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Is there a dedicated mandolin thread or do those discussions happen here?
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Mar 10, 2014 01:31
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| # ¿ May 15, 2024 02:13 |
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Roctor posted:Have you guys heard of the Song-A-Week social group over on the mandolin cafe forums? http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/group.php?groupid=67 Yeah I've been a member over there for an embarrassingly long time given my current mandolin abilities. Tell you what, I will try and join you on the song a week project. It will give me an excuse to learn how to use the recording equipment I just picked up...
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Mar 11, 2014 22:37
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Planet X posted:Please discuss Mandolins here. Amazing looking session. Were both ends of the table playing the same or different tunes?
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Mar 11, 2014 22:37
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I play fiddle tunes, some ITM, but mostly with bluegrass stylings (hammer on/pull off instead of trills, different rhythm, etc.). Its easy enough to pick up ITM and old time because they are all variations on a theme. [ETA: Not saying that learning the song catalog is easy, mind. Some of those guys are walking encyclopedias] In fact I will be going to a session hosted by a work mate that will be more ITM (including an irishman on uillean pipes) so I have been recently expanding my song book at the TheSession.org to get ready. Galway session though, I'm totally envious. I sought out a session when I was in Dublin but I very quickly realized that is not best done in Temple Bar. Bilirubin fucked around with this message at 03:06 on Mar 12, 2014 |
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Mar 12, 2014 03:00
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Planet X posted:I had the pleasure of being invited to a house session this week, so I actually got to sit in and play today! They don't get a chance to hear bluegrass banjo players often, so they handed me a 5 string, and I played a few tunes. One of the Irish tunes we played sounded a lot like Clinch Mtn Backstep, so when we were done I played that to show them how Irish trad music manifested itself strongly in bluegrass. The session leader and I jammed Blackberry Blossom a bit (he on accordion!) and they all got a big kick out of it. Glad I was able to bring something to the circle, because all the rest of the time I was listening intently, noodling, and doing backup chords. This is very cool. I'm glad you got a chance to play some while on your trip.
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Mar 12, 2014 03:03
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Roctor posted:Did the first song: Nice! I've been thinking of having both a tenor guitar and mandocello (or at least octave mandolin) in my future. e. taken to PM Bilirubin fucked around with this message at 22:48 on Mar 14, 2014 |
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Mar 14, 2014 22:44
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Avian posted:Can anyone give me some rules of thumb about good posture and hand position/picking angle? I've been playing for two weeks and I'm worried about picking up some bad habits that'll come back to haunt me. What instrument?
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Apr 7, 2014 23:08
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Pantomime Horse posted:Gonna go see the Del McCoury band with Dave Grisman in a couple hours. Stoked. Envy. How was the show? I keep missing David when I visit Berkeley, including being one day short of a show by Andy Statman
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Apr 27, 2014 06:55
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Kvlt! posted:Forgive me if this is the wrong thread to post in, but I thought it was best. One of the easiest ways is to learn pentatonic scales, specifically. Niles Hokkanen has two books you should get immediately: Bluegrass up the Neck and The Pentatonic Mandolin. Also consider video lessons with Mike Marshall via Acousticworks. There was a comment last page about F vs A style mandolins: they sound the same if they are both f-hole. F-hole vs oval hole sound different but the only difference between F and A style mandolins is the expensive strap hanger. laertes22 posted:One of the easiest ways to get into improving is to practice and memorize scales. Not just major scales, but pentatonic and "blues" scales are great for old time and bluegrass. When you play the song, if you use notes from the scales or some arpeggios, you probably want hit any "bad notes" and it will sound ok. As you play the mandolin more and develop your ear, you might try working in variations on the melody. These are just some basic improv ideas. Probably somebody more talented or knowledgeable than I can give you some more ideas or techniques. TapTheForwardAssist posted:Not to be always plugging Niles' stuff, but Pentatonic Mandolin might be well worth dropping $20 on to get some insight into forming bluegrass melodic rifts. I just find the man's work to be genius overall. If you order it, from a dealer or from his own site, spend $5 to get his mando chordbook too. OK so basically next time I read the entire thread before replying Bilirubin fucked around with this message at 06:30 on Jan 15, 2015 |
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Jan 15, 2015 06:27
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Slimchandi posted:There's a weekly bluegrass meetup near me which I want to go to, but I don't know the classic jam repertoire all that well. Should I take my guitar; is someone likely to have charts to follow? I have a strong ear for harmony, but don't want to be that guy who plays the wrong thing over every change. Get used to being that guy anyway, just part of the process.  For bluegrass what is important is to get the key of the song. The progressions are usually I-IV-V so with that basic information you can usually work things out with a single playthrough. Jams usually love newbies so say you are new and someone will help you out on the side e. sneak peak at the new Punch Brothers album on the NY Times. Its pretty amazing. http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/arts/music/pressplay.html?_r=1& Bilirubin fucked around with this message at 00:12 on Jan 22, 2015 |
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Jan 15, 2015 06:34
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Slimchandi posted:Spoiler: they were amazing! Awesome! I hope they make it out here Heading to my first jam in a long while tomorrow. I expect I will know about 3 songs since jams seem to really vary regionally in preferences e. as expected, I knew few of the songs (very different preferences to those in the jams I have attended in California here in Calgary), but I have many in my Dix Bruce Parking Lot Pickers volume and the melodies are pretty simple so its time for some intensive ear training! Then hit Niles' books to start building my ability to improvise over those. I can do this. Just have to keep going back! Bilirubin fucked around with this message at 17:02 on Jan 30, 2015 |
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Jan 29, 2015 04:49
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Kilometers Davis posted:Definitely take a look into old time clawhammer songs. There's a rich history of good slower songs with that meditative idea you mentioned. I love playing fast bluegrass and such but there's something really special about playing old songs and looking up their history. Banjo music is great for submerging yourself and getting a little taste of the past. It puts my mind in a nice place. Agreed. The clawhammer banjo on the tune Riding off into the Sunset here is just amazing. Sadly I can only find that snippet but you can get the while tune on iTunes I think.
