TeachinMandolin444 - Posted - 04/22/2012:  08:14:21

Well it looks like you kids have this thread pretty active anyway.....it could be the time of year as well-peeps are getting more energetic with the warmer weather. Got my copy of a CD called "Mandolin Blues" and I absolutely love it. Making dustcovers for mandolins too (I'm crafty) out of flannel. Learning  "St James Infirmary" along with some bluesy rhythm stuff,in addition to pickin "Bonaparte's Retreat" Any porch pickers here? Don't look for any bikinis from me,BTW *laughs*

TSSN - Posted - 05/30/2012:  08:20:42

It bears asking again, that's all...

Ben Venuti - Posted - 05/30/2012:  10:06:44

Folks need to follow up on posts-- everything just seems to fizzle out. Every so often someone will start a thread here and an identical thread on MC. Here there is maybe one reply or even none and on MC there will be 25 posts. I don't know what to do about it other than post myself. Personally I really don't have a lot of interest in "what's the best cheap mandolin" or string questions. I like old vintage instruments, advanced technique or theory subjects and off the wall controversial subject matter. I think that some people were hoping that some subjects that seem to get shut down on MC would find a more liberal policy here but when those subjects do come up here they just sort of die off. For example the new "Obama is going to steal your instruments" thread could really go a long way,be fun and at least get someone ranting ( a similar thread started on MC and got shut down as one would expect on MC) but here it just stalled.

TSSN - Posted - 05/30/2012:  14:36:08

i guess I can't have my cake and eat it too, Ben.  I like the MHO in it's rant-free state...

ccravens - Posted - 05/31/2012:  07:41:29

quote:

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Originally posted by Ben Venuti

 I think that some people were hoping that some subjects that seem to get shut down on MC would find a more liberal policy here

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There is a MUCH more liberal policy here, which I find refreshing from the somewhat totalitarian outlook of the MC forum. I think both sites could serve important mando areas in different ways. Just don't know if there is enough traffic to warrant 2 different sites yet.

Let's hope so. Both sites could be awesome in different ways. MC is certainly an awesome site in many ways.

Edited by - ccravens on 05/31/2012 07:42:08

ccravens - Posted - 05/31/2012:  07:55:21

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ben Venuti



 For example the new "Obama is going to steal your instruments" thread could really go a long way,be fun and at least get someone ranting ( a similar thread started on MC and got shut down as one would expect on MC) but here it just stalled.

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Maybe we can revive it!

mandoteacher - Posted - 05/31/2012:  08:30:22

I check into the site daily through its RSS feeds (I use Google Reader). So if there's anything new, I can see it right away without having to log in. I also subscribe to conversations on MC the same way.

TSSN - Posted - 08/08/2012:  04:16:22

Just taking our pulse again...

"....799 of 3000 Members have made 8524 posts in 11 forums, with the last post on 8/8/2012"

MiG-19 - Posted - 08/08/2012:  13:41:48

Just read Eric's Mando News Update in my e-mail. Got me to navigate right over here and to enter the giveaway contest. I think I'm seeing some fog on the mirror!!

TSSN - Posted - 08/08/2012:  15:54:46

quote:

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Originally posted by MiG-19

Just read Eric's Mando News Update in my e-mail. Got me to navigate right over here and to enter the giveaway contest. I think I'm seeing some fog on the mirror!!

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Long time, no post.  Good to see you back.

JMalmsteen - Posted - 08/09/2012:  08:12:56

Over at the banjo hangout...I have about 1200 posts there and about 50 here. The question is why?

ccravens - Posted - 08/10/2012:  06:37:50

Reporting for duty...

MiG-19 - Posted - 08/11/2012:  15:49:07

quote:

---

Originally posted by TSSN

quote:

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Originally posted by MiG-19

Just read Eric's Mando News Update in my e-mail. Got me to navigate right over here and to enter the giveaway contest. I think I'm seeing some fog on the mirror!!

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Long time, no post.  Good to see you back.

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 Thanks!  Nice to be missed.

modon - Posted - 08/13/2012:  17:30:11

I've started building some mandos, so I'll be around getting opinions on this and that. I much prefer the hangout sites over the other ones out there.

Mandolin Ant - Posted - 08/15/2012:  07:50:17

I would Love to build mandolins. I hear that starting with a kit is the best way to go, but alas, I simply don't have the time. It looks like it really takes a big commitment even with a kit...

Beanzy - Posted - 08/16/2012:  15:07:27

I don't consciously avoid the forum but the functionality on the forum is not that good when compared to other sites.

