Mando Hangout Forum Feed

New Duo Style Tabs

eric@mandohangout.com — Fri, 1 May 2026 18:00:52 CST

I just posted a bunch of my arrangements, including a few in duo style, in case anyone is interested: mandohangout.com/tab/browse.as...&v=65447.

Classical Mandolin Archive

eric@mandohangout.com — Fri, 3 Apr 2026 23:58:09 CST

Classical Mandolin Archive

mandolinarchive.org

Classical Mandolin Archive is a non-commercial, open-access digital project dedicated to preserving and sharing the heritage of the classical mandolin

mandolinarchive.org

. It gathers high-quality photographs and detailed information about mandolins from makers past and present—spanning historical European luthiers to contemporary artisans worldwide

Mission & Purpose
The archive's primary goal is to serve as a centralized reference resource to assist musicians, collectors, researchers, and musicologists with the identification, dating, and attribution of classical mandolins

mandolinarchive.org

. By documenting instrument craftsmanship across eras and regions, it supports scholarship, appreciation, and informed collecting.

What You'll Find

Over 800+ documented mandolins with multiple photographs per instrument

mandolinarchive.org
Searchable by maker, model, tag, or collection
Global scope: Italian, Japanese, American, and other traditions
Open contributions: Luthiers and collectors are invited to submit instruments for inclusion

mandolinarchive.org

Built for Community
Powered by Omeka, the archive emphasizes ethical sharing: all images remain copyrighted by their original photographers, and proper credit with a link back to the site is required for any reuse

mandolinarchive.org

. It's a living, growing resource - strengthened by contributions from the global mandolin community.

Explore the collection. Share your instrument. Help preserve mandolin heritage.

Set-up mandolin as ukulele ?

eric@mandohangout.com — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 04:05:59 CST

Hi
I'm hoping that someone here can help me. I have recently bought an Eastman mandolin and I love the sound of the mandolin but I'm really struggling to play it any sense. My usual instrument is the ukulele which I have been playing for quite a while and am reasonably proficient at playing.
My Question is this: Can the mandolin be strung to the same tuning as the ukulele (i.e. GCEA) and if so, which strings would you recommend to give an even tension ?
My ukuleles are mainly strung with a low G instead of the normal "re-entrant" G.
I do hope that you are able to help as if I can't restring it I may have to sell it !

Knobelsdorf Mandolin

eric@mandohangout.com — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 08:47:53 CST

Saw this recently on the ROKU Antiques Roadshow channel. Surprised to find a clip:

thirteen.org/programs/antiques...0-aeeepf/

My Last Days on Earth

eric@mandohangout.com — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 08:39:40 CST

I've decided to finally pursue "My Last Days on Earth."

I have the Hal Leonard sheet music/tablature, and a video lesson from Noya Mountain Music, and am jumping in.

I built a mandolin practice tracker app - honest feedback welcome

eric@mandohangout.com — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 14:00:50 CST

Hey all - I'm an indie developer and just released Mandolin Practice Log for iOS.

Log practice sessions, build a daily streak, track progress over time. Break practice into focused areas (Scales, Chops, Repertoire, Sight-Reading - or add your own), set daily goals per area, see weekly/monthly/all-time stats. Built-in chromatic tuner with mandolin-specific presets.

Most practice trackers are too generic. I wanted something built for how mandolin players actually practice.

App Store: apps.apple.com/app/id6759742613 - $3.99

Honest feedback genuinely welcome.

How do you structure a typical practice session?

eric@mandohangout.com — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 14:00:38 CST

I'm trying to get more intentional about practice. Do you follow a set routine - warm-up, scales, then tunes? Or go where the music takes you? Without some structure I find I waste a lot of time.

How do you structure a typical practice session?

eric@mandohangout.com — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 08:49:54 CST

I'm trying to get more intentional about practice time. Do you use a set routine - warm-up, then technique, then repertoire? Or go where the music takes you? I find I waste time without some structure.

What do you find most useful for sight-reading improvement?

eric@mandohangout.com — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 08:49:03 CST

I've been trying to get better at reading notation while playing. Do most of you learn mostly by ear, or do you work on reading sheet music? Curious what works at different levels.

Trying new picks

eric@mandohangout.com — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 06:47:13 CST

Hey all. I have a few picks that I really like, but for fun, I just picked up a Token pick (D1-60), and a few different Cooper picks.