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Jan 29, 2015 04:58
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ZeusCannon posted:Anyone ever dealt with Elderly Instruments? Trying to pick up a tuning wrench but never dealt with them before. Elderly is the best
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Apr 2, 2015 03:47
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Kobayashi posted:I've got a book of fiddle songs that I'm trying to learn. I've got about four memorized. Whenever I get bored with whatever I'm trying to learn, I just start playing the songs I already know. Invariably I gently caress up a note or two here and there, usually not the same thing. I can't pinpoint any particular problem, just that it's not good enough. Do you practice with a metronome? Flubbing a note is a common thing, but keeping the song going is key--your little ticking friend will keep you honest on that
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Apr 2, 2015 05:00
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Kilometers Davis posted:I've got the Mandolin bug for some reason. Mostly how they're so well made for folk and bluegrass and somehow perfect for playing Bach. I also love the tuning since you can play so much violin music on them. How does that kind of instrument balance and evolution even happen. It's awesome. Anyway. What should I know about the Mandolin? I'll be crossing over from stringed instruments so I'm not worried about being comfortable on one I'm just curious about hearing the quirks, tips, and "here's why I like mandolins" stories. Hi! I have been playing the mandolin badly since 2001, and a member of the Mandolin Cafe since then. What you need to know about the mandolin will eventually come up there. Basically, do this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmagoBQunZI Also, regarding Bach: http://www.nonesuch.com/journal/yo-yo-ma-chris-thile-edgar-meyer-bach-trios-april-7-nonesuch-tour-2017-02-10
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Feb 19, 2017 17:05
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Coohoolin posted:Chris Thile is amazing. Do you play traditional Scottish music (I guess, based upon your avatar)? Familiar with Kevin MacLeod or Dagger Gordon's playing?
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Feb 28, 2017 20:57
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Coohoolin posted:I do a bunch of stuff, but I got started on reels and jigs, yeah. I've given them a listen and it's pretty iconic trad mandolin playing. Hadn't really bothered doing much exploring, I just sat down with a bunch of tunes I liked from sessions and started playing. This is me, btw. Very nice playing!
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Mar 11, 2017 23:11
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Just to follow up on a couple of things here. For a fantastic resource for music check out The Session, loaded with scads of dots and tab for tunes and variations for multiple styles. Mandolin is what I learned music on, and for my money is far easier to "get" than on a guitar. But yes, it definitely pays to not go cheap in terms of sound quality. If and when you are ready to upgrade from your starter, I really suggest going with a new builder that is starting to build their reputation--you can get really great value if you do your homework. I have a bluegrass cannon with tone that has turned the heads of even highly regarded builders and players by doing just this (A style of course). I had to have the action and intonation tweeked some as it was only her 4th build, and the fit and finish aren't Collings level good, but it sounds amazing and for a fraction of the price.
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Oct 29, 2017 17:18
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Planet X posted:What builder, out of curiosity? Laura Ratcliff. She was formerly (or currently? IDK its murky and I'm not going to ask him) married to Ken Ratcliff, builder of Silverangel mandolins. I did a workship with Mike Marshall several years ago in San Diego and while doing the rounds in the meet and greet came over and had to see it. He wound up noodling on it while making the rest of the rounds, it sounds that good. Sadly he didn't exchange his Loar for it but vOv
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Nov 6, 2017 16:24
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Coohoolin posted:We need more activity here. What if people posted clips of what they're currently playing? I've been away from the instrument for a few months and have to get back up to speed. I've mostly been working on variations for standard North American fiddle tunes in order to build up improvisational vocabulary.
