alegria - Posted - 12/13/2018:  13:34:55

Hi everybody!

I am contemplating getting a mandolin. I am not inspired by any specific genre of music, but I play old-time banjo. The reason I want a mandolin is because I want to focus on playing melodies. With the banjo I often end up playing partly melodies and chords, skipping some parts of the melody. I would like an instrument where I can enjoy just playing the melody. I have thought about getting a tenor banjo, but my guy is telling me to go for a mandolin instead.

What I am uncertain about is which type of mandolin to get? The obvious choice is the american model, and then I understand there is an F-shape and drop-shape? What about the european mandolins? What are the main differences here, and what different type of european mandolins are there? I enjoy a lot european folk music as well. I have unsuccessfully tried to learn irish tunes for the harmonica and an equally unsuccessful attempt at learning flamenco guitar. Never tried playing other traditions of european music. I suppose my main thing is american and Irish tunes, but I am open to other cultures as well.

alegria - Posted - 12/13/2018:  13:45:59

Also what do you think about these two models:

danmusikk.no/the-loar-lm-310f-...AQAvD_BwE

gear4music.no/no/Gitar-and-Bas...UQAvD_BwE

UsuallyPickin - Posted - 12/13/2018:  17:33:30

Well … The Loar instruments are a good place to start. They manufacture acceptable instruments from good materials. They usually need a setup from the factory and a "big box" store does not provide one. If possible look into Eastman and Kentucky mandolins. IMO they are a bit better made than The Loar instruments and will last you longer in your mandolin journey. R/

P.S.  Check out mandolincafe.com/ for reviews and most things mandolin. R/

Edited by - UsuallyPickin on 12/13/2018 17:36:13

DocT - Posted - 12/15/2018:  03:45:21

I am new to the mandolin. When I was looking I was given advice by some knowledgeable people that Loar, Kentucky, and Eastman were the best for beginners like me. I bought a Loar LM-370 as I could find one locally and had it professionally set up. It plays great.

I could not get my hands on an Eastman or a Kentucky to play around with them, so The Loar was it. I have not been disappointed.

DocT - Posted - 12/15/2018:  03:49:31

Just a quick add, I am not completely new to music. I played the violin many, many years ago and I have a guitar (Taylor).

UsuallyPickin - Posted - 12/18/2018:  06:29:32

Play On! Keep in mind that to drive the short double courses of strings you will likely need a pick at near 1.5 mm. Playing with a loose wrist and loose grip is a must. Just like bowing a violin you have to play from a relaxed position / place. If you don't drop your pick occasionally you are gripping it too tightly. Also, the tops and finish are often a tad bit heavy on The Loar instruments so a .115 to .41 set of mandolin strings will likely sound better on your instrument. Experimenting to find the best strings for tone and pick for your style is part of the project. At least mandolin strings aren't as expensive as violin strings. Sheesh. R/