I'm still putting the Token through it's paces on my mandolin. so far, it's on par with my V-Picks Tremolo.

Cooper picks will be relegated to guitar. To me, they're just not for mando.

Any thoughts on either of these?

More About Instrument Weight

eric@mandohangout.com — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 03:38:41 CST

The recent post about the weight of an F5 mandolin reminded me of this video about lightweight guitars ("Old Martins" etc). Franklin Guitars are very special and very lightweight. Lloyd Loar mandolins are lighter than average too.

youtu.be/2vhlTABmKh4?si=_qrjNtg1-iso3REV

weight

eric@mandohangout.com — Sun, 21 Dec 2025 14:14:25 CST

hello to all & merry Christmas . I have built a F5 mandolin from Roger Siminoff's plans. I would like to know the weight of a Gibson F5 for comparison sake. If anyone knows, I would appreciate knowing it. Thank you and Roger for the great plans. By the way, as busy as he must be he still takes time to answer a question personally. A great guy, bob

Flatiron price

eric@mandohangout.com — Sat, 13 Sep 2025 15:41:26 CST

I have a Flatiron Festival F style (DW 08010021 sticker says Gibson original acoustic instruments) 12-15 yrs old good condition few playing scuffs, soft case.
Any estimate of sale price please?

Another Builders Latest YouTube, Lacombe Bouzouki

eric@mandohangout.com — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 04:41:44 CST

Looks excellent! sounds excrllent!

youtu.be/erZcbmftFng?si=YSh9gAF6LKdv62VJ

Web Content From A Builder

eric@mandohangout.com — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 15:29:04 CST

A lovely new instrument featuring lovely playing,

youtu.be/DijXEQptkfY?si=7KIrTl7DfmShbp8q

I Just Don't Get It!

eric@mandohangout.com — Sat, 16 Aug 2025 11:16:19 CST

I've been playing guitar ... bass ... ukulele ... steady for 5 years now ... longer off and on playing ... When it comes to the mandolin I am having trouble and it is blowing my mind! I've been playing it off and on for years now. I can get clear notes when playing other instruments, but I CAN'T get a clear notes with the mandolin! ...

The frets are shorter than the guitar ... and bass ... about the same on the ukulele ... but on the mandolin everything sound plucky.

The F chord on the mandolin is the same shape as the C chord on guitar ... I have no problem getting a clear sound on the guitar .... but on the mando ... it's impossible!!!! All plucky!!! WHY? What am I doing wrong?

It doesn't make any sense to me. I just don't get it!

YouTube Keeps Sending Me Mandolin Content

eric@mandohangout.com — Sat, 9 Aug 2025 05:24:50 CST

Boosting mandolin content from the web...

I enjoyed having Graham Macdonald's book on loan from the library. I think I need my own copy.
I was pleased to see his videos in my "Up Next" this week. This one is neat with an explanation of the elusive short scale Octave Mandolin (Mandola).

youtu.be/6JxSGfjwuTU?si=3HCg72F7AWTHi9E0

Old Hickory Broken Neck!

eric@mandohangout.com — Mon, 4 Aug 2025 06:22:53 CST

I’m new to the mandolin. I’ve played guitar and banjo for years, so I thought I’d give the mandolin a try.
I currently have two: one I bought for literally a penny, which has no brand name and sounds terrible, and the other is an old Hickory that was given to me. It’s an F-style and used to sound great, but one of my siblings left it on the floor and stepped on it, snapping the neck in half at the 5th fret. My dad tried to fix it, but now it sounds awful.

So my question is: should I get a luthier to repair the old Hickory, stick with the no-name one, or buy a new mandolin for around a hundred bucks?

Thanks,
Juan Solo

A style mandolin bridge placement

eric@mandohangout.com — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 10:50:33 CST

Trying to figure out placement of bridge on type a mandolin

Mandolin with longer scale length?

eric@mandohangout.com — Sun, 6 Jul 2025 05:23:11 CST

I have a Fylde mandolin which I have loved playing for over 30 years but finding the size of the frets more challenging for my aging fingers (and a bit of carpal tunnel). I am wondering if there are any mandolin brands with a slightly longer scale length (therefore with slightly wider frets). Ideally I would get a luthier to make one for me (always fancied a Stefan Sobell but could never afford it!) but luthier is beyond. my means. I would only be able to afford a mass produced one.

