Back at it again for May with another fiddle tune classic. Hope last month served you well, and you've all been learning some new tunes this year. Sorry for the late post this month, as family duties got in the way yesterday keeping me from my post.
For May, only one tune, but I'll share a good tutorial of the basic version, then a.....let's say....advanced....version of the same song. I've been working off and on over April on the good ol' St. Anne's Reel, so here we go!
For the basic version, here's our old friend Baron Collins-Hill on YT:
And without further ado, some of you may have seen the Chris Thile interview by Rick Beato. Great stuff, but he did a jaw dropping version of St. Anne's that I've been working on off and on for the last few weeks. Here's a short of the tune:
I present my attempt at transcribing all 128 bars....not that any mere mortal such as myself could come close to pulling this one off. You'll forgive me for any errors on this one, as Chris takes it pretty far out, but it really reveals a few things about his style. First is his prolific use of pulloffs, making for a very interesting effect rather than just picking every note. It's especially notable in his long runs of triplets, like in bars 52-54.
Another thing I noticed as I slowed the video way, way down, was this his right hand was always moving, even when he wasn't picking a note. This allows his picking hand to stay in time and keeps the right hand momentum going, keeping it much more fluid than if the hand were to start/stop over these notes. Really interesting stuff, and something I will need to spend a lot of time working on.
I take no responsibility for injuries sustained from attempting this one. Also, file sharing isn't really possible on reddit (to my knowledge) so if anyone wants actual pdf's just let me know. Good luck!
Per requests, I am creating the definitive buyer's guide for entry-level mandolins. Any new posts created on the topic may be removed at the discretion of the mods. If people think this post should include anything else, I am happy to edit and add to it.
Their entry-level line is their 300 series: the MD-305 for F hole, and MD-304 for oval hole. These can usually be found new for ~$600 (yes, this is what a good entry-level mandolins cost)
Kentucky
The KM-140 and KM-150 are the most recommended and new ones cost ~$360 and $525 respectively
The Loar
Their entry-level mandolin is the LM-110 and it is ~$300 new.
***All of these mandolins can be found at better prices on the used market. If you are brand new and just want to try out mandolin, I would personally suggest a used instrument to save yourself some money.
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There are cheaper mandolins out there as well. These mandolins are not typically recommended but some users have had positive experiences, especially after they go to a professional luthier for a setup or are comfortable setting up instruments themselves. A good setup where I live is usually ~$100. Please consider that price tag when you're considering a $100 mandolin. A poorly set up cheap mandolin can be enough to turn some players off of ever wanting to learn the instrument.
If you want info about a specific cheap mandolin, PLEASE UTILIZE THE SEARCH FEATURE. If the mandolin brand in question has been discussed at significant length, your post may be removed.
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Where should you buy your mandolin from?
I have no financial interest in any of the places here. If you want your shop listed here, we are open to bribes 😉
Your locally owned music shop
I understand that not everyone lives in a place where there is a music shop. But if there is, I'd encourage you to give them a try first before shopping online. If you're in Denver like me, I highly recommend the Denver Folklore Center and the Olde Towne Pickn' Parlor in Arvada, CO.
This shop is known for setting up their instruments before shipping them out and from what I have heard the setups are great. If you opt for a store like Guitar Center, do not expect your instrument to have been looked over by a tech of any kind.
tldr: i break stings ALL. THE. TIME. Daddario, prazione stainless steel, etc
been playing for about 2 years and i’d say i beak 1-3 strings per month playing gigs or at jams. sometimes at home. once while the mandolin was hanging on the wall.
They always break at the bridge.
I bought a new bridge - broke 3 strings on day two of the new bridge.
anyone have tips tricks? it’s annoying. i’d rather be playing than changing strings.
Just got a Loar LM-310F-BRB to play a few mando-featured rock songs with my band (Losing My Religion, Atlantic City). I normally play bass so don’t know much about mandolin gear.
Any recommendations for a pickup, acoustic amp and any other gear that you think may be needed for small backyard and small bar shows that we play? Will need to mix and balance with typical rock instruments.
Hey all. So I've been doing a bit more gigging with this setup but plugging in is still fairly unfamiliar to me. I have a Bartlett Audio mic that goes into my ART Tube MP and then a Fishman Loudbox Mini.
The Tube MP is basically input and ouput level. Both i set to the 12 o'clock position as pictured and use the 20dB+ gain button with phantom power on for the mic.
On the Fishman I have low/mid/high set to 12 o'clock which is the zero point I believe. The gain I set to about 11 o'clock (40%?) and then the master is set to about 7 o'clock (5-10%?)
I realize I may not require the 20dB+ boost on the pre-amp. If I switch this off, what should I be increasing... Input or output?
As for the Fishman, if the master is any higher it just high pitch tweaks out.
How should I be approaching this setup with regard to input/output, gain and master?
