Fredrik - Posted - 01/30/2014:  01:54:56

Hey! I'm new to this forum and to Mandolin playing as well. I recently bought a Blue Moon GR 3108 (I think it's this one hobgoblin.com/local/products/G...Mandolin/) and it feels REALLY stiff. I mean, I have over 20 years of experience playing different guitars, and I still struggle to get clear tones out of my mando when playing chords, especially from the first fret. Melodies come out clear, but I really have to work for it, and tire extremely quickly. Is this how it's supposed to be? I just wanted to check with you pros in here before I start adjusting anything ;)

Rob Beck - Posted - 01/30/2014:  02:53:17

I bought one of my sons an A style blue moon mandolin, it really needed some set up work to become a playable instrument.  I actually did the set up myself using the e-book that is available on mandolin cafe from forum member robster,  

You are probably also aware that F style mandolins (the ones with a scroll) typically cost more to produce than A style mandolins, meaning that the quality at  a given price will generally be lower that an A style (without the scroll) of the same price, so this is probably a fairly low end F style, which may well  be having an effect too.

Also, mandolins are harder to fret cleanly than guitars, because of the double courses and higher tension strings.

Keep at it though, it will come and you'll have great fun!

Rob

Texasbanjo - Posted - 01/30/2014:  08:22:46

No, it shouldn't be that difficult to play.  Making chords, especially if you're trying to make the full 4 finger chords, is difficult, at least for me, because my fingers are small and short -- just can't do it. However, I can make 2 and 3 finger chords and make them pretty clear and clean.  It does take a lot of effort at first figuring out how to hold your hand and fingers so the chords come out clean.  Arch your wrist over the mandolin and see if that helps.  If not, try different  hand positions and be sure your fingerTIPS are on the strings, not the fleshy part of your fingers, at least that's what works for me.   Different hands, fingers, maybe different positions work. 

Loarcutus - Posted - 01/30/2014:  15:10:12

I would definitely look at having a real good "mandolin" luthier do a set-up on your instrument. In the mandolin world set-up is everything!

There's the old proverbial expression that a good set-up makes it "play like butter".

Good luck with it

Nick

Fredrik - Posted - 01/31/2014:  00:44:53

Ok, thanks a lot! I'll have it checked at what comes closest to a "real good "mandolin" luthier" in my hometown. I really want to play this thing, but at the moment it feels like it doesn't want to be played.

I actually got a pretty bad pain in my left shoulder from playing it yesterday. Weird, but could be due to my weird sitting position in my couch at the time goo.gl/ssEHri Anyone else experienced this?