Fender Mandolin

eric@mandohangout.com — Mon, 9 Jun 2025 12:23:51 CST

I was offered a Fender mandolin with a $895 price tag, for $350. From a store owner. He closed the store about 3 years ago. He's still pulling stock from a warehouse and sells to people he knows. My husband knows him. We were in his closed store for another reason. Anyway, I forgot (!) to check the model of the Fender.

From the price tag, it appears to be an intermediate model. Any thoughts?

Just not sure if mandolins become dull like fiddles that just hang around. I don't think it was exposed to extreme temperatures or the sun.

Mandolin repair in PA

eric@mandohangout.com — Sun, 1 Jun 2025 07:31:01 CST

I'm looking for a mandolin repair shop / luthier in Pennsylvania. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Bill Arden

Joseph Bowman mandolin

eric@mandohangout.com — Mon, 19 May 2025 21:06:33 CST

I got this mandolin after my dad passed away, i remember him telling me it was either his fathers or great grandfathers not sure which. I have zero idea what it could be worth, if anything. I am in United States if that matters. The case is almost falling apart and is in two pieces now. Just looking to see what information I can get about it. Thank you in advance for anything you can provide.

Anyone else do this?

eric@mandohangout.com — Thu, 1 May 2025 15:41:35 CST

I had a Mid-Missouri Mandolin mandola made with some extra bracing so I can tune it up to mandolin pitch (GDAE). My son had same one made a few years ago. SO far its been holding up great. It is so much louder then a mandolin, way way louder and throatier. This is our third Mid-Missouri instrument, we love them!

first mando

eric@mandohangout.com — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 16:57:44 CST

Hello friends I am looking for a decent mandolin for around $1000. I havnt picked up my old Flinthill in probably 15 years until today, and I realized what a trainwreck it is. I havnt priced one or played in many years,I dont know what is out there. Just need something with decent action, decent sound. I can saw a fiddle some, and I used to know the 4 finger cords, what do yall suggest?

Biscuits and Banjos 2025

eric@mandohangout.com — Sun, 6 Apr 2025 05:15:24 CST

It's too far of a drive for us. This will Be Fun.

wunc.org/wunc-music/2024-10-22...al-durham

Replacement tuners for vintage model A Gibson mando

eric@mandohangout.com — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 10:03:13 CST

I have a model A old (circa 1910) Gibson A - no Gibson on peghead

Would like to get replacement tuning machines that are identified cal and use the same holes . Where do I go to get them. Are they available ?

Franklin Mandolin

eric@mandohangout.com — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 17:36:35 CST

YouTube picked up on my interest in Franklin guitars and snuck Franklin Mandolins into my up next. Does anyone know anything about Frankie Bellowe of Franklin Mandolin?

youtube.com/watch?v=Jhs7FiQfmz8

youtube.com/watch?v=5ZSYjE_KyZA

1911 Gibson A4

eric@mandohangout.com — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 12:18:51 CST

Hello mando world. This is my first post here. It may be a bit of a long story.
My brother inherited my Grandfather’s mandolin. It was the above mentioned, 1911 A4. It was in pretty good shape. It had a pick guard and the lovely inlay on the tuners. I’m sure it was in the original case.
Unbeknownst to me, he sold it. Sadly, he passed away a couple of years ago without telling me whom he had sold it to.
He lived in Tucson Arizona but liked to buy and sell items on EBay so, there is no telling where it may have ended up.
Have any of you wonderful people encountered such a mandolin with the same back story?

An Impressive Survivor With A Familiar Look And Lovely Sound

eric@mandohangout.com — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 17:49:30 CST

From Youtube's algorithm.

youtu.be/QMbaskzg854?si=Z_xf9l9T5Tz037pi

A Myrtle Wood Octave Mandolin From Builder Zach Hoyt

eric@mandohangout.com — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 19:13:20 CST

I followed a brief discussion of this on a woodworking forum. I believe It's made from 1 board rather than being bookmatched.
youtu.be/jFMzqHU5bYY?si=sRYdNWOsvjBr1zdG

