The Mandolin

[pedalboy]

Do we have any mandolin players out there? I'm a violin player and I want to add the mandolin to my instrumental repertoire... I know its the same tuning, just in octaves, so I don't think it would be too hard to make noise that doesn't suck with it. I'm looking at the Kentucky KM-675 or KM-630, and also the Mid-Missourri mandolins. Probably would want a good quality starter instrument, but got not much cash. I'm going to go out and try all these of course and use my ears on them, but any extra help is as always appreciated.
_________________
-----

this message uses 100% recycled electrons.

[nebuch]

Hey, Pedalboy,

I know it's a little late to talk to you about mandolins, unless you're a slow mover as I am, but I just joined up and saw your question. If you haven't made the move yet, here's a couple things:

1: the Mandolin is actually tuned exactly the same as the fiddle, not in octaves, unless you purposely go for the octave mandolin, which exists as a deeper-voiced companion to the mandolin. It's just that the strings are paired, which is more a function of structural strength due to use of a flat pick in sound production, rather than the bow. If the strings were single, you'd be breaking them right & left from the force of the pick.

2: Kentucky vs Mid-Missouri. The Kentucky is actually mass-produced in China as an inexpensive way to get started. If you can find a new solid-top for $250 to $300, you got a good buy in a cheap instrument. The Mid-Mo is hand made by a guy in (of all places) central Missouri. Low-end Mid-Mo's start around $475 and go up from there.

Just like the worst day fishing (or whatever) is better than the best day working, the worst Mid-Mo is better than the best Kentucky. The trade off is what your pocket-book can afford vs what your ears can stand.

I hope this comes in time to help.

J.P.
_________________
Good is better than Evil because it's nicer. - Mammy Yokum

[pedalboy]

Hey man thanks a lot for the info. I haven't bought a mando yet due to a couple of things that I needed to buy first... A couple of expensive things... the studio must have its gear!! So after I get all of that paid off i just might re-enter the market for mandolins. That info should come in really handy. I'm kindof a stickler for sound, and I'd for sure want something that would sound nice recorded. So its looking like mid mo eh?

Just one more question... lets say i wanted to play live with this guy, I'd want some sort of pickup in it. You know any sort of options regarding that? Thanks for the help man!
_________________
-----

this message uses 100% recycled electrons.

[nebuch]

Yo, Pedalboy,

For pickups, there are mandolin pickups on the market that are built into the bridge and you just swap it out for the one it came with. You can also get an Audio-Technica clip on mic that doesn't weigh a whole lot and gives a real faithful acoustic sound. The Barcus-Berry Hot Dot is also an option, but I haven't heard a lot lately about people using them. There are some feedback problems with them. A good sound guy can overcome that, but the first two options take you around the problem.

If the way it sounds is important, and it "sounds" like it is, and if your budget can stand it, there's a guy in Michigan hand-builds a great mandolin called the Nugget. Guy here in Tucson is an awesome picker and won't play anything but... (He has two) On the other hand, you're talking a couple of grand for a no-frills version and a pretty long waiting period.

Also, up in Wyoming, there's a guy named Bruce something, I forget, right now, who used to make The Flatiron. He's taken over the factory after the big boys abandoned it and now makes his own models. Does about 8 or 10 styles ranging from a plain A-model (general teardrop shape) to a mighty fancy F-model (pointy-shape a la Bill Monroe). His prices range from $475 to about 3 grand.

If you'd like to investigate, I can dig up the details for you.

Good luck with the mando.

J.P.
_________________
Good is better than Evil because it's nicer. - Mammy Yokum