I often find it locks up and then whizzes through many past attempts.

Just had one where I ended up posting the same thing three times in a row, then the delete post button doesn't work, even though the post can still be edited, which makes me look even dumber than I really am.

pickn pete - Posted - 09/11/2012:  20:17:39

tolerance creates less need for needless posting. enjoy. or maybe the crew here just play more rather than just talking about it.

ccravens - Posted - 09/13/2012:  05:08:38

quote:

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Originally posted by pickn pete

tolerance creates less need for needless posting. enjoy. or maybe the crew here just play more rather than just talking about it.

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Bravo.

 

I've often wondered the same things about the multiple posters on other sites, and whether the instrument really gets played much, or just talked about.

TSSN - Posted - 09/13/2012:  05:11:08

That may actually be why this site sees less traffic.

JMalmsteen - Posted - 10/10/2012:  17:43:48

Okay...post 62...where is everyone?

Kristibob - Posted - 10/22/2012:  08:09:05

I'm new to the mandolin and the hangout..but, I'm here, and I love to yack...just not sure where I'm going to be comfortable yet, so I run off at the font in several places...probably always will...lol

John Gent - Posted - 10/22/2012:  08:40:25

quote:

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Originally posted by pickn pete

tolerance creates less need for needless posting. enjoy. or maybe the crew here just play more rather than just talking about it.

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My left hand fingers hurt too much to type much. ouch :o)

GoFolkYourself - Posted - 10/24/2012:  14:35:47

I'm really new to this site and I think it's quite nifty/ I like the fact that one can post their own music directly here. I don't think MC offers that. I'm looking to exchange ideas with people and swop tips and so forth. I probably won't be on long every day but I'll check in most days. It is a shame that it's so quiet but it'll take more than one nube to change that.

John Adrihan - Posted - 10/25/2012:  05:46:05

It is really hard to get excited about this site when the owner/moderator has a giveaway that seems to go on for years, with no end date insite. I too agree that this site has a better attiude than the other but it clearly lacks participation. It's just here and folks graze it occationally.

John Gent - Posted - 10/25/2012:  08:51:07

quote:

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Originally posted by John Adrihan

It is really hard to get excited about this site when the owner/moderator has a giveaway that seems to go on for years, with no end date insite. I too agree that this site has a better attiude than the other but it clearly lacks participation. It's just here and folks graze it occationally.

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The Fiddle Hangout was like that when it first started back in '07. This has only been around since the end of '10. If it's anything like the BHO or FHO, it'll be a pretty exciting place.

GoFolkYourself - Posted - 10/28/2012:  15:32:25

Hopefully Eugene. It's the members that make any sight and I'm delighted to be a member of this one. After all, Mandolin rocks, . . . and swings, . . . and grooves,. . and plucks mighty fine. :-)

Kristibob - Posted - 10/28/2012:  18:59:57

I'm not too sure where to participate. I joined a few groups that were started by folks I thought I might have something in common with..women, the military, and less-expensive mandolins,.  There are just a few people in each group and none seem too active, so I look around the forums to see where I can find a niche.  I practice a lot every day, learn new tunes every day, hit rough spots every day, and it would be great to have some place to go to share that with others who are new, like me.  I read in a thread earlier today in which a fellow stated that it was hard listening to amateur video..and that newbies really need to learn to tune their mandolins.  I read the whole thread, and the guy backed off some when he read his own thread and how hurtful that can be to new people..like me.  I'm proud to say that I tune my mandolin quite well, thank you very much..with the help of my Snark..lol.  At least I know if my video offends some ears, it won't be because I'm playing out of tune.  Because I took the time to read all of the posts, I wasn't offended by what the guy said..I would have been, had I not kept reading. However, that kind of stuff can keep lots of new people from participating.  Nobody wants to be made fun of or be belittled in any way, even when it's done by someone on the other side of a computer.  Words still hurt..even when they come from comparative strangers.  Maybe some other new people aren't participating much because they don't feel there is a place just for them...any idea what we can do about that?

Edited by - Kristibob on 10/28/2012 19:00:48

pickn pete - Posted - 10/28/2012:  22:00:25

A mando hangout tuner and tuning explanation would be a good application here. "Words still hurt " sounds like a good title for a song. Just keep playing and don't mind what others think. i find a constructive critique of my good self a motivational tool.