A Very Nice Sounding Cigar Box Octave Mandolin On YouTube

eric@mandohangout.com — Mon, 6 Jan 2025 08:35:34 CST

It was fun to come across this Cigar Box Octave video. It has an impressive sound. Excellent playing too. Here is the link incase others snowbound and looking for free entertainment (like we are).

youtu.be/T-L4qMpff9s?si=ypfu3gYDXNzyV2bm

An Entertaining YouTuber Makes A Mandolin Armrest

eric@mandohangout.com — Mon, 6 Jan 2025 06:16:55 CST

This gentleman's content is mostly about epic repairs of epic guitars. He also sneaks in life lessons and a little philosophy.

youtu.be/HTRLB3pltyc?si=p8sP6bgBcjltacMO

More Mandolin content from Mr. twoodfrd. The mandolin repair starts at 10:18 minutes.

https://youtu.be/ids3_Kxmi_I?si=PwPpsTJdjTEEV9_m

Another Great Builder, Another Great YouTube Channel

eric@mandohangout.com — Sun, 5 Jan 2025 17:37:42 CST

Jo's Band Camp page is a favorite as well!

youtube.com/@JoDusepo/featured

https://dusepo.bandcamp.com/

In Depth Inside Big Muddy Mandolin

eric@mandohangout.com — Sun, 5 Jan 2025 15:25:41 CST

I have been humming the song Little Rabbit ever since seeing this. Now to try and learn the song.

youtu.be/DQquh7spNW0?si=ESUbiSuvP70flPJ-

Another Great Builders YouTube Channel

eric@mandohangout.com — Sun, 5 Jan 2025 15:19:54 CST

Mr. Forster's Mandolin videos.

youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW7...PxCqo6dXD

A Talented Builder Showing His Fine Mandolins

eric@mandohangout.com — Sat, 4 Jan 2025 05:04:57 CST

I enjoy seeing Mr. Nybergs latest creations. Here is a link in case others are interested.

youtu.be/ZQ-pM9mOMo4?si=HBcEgjsfa3QbfOvv

youtube.com/@nyberginstruments401

https://soundcloud.com/nyberginstruments

A Video Peek Inside The Shippey Shop

eric@mandohangout.com — Fri, 3 Jan 2025 15:28:43 CST

Fun Videos, Lovely Sounds:

youtu.be/CYXG8sa4E2g?si=gL3j_XpQZ-BAnyXO

youtu.be/BV9YQnAwaRU?si=YkGl0t1ctq-1_AMk

Fun YouTube channel with lovely sounds:

https://www.youtube.com/@paulshippey

Los Angeles Bluegrass Band Looking for Mando Player

eric@mandohangout.com — Sun, 8 Dec 2024 21:37:41 CST

Hollywood Forever Bluegrass Band is a Los Angeles amateur bluegrass band that has been in existence for more than 16 years. All of the band members are over 50. We play traditional bluegrass with a sprinkling of country, gospel and original tunes. The band has played in a variety of clubs, farmers markets, bars and private homes. All of us sing well and we do a good deal of three-part harmony. Search "Hollywood Forever Bluegrass Band" on YouTube for some of our recordings.

We are looking for a mando player who shares our interest in bluegrass and would be a good fit socially. We try to jam twice a month near Larchmont Village.

Sound interesting? Call Bob at (310) 200-2124.

Collings MT vs MT2

eric@mandohangout.com — Fri, 6 Dec 2024 19:30:12 CST

Hello. I am interested in hearing what people think about the Collings MT vs the MT2. Is it worth it to pay the extra money for the MT2 and why? I also have an MT2 for sale for the price of an MT if anyone is interested

Interjecting a little life

eric@mandohangout.com — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 14:20:51 CST

Still picking. Still loving it. Here's a great place for new challenges:

mandomike.com/

Holding Fingers At 45 Degree Angle Really Helps

eric@mandohangout.com — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 12:21:11 CST

When I first tried to play the mandolin, I thought it would be impossible to spread my fingers across 6 frets, no matter how much time and effort I invested. Thankfully, I learned from watching David Benedict on YouTube that the proper way to hold your hand and fingers is at a 45 degree angle to the neck, which did the trick. I can easily play a full G chord now, made possible by maintaining a 45 degree position when playing those more challenging chords.

