Setup for a camper instrument

[abusemonkey]

Hello all,

Last summer I picked up a beat up old mandolin at a junk sale for $40 (Canadian) thinking I'd set it up for a knockabout instrument when I go camping, it was missing a bridge and the tailpiece is pretty rusty but intact, the tuners look serviceable with a tiny bit of rust. There's some cracks around the edges but it looks like it's only in the binding, the top doesn't seem to be coming off or anything. #It says Stella on the headstock and looks exactly like #this one (http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10179&item=7302039666&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW) on ebay, just more 'loved' looking.

I'm finally getting around to doing this in preparation for camping season and thought I should solicit some opinion on 2 things:

1. #Decent inexpensive bridge options, sturdiness preferred over dazzling tonal qualities.
2. #I was thinking of stringing it up with just 4 strings to make it easier to play without a pick, therby bypassing the #possibility of being in the woods without a pick(very probable with me) and not being able to pluck double courses with my pudgy fingers sans nails. #Is this 'wrong', or are there any concerns I should be aware of when putting less then the normal amount of strings on an instrument?

I am still a rank beginner, so impressive quality of sound isn't an issue, I just want something to have around the campfire that I'm not going to worry too much about getting scratched or beat up. #Plus, I figure having the instrument around when there's all that time to fill means I get more practice http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Thanks in advance http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[John Flynn]

1. Try here: http://www.internationalluthiers.com/otherparts.php

2. I would put all the strings on it. A mando has a whole different feel and sound without the double courses. Just bring 4 or 5 picks and tape them to the side of the mando with masking tape if you don't have anyplace else to put them. They are cheap, weigh nothing and they don't take up any room. You might want to go with stainless steel strings for camping.

[glauber]

Of course, in an emergency, you could always sculpt your picks out of bone, with your Bowie knife.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[picksnbits]

this may be a bit off topic, but...

plans for converting some piece of your camping equipment into a wash-tub bass could provide for some fun accompaniment. All you need is a long stick-like thing, a long piece of thin rope, and a large tub-like thing. Any of those are likely to be on your equiplement list already.

Yea i i think i would put all the strings on it as well.

[abusemonkey]

Thanks folks.

I guess I'll put all the strings on there, maybe get one of those plastic pick holder jobbies that holds a bunch of picks and attach it to the strap somehow (oh goodie another project!).

Thanks for the other suggestions as well, I'll see if I can't convince the girlfriend to play the washtub bass http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif And maybe since I'm already carving picks I'll just find me an old log and carve me up a scroll while I'm at it http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

Now I just have to figure out what do use to keep the other campers from rioting when they hear my playing....

[mandroid]

Playability is still an issue , i would think, decent action ?
weather / dent resistant Bag is a consideration.
set of 8 light or x lite strings ,and spares ...
Flat top should make a DIY bridge simple enough to make.
maybe alter[renotch] a 5 string banjo bridge for making a light one.
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