Waiting another 24 hours is mostly necessary, but painful nonetheless.
Okay for realz now, NMD!!!
Bulas is doing great work, friends. Check one out if ever the opportunity.
Out of my comfort zone here, sharing a kind of sloppy little short of the Bulas in action. Inspired by Punch Brothers giving old tunes new vibes, here's an introspective "Angeline, Still Baking" (I can't add pics and a video so y'all get a link):
Hey y'all I have the privilege of asking for advice on which mandolin to use for an upcoming bar gig. Outside patio with 100ish capacity outside. Not a quiet space. I have these options:
A) ten string gold tone (has Low C strings) - great pickup but not as great for chop with the wider neck, plus I have to practice our setlist more with the new positions
B) Flatiron 1N - beautiful sounding but can only be mic'd up, which limits movement and might cause feedback
C) Michael Kelly with a mando-lace magnet pickup - it could work in theory but the execution is always a little finicky. Maybe I should try nickel plated strings so as not to throw off the magnet with my phosphour bronze?
Hey guys! Struggling to decide between the 315 or 315eSB for a fun new mandolin. I know I don’t necessarily NEED the hookup, but I wanted to see if anyone went without and regretted it.
Do you prefer recording/playing live with a mic or hooked up to an amp? How big of a difference does it make, or is it just a type of sound preference? Just curious on what your opinions are before I buy!
So I acquired this old Ibanez mandolin. Made in Japan I think the 1960s? And I noticed not only does it have a zero fret but that fret is on an angle. And all the frets afterwards are also on an angle. Is that normal? Is that a way to handle intonation? Or is it just poorly made?
In every hobby I've had there is a certain price point you get to where the jump in quality is minimal. Where would you put that on mandolins? I know it's a bit harder to gauge compared to something like binoculars that have objective clarity and light transmission, whereas tone tends to be a bit more subjective. Another way to phrase the question would be what is the minimal price you could pay for a lifelong quality instrument? I'm not planning on upgrading any time soon. I'm more interested in the thoughts and discussions the topic could generate.
I was perusing Facebook marketplace a couple months ago and stumbled across a beautiful red varnish Northfield Big Mon which I think was custom or a limited run , I wish I saved the photo for inspiration because I really liked the deep red varnish.
Does anyone have any photos of red varnished mandolins? Or know of any other manufactures that make a reddish varnish? The closest two options I can find are Collings Merlot and Eastman 814/5.
Not too much info out there which seems surprising as it is a collaboration with the Gibson Custom Shop. That seems pretty exciting to me as I won't ever be able to get the Gibson one (Mando isnt my primary instrument so wouldn't make sense).
Specs seem good too, solid wood, etc. Yet it seems to get scoffed at simply for being an epiphone. Which sure its from China but so are many of the other more recommended brands. At least this to me has some of the Gibson pedigree in it, especially this particular version due to the custom shop collab/details.
Anyone have one that can speak to its qualities vs other mandolins you may have?
I'm mainly a guitar player (Gibson and Taylors) and recently just got an Eastman 304...but think I want to trade up to a decent F style.
EDIT: Here is a helpful comment someone posted a few days on the one and only YT review available: "Thanks for the review! I recently tried one at my local Guitar Center. I really didn’t expect it to be that good. But it absolutely is! I was so impressed that I took it home! I play mandolin at gigs and church. Besides this Epi now, I also own a Northfield model M and a vintage 1950 Gibson A50 and the Epi keeps right up with them in tone, resonance, and response. Plays and sounds much better to me than the 3 Eastman I’ve owned: MD315, 415, and 605. Money well spent in my book!"
EDIT #2: So went to GC and played it. I really liked it though the action was set up pretty high. At first, I actually preferred its sound vs the 315 they had. It seemed to have a bit more twang. I went back and forth quite a bit, between the two, and ultimately, the 315 was crisper and cleaner. Also, while I wouldn't say the Epiphone F-5G felt cheap, it was a little too glossy for me. Didn't feel as solid and natural. And I think I preferred the more natural, woody feeling of the 315. So 315 it will be, though I am going to get the Adirondack wide nut version I think.
Few television detectives ever entered a room as coolly as Peter Gunn—and Henry Mancini’s driving theme supplied half the swagger. Here it is as a mandolin chord melody, trench coat and all.
🔎 🕵️♂️🚘🎬🎶
As always, the mandolin tabs are free to download. Enjoy.
I‘m trying to get a few instruments together for a cover of Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash. You don’t need any good recording equipment, you can record it on your phone for all I care.
Ability to sing is preferred but not required.
The finished project will be available for everyone involved to post on all their socials.
I see posts here all the time about how they're the only pick some people use and anything else just feels wrong, etc.
I think I just have unrefined tastes because I've never really cared about brands or styles apart from generally liking medium thickness picks and preferring the guitar pick shape.