Hundreds Of Old Classic Bluegrass And Gospel Albums

eric@mandohangout.com — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 13:12:47 CST

I was happy today to find this new YouTube channel, 'TAKE'S BLUEGRASS ALBUM CHANNEL,' featuring HUNDREDS of fantastic Bluegrass and Gospel albums from the 1960's, 1970's and beyond. These thousands of songs are invaluable to musicians, to learn from and play along with on your mandolin. My favorite album is from 1974, titled: 'THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO STEVE, LEROY AND BROTHER DAVE.' It was this album (from an old LP I had run across) in 1992 that inspired me to start playing pedal steel guitar. In particular, it was the song, 'MY WONDERFUL JESUS.' I'm new to playing the mandolin, but having a great time learning.

Check this out, 'EARL SCRUGGS AND THE EARL SCRUGGS REVUE [1971-1972].' I really like the first song.

Enjoy!

I Cannot Login To The Banjo Hangout

eric@mandohangout.com — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 13:04:46 CST

I apologize for posting this message here, but I cannot login to the Banjo Hangout to post the message there. I am a member of the Dobro, Mandolin and Banjo Hangouts. I can login to the Dobro and Mandolin accounts, but not the Banjo Hangout. I have all my passwords written down, so the password is correct. I'm using all lowercase. I am using my email address, not the user name, per the new security policy. I even successfully reset my password today, but I still cannot login. Does anybody have any suggestions why I cannot login?

Thank you.

mandolin

eric@mandohangout.com — Sat, 19 Oct 2024 11:50:48 CST

hi, im new here and i just began playing the mando; im 16yrs old :)

What's Your Opinion Of Eastman And Kentucky Mandolins?

eric@mandohangout.com — Sat, 19 Oct 2024 09:29:31 CST

Are Eastman and Kentucky mandolins a good purchase? I know that they are made in China, but I've read some good things about them. Is there a noticeable difference in tone between the $1,000 Eastman and Kentucky mandolins as verses a $5,000 Northfield mandolin? Thank you.

Retuning 4th Strings G To A?

eric@mandohangout.com — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 20:58:54 CST

I humbly learned a helpful trick this week. I like to make my own backing tracks in the key of A. I am mainly a 5-string banjo player. I recently bought an Eastman 505CC mandolin and am very happy with it. The tuning keys turn easily, which is why I bought the 505 rather than the 305. I love the mandolin, but am still a novice at it, so the heavier 4th strings tend to twang when I don't press down hard enough when forming chords. I think it is important to build finger strength, so I wouldn't recommend doing this all the time; but just for recording, I retune the fourth strings from G to A, which allows me to forget about the 4th strings. Now I can just heartily strum across the 4th strings open without worrying about missing the chord. I'm not sure if this is not a recommend thing to do, but it works for me.

If any players have some thoughts, I'm appreciate your wisdom. I was playing mostly two and three finger chords. Retuning my 4th string from G to A now allows me to include the 4th strings. I'm curious if others players do this too. God bless and thanks.

Jeff Shram, Outdoor Plumbing Company

eric@mandohangout.com — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 16:38:53 CST

In the late seventies, when I first started going to festivals, one of my favorite bands was the Outdoor Plumbing Company, which also provided sound for many bluegrass festivals. The mandolin player for the band was Jeff Schram and being an aspiring mandolin player myself, I was very impressed by his ability and style of play. OPC, at some point disbanded and I never heard of Jeff Schram again, though I have done several searches over the years. Does anyone have any knowledge or have any information about him or for any other bands he might have worked for? I am fortunate to have 4 or 5 of their albums and still find his playing to be inspiring. If anyone could shed any light on this little mystery, I certainly would appreciate it.

Unknown Enigma

eric@mandohangout.com — Mon, 9 Sep 2024 09:43:09 CST

Just recently bought this mandolin. Very well built, No idea who built this or where it came from. Any thoughts would be helpful.

1947 Gibson A - 50?

eric@mandohangout.com — Wed, 4 Sep 2024 18:41:26 CST

Hi! It’s exciting to be posting here for the first time.

About two weeks ago, I was given a Mandolin as a gift from a friend. Since then I have been trying to identify the model and production date of the instrument. My best guess after doing research says it’s a 1947 Gibson A - 50.

The only identifying Mark is in pencil, and can be seen through the F hole on the bass side, written right on the wood.
It reads: 4G6650

Can anyone add any information that might help identify this mandolin?

Thanks for any help!