as about what you'd expect from a $500 instrument -- reasonably well made, but the machine heads are very stiff which makes tuning hard and the finish is spotty. My question: is there a better option in that basic price range. I play with a band that is moving into bluegrass and folk music, so I figured amplification would be helpful (I have a piezo in my acoustic guitar). Is that necessary? Thanks so much for the help. Tim

Ball end Strings in light?

eric@mandohangout.com — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 10:34:40 CST

I'm wondering if any of you know the lightest set to be found in ball end mandolin strings? I need em for my Ovation. Appreciate any suggestions!

The picks

eric@mandohangout.com — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 05:50:44 CST

Witch picks do you all use? I keep going back and forth with bluechip tpr50 and bluechip sr50, Although I do like ts. What do you use :o

johnson mando-anybody give a good word

eric@mandohangout.com — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 01:28:39 CST

i got a johnson 095 at a good deal and i knew it was b stock. paid 100 w case. so far it plays and sounds well for a plywood top cheap mando. anybody have any opinions and or advice. my budget was slim due to health. ive got a woods a model that ive never heard of but is fair. glad i found this site. mark

only good when the capo is on

eric@mandohangout.com — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 10:09:29 CST

I picked up a CHEAP mandolin because I love the sound and wanted to see if I enjoyed playing it given the size of the instrument. I didn't expect it to be exceptional for what I paid for it but I did expect it to at least play chords in tune. Here is where it is strange. If I capo it any where on the neck and play chords it sounds marvelous. Without the capo the D strings are in tune played open but flat on any chord.

Since this is purely a learning experience for me I figured I would try and fix it myself. The problem is I have done everything I know how to do setup wise and it still sounds bad. Anyone run into this before?

new to playing

eric@mandohangout.com — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:00:12 CST

i have recently purchased a tanglewood mandolin and started out on the road to teaching myself to play and was advised to register on here by mandolin chick on twitter sorry if this is posted in the wrong section but hope to pick up some advice and tips

WTB: Good mando in the $500 range

eric@mandohangout.com — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 09:19:22 CST

I'm not playing as much mandolin as I used to, so I've sold my 1918 Gibson, and I'm looking for a decent mandolin in the $500(or less) price range.

I need a mandolin that's easy to play. 1 1/8'' or narrower nut and low action. I like old, beat up instruments, so maybe a vintage Stradolin, or something along those lines. I'm really open to anything, but not much interested in F style mandolins, or mandolins with a magnetic pickup mounted in the top. I'm not a bluegrass player, so I don't need a mandolin with a "big chop". Thanks!

Levon Helm

eric@mandohangout.com — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:40:10 CST

RIP and thanks for the music...

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/levon-helm-drummer-and-singer-of-the-band-dies-at-71-20120419

Mandolin, Banjo good music wall art?

eric@mandohangout.com — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 20:57:30 CST

Moderator, please dump this post.

Mandolin, Banjo good music wall art?

eric@mandohangout.com — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 20:57:16 CST

This one might be a bit different.

After a recent divorce I find myself in my own house. After finally fixing it up and furnishing to a point where I'm proud of it I'm down to needing some rt for the walls. I'd like nice music related art. After cruising the internet little has caught my eye. I'm looking for suggestions as to where to get decent wall art.

Bought one of these off of Ebay about a month ago...

eric@mandohangout.com — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:55:03 CST

Looks to a Chinese knock-off of the Snark (or similar, at least), but it has held up nicely and, for $5, w/ free shipping, is a pretty good deal.

Ordered several more...one for each instrument case and as Xmas gifts for picking friends and family.

Has anyone here ever gotten one of these and, if so, how well has it held up?

Mandolin Choices

eric@mandohangout.com — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:51:10 CST

Hello, I really need some help. You probably get a lot of this kind of question, but living on a battle destroyer in the middle of the Indian Ocean, it's a little tough to get to a music store and try them out. I am a guitar player, I would say average. I have been fascinated by mandolins for a long time so I decided to take the plunge. I am looking to stay around $800 which should put me at the higher end of the inexpensive models. I want better than a beginner that will last me a long time. I have it narrowed down to 3 that I really like, but have no idea about the company, the mandolin quality, sound etc.... I was advised to start with an "a" design, but asking around I was told that if you want to keep it for a long time and don't plan on buying another one go with an "f" design. I like the looks of them better any way. Here are the 3 I am looking at. Any help or honest comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, JB

Kentucky KM 630

Eastman MD 315F

Loar LM 500 VS