TK1 - Posted - 02/19/2011:  20:05:18

Hi all,

I'm new here, and new to the mandolin. Something i've been interested in for a while, along with th ebanjo, and I've decided to take th eplunge and learn one or both starting this year.

I've read the other posts about beginner mando's, and most refer to the a-style. However, even for a little more money (and no better sound) I'd aesthetically prefer an f-style. Just like the look of the body more.

So, with a focus on an f-style and, to make it harder, one that is available left-handed, I'd appreciate any recommendations. On the left-hand bit, I know I could learn right-handed, but when trying right-handed ones in the shops it just doesn't feel natural or comfortable playing 'backwards'

I'm in Australia too so would need 'popular' brands or reliable ones I could get shipped here.

Thanks in advance for any recommendations...

Regards,
Darren
Melbourne, Australia

Rob - Posted - 02/20/2011:  03:02:47

Hi Darren,

I can understand your preference for the f style mandolin, I prefer them myself but your point about " a little more money" is way off. You can get cheap f style instruments best described as "mandolin shaped objects" and best avoided. The bottom line is that you get much more for your money with an A pattern and an f style of equivalent quality will probably be 40% more expensive maybe even more.

If you buy the best A style you can afford you will also have something that you can use to trade up if you get on well.

In the meantime here are some Australian mandolins to dream about - gilchristmandolins.com/

UsuallyPickin - Posted - 02/20/2011:  04:18:18

The thing about getting an "A" mandolin is you can set it up for a lefty, an"F" not so. If you want a left handed"F" mandolin you better get ready to get off your wallet .... an Asian manfactured one is 800.00$US and up. And you have to find one. Check with The Mandolin Store in Arizona they have a site. Good hunting...PLay long and hard... R/

matrixbanjo - Posted - 02/20/2011:  05:18:02

EASTMAN MD-615 LH (recent)
EC except area of pick wear on top, well built (factory left hand) F-5 style instrument, sunburst lacquer finish, double bound 2-point body, all solid woods, spruce top, maple back and sides, ..more...
sku: 91U-19 $825.00

Elderly Instruments Lansing Michigan, USA

517) 372-7890....International Service (Monday-Friday 9-5 Eastern USA Time)
(517) 372-4161....Record An Order (24 Hours A Day)
(517) 372-7880....Showroom (M-T-W 11-7, Th 11-9, F-Sa 10-6 Eastern Time

Edited by - matrixbanjo on 02/20/2011 05:19:52

mandovoodoo - Posted - 02/20/2011:  05:50:31

That MD615L is rather a good deal.

Checking Eastman's recent inventory, the models that were available left handed include:

MD505L A/F model - $125 up charge

Looks like everything else would be a special order. I imagine the upcharge is the same at all levels, but I could be wrong.

Texasbanjo - Posted - 02/20/2011:  08:54:23

I'm a leftie and I play banjo, guitar, mandolin, a little dobro and bass -- all right-handed instruments, played like a right hander does. Don't see the problem Both hands have to do something, so what makes the difference whether one's fretting and one's picking. Actually, being lefthanded is an asset when you're learning to make chords, do slides, hammers, chokes, etc.

I might feel awkward at first, but so would any new instrument feel that way. I'd go for a righthanded instrument -- that way you can play so many other people's instruments (with their permission, of course). If you get a left handed instrument, you'll never know the joy of picking up a new instrument or a friend's mandolin and picking on it.

Just this leftie's thoughts.

TK1 - Posted - 02/20/2011:  10:35:56

Hi all,

Thanks for the replies!

All good points. I have done a few searches for left-handed mondo's and not found much. I know a lot of left-handers play right-handed (with banjo also) and I can see the attraction of being able to pick up any instrument. I guess both hands do have to work, just the few goes I've had it feels unnatural but maybe I need to just take the plunge and go right-handed. Would certainly increase my purchase options!

I belive the sound of an a vs f style is pretty close, the choice as I mentioned is purely based on looks. So will need to think about cost vs quality in that regard too. In the end, whatever I buy will be a 'beginner' instrument to see how I go, and i can upgrade later.

Will keep you all posted...

Thanks again,
Darren

eddb - Posted - 02/21/2011:  00:22:21

Hi there,
I am a lefty to, but I play right handed. Here is a link that might give you some idea's. I hope it might help. Edd

lefthandbear.co.uk

paire-berline - Posted - 02/21/2011:  07:27:13

I agree with Texasbanjo and eddb on the left hand issue.

JBovier - Posted - 02/21/2011:  11:28:16

Take a look at the new JBovier models for 2011:
jazzmando.com/new/archives/001481.shtml

Also keep an eye on the "JBovier Custom Shop" (mandolins.ecrater.com) for models and features not available at JBovier dealers.

TK1 - Posted - 02/21/2011:  19:56:05

Hi all,

Thanks again for the replies. I made it down to a few shops this week and actually felt fine playing right-handed I even accidentally picked up a left-handed banjo and started playing right-handed before I realised.

So it seems I may just be able to do this right-handed playing thing after all! Had a look at a few decent (solid wood) A and F models andjust need to decide on what i want to get now...

Thanks,
Darren

mtnpckr - Posted - 02/24/2011:  10:01:36

Lefty playing right handed seems awkward at first but a few weeks of practice and you will feel awkward trying out a lefty instrument, or at least I did.

DaddyJ - Posted - 02/24/2011:  10:24:49

There is a reason why right-handers pick with the right and fret with the left. The picking hand controls the volume, timing, tone, dynamics, and tempo of your playing, and most high level pickers agree that the picking hand is the more important hand. The picking hand is also considered the aggressive, or “attacking” hand, with the fretting hand being more passive. Sort of like throwing vs. catching in baseball. Catching is important, but you always throw with your dominant hand.

If you are left-handed, spend the extra time and $ to get yourself a left-handed instrument. It will be worth it in the long run.

TK1 - Posted - 02/24/2011:  14:21:12

Hi,

Thanks for all the input. Gave me a lot to think about.

DaddyJ, good point on the dominant hand. Having thought about it, if the strumming/picking hand was less important, wouldn't all right-handed players play like a lefty?

I've decided to play left-handed as ultimately it feels more comfortable having tried a few more insruments, and I'm prepared to spend the extra on a left-handed instrument. Having said that, for value for money I may go for an A-syle initially to get a good insrument, and the shop here can re-string it for me (including new nut and bridge) so that should work out well.

Thanks,
Darren

ccravens - Posted - 02/24/2011:  16:30:49

Darren I think that's a wise choice.