TSSN - Posted - 10/29/2012:  11:51:37

quote:

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Originally posted by Kristibob

I'm not too sure where to participate...... <snip>

---

Great post.  And thanks for sharing that.  One reason that I don't have amazingly expensive equipment is that I think all of that quality would be lost on me.  My name isn't Ricky Skaggs---one day I hope to be 1/10th that good...  I have a few mandolins, none of which cost me over $1000.  I am an amateur who gets to play a gig now and again, usually for gas money.  Funny, folks always seem to thank us for coming and say we sounded good.  Even with me on a "crappy" $500 Hohner mandolin.

I also have a Snark tuner, which I think works just fine.  I have tested it against other tuners up to ~$100 range with no appreciable differences...

I say post away.  Make yourself at home.  I'd like to hear about your mandolin journey.

GoFolkYourself - Posted - 11/15/2012:  15:48:21

True. If you take what others think too seriously, it'll hurt your progress. I played in verious bands wotj bass and keys and we'd get the height of praise some nights and told we were 'crap' other nights. I would just say 'Tough room aye?' and get on with it/ Take the plunge, dive right in and digest constructive criticism as best ou can but don't dwell on it in your mind too much. I did my first mandolin gig as a wedding present for my brother and aside from one mean-spirited guy, it went down a storm.

He (the mean sod) ended up having to leave early so the night took off from there and I was joined by a fantastic pianist towards the end. Even my other half was a little offended by the mean guy's commemnts at first but I just said to her 'I may not be Bill Monroe but answer me this. How many drinks out of that row beside me were bought for him? (I indicated to an ever-growing line of beers to my right. I didn't have to pay for a single drink all day)

If you just keep at it and let people hear you from time to time )especially other musicians) it'll help build your confidence. I was only playing 4 or 5 months when I first went busking and I didn't make out so bad for the 3 hours I was there. I just practiced and nobody stuck around long enough to figure out I was only repeating the same few tunes round and round.


As long as uou enjoy playing, that's the main thing.

jazzrambler - Posted - 11/15/2012:  17:07:14

I'm recuperating. First, I sold my Breedlove, then my Flatiron got smashed, I fixed it. Then three days later I rescued a puppy from the highway and jammed my thumb so bad I can't even hold a coffee cup or shave. I'm living on Ice, ibuprofen and beer. I picked up the mando for a photo shoot and nearly cried. I did manage to try out a new tone bar for Dobro but 5 minutes later I was incoherent on it. Getting old and hurt ain't for sissies!

TSSN - Posted - 11/15/2012:  20:03:49

jazzrambler, dang!  Hope you feel better soon.

Kristibob - Posted - 11/15/2012:  20:24:51

jazzrambler, I, too, hope you recover quickly and completely!    Thanks, by the way, to all for the encouraging words. I am very good at taking constructive criticism and I've always treated that as a tool to help me do something better, so I'm not a bit afraid of that sort of thing. I rely on those who have played longer than I have to point out where I could improve or make things a bit easier for myself.  For someone who hasn't been playing long, I'm doing fairly well...okay..that's just my opinion and that of a few others at the Cafe, where I have posted a video or two, and all have been helpful and encouraging.  Heck, if someone doesn't point out what I am doing incorrectly, I don't learn...with no mandolin lessons, I depend on better players to point me in the right direction...I just want to make sure they point with the right finger..lol.

Making videos just kills me...I can play a song correctly, note for note, and up to speed, until I turn the camera on, then I just can't play anything right!!  I've gotten some great advice and I'm using it...I hook  the camera up for every practice session and just record everything, so I can' forget the darn thing is on, and that has really helped. I've even had some fun playing along with myself..lol.  It's odd..I'm not afraid of public speaking...with my band, a long time ago, I sang like crazy..no stage-fright to speak of..but getting videos done is something else again.  I know that, if someone laughs or says something mean, I can't hear it...and hopefully, they won't post it...and I should think of the camera as a tool and not a torture device and, believe me, I try...lol...I know, with time, doing videos and sharing the progress I am making will get easier.  I just want it to be easier right now!...lol

I hope all are well and happy as we head into the holidays.

TSSN - Posted - 05/16/2013:  13:10:01

Just taking our pulse again.  We're over 1,000 members now...

1003 of 3675 Members have made 10595 posts in 11 forums, with the last post on 5/16/2013 6:00 AM by: Ray54.

Rissa - Posted - 05/17/2013:  18:39:00

As a brand new mandolin player (perhaps I may be generous in saying playing the mandolin), I wish this site was a little more active. I'm on FHO, which has quite a bit going on, and Mandolin Cafe. There is just so much out there, it's nice to have one of two places to go where things are gathered up nicely or at least are easy to search for. And who doesn't want to talk to people who have shared similar experiences learning to love the beautiful, and occasionally frustrating, mandolin? Keep on it folks, because there's newbies like me who want to hear what you all have to say.

