Re: [Harp-L] Mandolin

["Jim Greenwald" <staggerin@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hi

Since you already play the banjo among other string instruments, it might be helpful for comfort to choose a mandolin whose neck profile is similar to your favorite banjo up to the fifth fret - at least to start. Kentucky makes good mandolins at almost every price point, in a variety of shapes. 

If you think you'll want to plug your mando into an amplifier, Rigel makes wonderful mandolins that just about play themselves, but you don't have to spend $2k+ for a 'real' one. Goldtone makes authorized Asian versions for about a third of that - and they're real keepers.

Mandolins are tuned like violins (in fifths) and the consistent logic of the fingerboard makes them very easy to learn. They can be, however, real cheese-graters on the fingers - so it's important that the neck and strings feel comfortable to you, or you won't like putting in the practice time. Always play befor you buy !!

Cheers,
Staggerin' Jim
Listen to Roots Harmonica at http://www.live365.com/stations/staggerinjim
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Richard Williger 
  To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx 
  Sent: Monday, April 28, 2008 6:28 PM
  Subject: [Harp-L] Mandolin


  I saw Howard Levy recently, performing in Chicago, at Fitzpatrick's, with
  Special Consensus.  During that show, I was struck by the sound of the
  mandolin, and I'd like to look into taking it up.  I am familiar with other
  stringed instruments, in that I play guitar, bass, banjo, ukulele already.
  However, I don't yet play the mandolin, and have no idea what to look for.
  I mean, sure, it has to stay in tune, can't have an obviously warped neck,
  not be banged up all to heck.  What brands are best known, and what would a
  decently-playable, entry level instrument cost?  Thanks for any helpful
  information.