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Nov 6, 2017 16:27
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Yeah with an A-style you should be good to go doing what you suggest. You'd probably need a new nut cut but whatever, its pretty cheap. Some makers do use magical asymmetric tone bars or differing wood species for bass/treble sides of the top that have questionable impact on tone but those are custom instruments. An old Gibson or any of the more standard brands just flip it and go. Pomeroy instruments are made in your area right? Those are fine sounding mandolins.
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Nov 15, 2017 16:19
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Squiggle posted:Great! I'm encouraged to keep looking for A-bodies, then. Right? A buddy of mine in LA has an F5 that has a wonderfully woody tone that almost sounds like an oval hole (you get a sense for the wide open tone of the os and the focused tone of the fs from that video)
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Nov 30, 2017 16:48
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Coohoolin posted:I'm looking at this baby right here. You know about Trevor's shop? He deals in moderate to high end mandolins for all seasons. I know the standard for celtic music are oval holes like Sobel (and if you have never played a Sobel do so, the most cathedral-like, majestic tone I have ever heard a mandolin make) and he's not in Shetland, but he has some of the finest selection of F holes (which do great for celtic too, Dan Beimborn plays a Weins--with Virzi--fwiw) shipping should be easier from inside the UK http://www.theacousticmusicco.co.uk/
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Nov 30, 2017 16:53
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Big Bad Voodoo Lou posted:Hey everyone, Kentucky 150 Edit: a bit more of an explanation. The Kentucky 150 has a solid wood top, which for an entry level archtop, f-holed mandolin (for bluegrass) gives really great sound. If you buy from somewhere like Elderly (see https://www.elderly.com/elderly-instruments-mandolin-outfit.htm for a full beginner package--yes I know you said $200 but in mandolins you really get what you pay for, AND you can get just the instrument as well but this is a complete beginner package), it comes professionally set up, which these instruments really need. In fact, mandolins because they are double course and soprano voiced have incredibly high string tension that can put a beginner off, so even more than a guitar you really feel minor tweeks to set up so this step is crucial. The only upgrade something like that would "need" is a Cumberland Acoustics bridge, but that would be down the road if she decides to stick with it. I started on one of these and it lasted me for years. Once it starts to sound funny then you are ready to upgrade but it will last for years and is a servicable musical instrument. If you are strongly set on $200 then look for a used Mid Missouri or Big Muddy flat top. Again, all solid wood construction. The oval hole might put your wife off as its not like what Bill played, but for a beginner it sounds really good. Edit edit to add: I would be happy to craft a long OP for a mandolin-specific thread if folks would like. Bilirubin fucked around with this message at 00:05 on Dec 1, 2017 |
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Nov 30, 2017 16:55
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Coohoolin posted:I am aware of that site, but the problem is the only thing feasibly within my price range is the Eastman and I'd rather buy local if the fella in Stonehaven can do financing. Otherwise, have you had good experience with that website? I haven't done no, as I don't live in the UK. I have known the owner for years from the Mandolin Cafe and he's a pretty class act, and its an assortment not commonly found outside North America. But yes, those mandolins are spendy.
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Dec 2, 2017 17:09
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Coohoolin posted:I'd love a mandolin specific thread. My Ibanez keeps losing tuning on the A course, flat AND sharp, and I have no idea what the poo poo is going on. Nut seems stable. Bah. OK, enormous effort post incoming. Assuming you have already checked that the tuners are holding and the bridge is placed correctly as well, then it's probably a problem with the fretboard itself. It's not uncommon for those to be a little off in intonation. A lot of old Gibsons have this problem because the template they were cut from was off.
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Dec 2, 2017 20:20
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Planet X posted:Feel free to do that but you're also welcome to keep chatting in here about mandolins, I'm totally digging it. I played my Eastman today a little bit. I can put a link to your post in my OP here too. Cool. Not trying to split off more general bluegrass chat or anything, but the amount of words I just vomited out would probably sprain most non mandolin folks' scrolling fingers https://forums.somethingawful.com/showthread.php?threadid=3842488 Thanks! I'm right now working at getting practice back to a regular part of my evening routine, rebuild calluses, and then perhaps start going back to our weekly jam again. Really need to work on my ear and improvisational skills to deal with all of those songs I don't know well enough to fake it when they come up at the jam.
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Dec 3, 2017 00:27
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| # ¿ May 15, 2024 02:13 |
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Aw man, almost forgot to play Eighth of January today! Fortunately I stumbled across the dots and it reminded me to run through it a few times.
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Jan 9, 2018 04:04
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