TSSN - Posted - 05/17/2013:  18:43:25

Hi Rissa.  In case no one has said it, welcome to the MHO.

ccravens - Posted - 05/19/2013:  15:16:16

Welcome!

Rissa - Posted - 05/20/2013:  09:47:41

Thanks! I hope I'm not getting myself in too deep with trying to learn two instruments at the same time. Guess I'll find out,

TSSN - Posted - 05/20/2013:  13:22:50

Well, 10 years in, and I am still learning the mandolin.  And I just took up the fiddle late last year.  Fingerings are the same.  That helps a lot.  What kind of fiddle do you have?

Rissa - Posted - 05/20/2013:  15:15:43

quote:

---

Originally posted by TSSN

 

Well, 10 years in, and I am still learning the mandolin.  And I just took up the fiddle late last year.  Fingerings are the same.  That helps a lot.  What kind of fiddle do you have?

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I bought a Becker 1000. It's more of a student set-up, came with a light case, cheap rosin, and an OK bow. It's a good instrument though, and should get me through these early years of playing. And as has often been said here and FHO, even the cheap instruments can sound good when set up right.

TSSN - Posted - 05/20/2013:  17:07:00

Very true.  My fiddle is a no-name German/Saxon from ~1900.  But of all the ones I tried, I liked the sound of that one best.  Inexpensive, but exactly what I was looking for.

Rissa - Posted - 05/23/2013:  12:36:44

quote:

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Originally posted by TSSN

 

Very true.  My fiddle is a no-name German/Saxon from ~1900.  But of all the ones I tried, I liked the sound of that one best.  Inexpensive, but exactly what I was looking for.

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I finally figured out how an instrument sounds to me is the most important factor and second is cost. I'm kind of stuck with the fiddle I have now, but oh did I sure find some luck with my mandolin. I love how it sounds, even though I never got to try it out before buying it. So the mando is good, but I really wish I would have looked at a few more fiddles before jumping at the first one I saw. Live and learn.

TSSN - Posted - 05/23/2013:  16:53:26

Agreed!  Funny thing, I went into a violin shop back east looking for a better bow.  I tried out several bows on violins that were well over $1K.  As I talked with the fellow in the shop, he came to understand that I was more of a fiddler and not a violin player.  He handed me the instrument that I now own, and said "Try the bow on this."  I did and said almost immediately, with thoughts of a better bow nearly gone from my head, "How much for the fiddle?"  That was the sound I wanted, and it was well below $1K.

FlapperGirl - Posted - 06/10/2013:  13:42:49

Hi Rissa and KristiBob -

I too am new here and I'm glad to hear from some other newbie gals. I came to the mandolin via the guitar. I'm relatively new to the guitar, I don't think I've been playing (or more rightly said, trying to play it) for 6 months yet.) I can play piano, flute and saxophone. I've always loved the sound of the mandolin...and when I finally picked one up, well that was it I had to have one. I find it to be much easier and more intuitive to me than the guitar. I'm still soldiering on with the guitar too! I figure they can help each other out, ya know?

Keep posting. I love to hear from everyone.

Donnie - Posted - 06/10/2013:  18:21:02

Got busy, side tracked, work... it's about time I got back to this place!

Rissa - Posted - 06/11/2013:  18:26:43

quote:

---

Originally posted by FlapperGirl

 

Hi Rissa and KristiBob -

 

I too am new here and I'm glad to hear from some other newbie gals. I came to the mandolin via the guitar. I'm relatively new to the guitar, I don't think I've been playing (or more rightly said, trying to play it) for 6 months yet.) I can play piano, flute and saxophone. I've always loved the sound of the mandolin...and when I finally picked one up, well that was it I had to have one. I find it to be much easier and more intuitive to me than the guitar. I'm still soldiering on with the guitar too! I figure they can help each other out, ya know?

 

Keep posting. I love to hear from everyone.

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Welcome! Mandolin is an awesome instrument. I swear I've never felt so good about music before I got a mandolin. There's just something special about it. And I understand about the two instrument thing, I have to remember to keep up with my fiddle work as well. It's not as pleasing to me (to play, right now anyway), but it helps with mandolin. Looking forward to hearing from you on the hangout!

TSSN - Posted - 12/20/2013:  14:36:45

Pulse check...

1,100 of 4,095 members have posted, with the last post on 12/20/2013 2:46 PM