Starting Out...

[Taipan]

Is it a good idea to become a competent guitar player before starting the mandolin? I figure I'll do that then if I'm any good start playing mando...any ideas?

[katiekind]

If you like the sound of mandolin and want to be a mandolin player, I would just start on mandolin. It's not a difficult instrument to get started on. Like any instrument it just takes practice!

A really great place to get some good mandolin mojo is
www.mandolincafe.com

[mandoBob]

I agree with Katie.
I started out on bass, moved on to guitar, and have landed at mando. I think the mando makes more sense than the guitar (to me, at least), is more fun to play than the bass (when you're by yourself, at least), and sounds better than anything else out there.
Plus, EVERYone plays guitar, right? Why be normal? ;-)

[mandofocus]

I agree with mandobob and Katie. If the mandolin is what you like, go for it. personally I like it for the same reson that Chris likes it: It has a high tinkly sound. also here in tualatin, or (i think all of oregon as well) i may be the only mandolin player. everyone else plays guitar. I started on guitar, but that's only because I didn't know about the mandolin before hearing Nickel Creek. It does help a little bit because if you learn to play bluegrass, classical, or flatpick guitar it makes it easier to play the shorted frets of the mandolin.
-PJ-

[Taipan]

Thanks a lot guys - a few things though, I've read all your advice about a vs f models but I'm doubtful there'd be much choice locally (bluegrass ain't exactly huge here!) so what should I look for in a mando? any giveaway features of a bad model?

[AshleyLuvsChris]

dont buy a mandolin if its split in half. that may be a givaway that its a bad model.:D

[mandoBob]

I wouldnt recommend getting an F unless money is no object for you (and if that's the case, get 2 and send me one!). If you're thrifty, I would get a middle-of-the-road A model. Because for all you know, you wont like playing the mando (not that I think this is really possible), and then there goes all your hard-earned pounds.
I'm sure plenty of people might think otherwise, but I love my epiphone (mm-20): here's the link: http://www.epiphone.com/acoustics/classics/acf.asp?mod=ab
It's made in Taiwan, but I can't find any major flaws. Sure, it's not the best, but I only paid $300, and it's been great to learn on. I'm sure as time goes by (and my paycheck increases) I'll invest in a better one and scoff that I thought Henrietta (that's her name -- after my greatgrandmother) was a good mando, but she hasnt let me down yet.
There's my two pence.

[mandofocus]

also you may want to look at:
www.musiciansfriend.com
I got my mando from them. they have a couple acoustic mandos for $129 and also an acoustic-electric for $149.
-PJ-

[Taipan]

The only mandolin I can find online (UK based) is the following one - it doesn't have much information though, obviously I'll look in shops but is this a reasonable base to start from? Thanks for all your help again guys!



http://www.musicianshop.com/cgi/musicianshop-uk.cgi/pagefolk/3d0485093ed4

[mandoBob]

it's SO hard to tell from just a picture, but it's hard to beat that price. if you're feeling adventurous, you could check eBay.
But even if you dont know what you're doing, it's best to hold it in your hand before you buy. Read up on what to look for in buying a mando, then adjust that to your price range. I would think there are some music shops in the big cities near you that would be able to help out?

[AshleyLuvsChris]

I don't know if any of you would have time to answer this..... but what is the difference between the two different styles of mandolins? I mean, is the sound clearer on one or the other?:confused:

[Taipan]

Sure, there are a few music shops in town (one of which I trust to be honest) but I have my doubts as to whether there'd actually be any - y'see don't nobody play the mandolin here. Maybe one or two in some shops but that doesn't give much comparison. I was wondering how heavy they should be, what kinda wood etc...are there different types of strings like with a guitar? Sorry to ask so many dumb questions...

[sarah]

ummm my mando is light. i've never held one that is heavy. yes there are tons of different kind of strings for mandos. maybe not as many as there are for guitar though.

[mandoBob]

Check out the Buying a Mandolin thread for some stuff about the differences b/w A and F. The short version is it's basically style differences (IMHO).
http://www.nickelcreek.info/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=248
Hmmm...maybe a trip to Italy is in order :-) I bet they got a bunch of cool ones there.
Perhaps someone with more experience out there would know better, but I wouldnt worry too much about the wood for your first one...the usuals are spruce, mahogany, rosewood, etc. It's WAY lighter than a guitar, but about as much as you'd expect if it was a tiny acoustic guitar :-) The strings are a lot like a guitar, just smaller. You buy them in packs, so just get a pack of mediums to start out with.
If you trust the one store, go in and strike up a conversation and see where it leads you. You'll find out a lot more there, or at least what questions to ask. Ask if they know of any mando players, or someone who gives lessons or something. I know it's not tennessee, but I would think there's SOMEone over there?

[AshleyLuvsChris]

I think I'll go for an A style, for my first mandolin. Then, if and when I get better, or possibly even really good, I'll go for a nice-soundin' F style.

[katiekind]

I just remembered a UK mandolin player I've heard of named Simon Mayer--here's his website and it has a list of mandolin makers/dealers in the UK--


http://212.67.202.53/~simonmayor/MandoFAQ.htm

And here is another UK mandolin site

http://www.mandolinking.org.uk/store.htm

And here is a source for mandolin strings in the UK:

http://www.highlystrung.co.uk/

And here's a UK mandolin dealer who sells Weber mandolins which are very good:

http://www.theacousticmusicco.co.uk/index.html

Hope that helps!!!

Katiekind the Google Search Queen

[Taipan]

Thankyou so much! I am in debt of you!