Thread for women [Archive] - Mandolin Cafe Forum

mancmando

Mar-23-2005, 4:21am

Just a thought - in the UK a high proportion of bass players in bluegrass circles are women, which I think is because the more "competitive" men tend to play the flashy instruments eg banjo, mandolin guitar etc, leaving the bass for their partner to play...

The fiddle is probably the next most common instrument for women to play followed by the mandolin........

This is not intended to be a controversial/sexist post, it is just my observations, and I'm not making any comment on the abilities of either sex when it comes to playing any instrument... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

adgefan

Mar-23-2005, 4:41am

Yes, I'm one http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

In my BMG orchestra, more than half the mandolinists are female, most of the guitarists are female and one of the accordian players is female. All the banjo players are male http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

The bluegrass circles I mix in tend to be dominated by men, but the kids tend to be a healthy dose of both genders so things will probably change in the next 5 to 10 years.

Christine W

Mar-23-2005, 8:06am

yep female-guess you can tell that by my name-don't post much anymore but I do lurk http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

saznpins

Mar-23-2005, 8:12am

Another here http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

I'm mostly playing alone these days http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif Sometimes hubby will break out the guitar and join me. We moved in January and I don't really know of any jams nearby.

Also, with a new house that we've been doing work on and a baby on the way, when I can sqeeze an hour out in the evening to play I'm lucky. But I do have my Sweet Pea that I bring to work to play during lunch most days.
Cheers,
Sarah

aimee

Mar-23-2005, 8:24am

Yo.

Play almost exclusively with women- my daughter, a college student and me make up our little trio. We find that egos don't get involved as much as when jamming with men, and everybody gets their opportunity to shine.

LaVonne

Mar-23-2005, 11:28am

Count me in. I also play guitar but have not found any pickin partners in my area.

GVD

Mar-23-2005, 12:42pm

There's also a Karen Kay on the board but I'm not sure if she still plays, what with her stunt riding career and all! #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

GVD

otterly2k

Mar-23-2005, 2:44pm

Count me in.
I play most frequently with one other woman--another multi-instrumentalist who lives near me...we both teach/learn stuff from each other, so we're a good match. I'd love to find a third for that combo, as we sometimes need one more "voice" to fill it out. There's another local fellow who sometimes plays with us...that's enjoyable too, especially cuz he's a really good player, knows a zillion tunes, and is not domineering, but he does dominate the sound a bit (usually plays fiddle) and it changes the dynamics.

I also sometimes play with a local "pickup" group that is about 50/50 m/f. That's fun too in its own way. But somewhat less so, only because the skill level is so varied.

I do have to say that I've played many instruments in many contexts over my lifetime, and I do enjoy playing/singing in ensembles with women best. While there are always exceptions, I agree that aimee's statement rings true, in general.

And just a thought...for those of you posting an interest in connecting with other women players in your area... why not say what area you are in??
I'm in Philadelphia.

KE

:cool:

bdisp

Mar-23-2005, 3:16pm

KE,
Did you find your Eastman F/oval???? (Do you remember me?) I wish you two lived in the Raleigh, NC area. The way my wife/boss has me trained, I think I would fit right in with your duo..............

Amandalyn

Mar-23-2005, 3:24pm

Hi Ladies- count me in. There's more male than female players (all instruments)down here. I'm just happy to play with any of them. We females do seem to have a sweeter touch on the mandolin, although I do like that down-stroking Monroe stuff.

Amandalyn

Mar-23-2005, 3:27pm

Ok, here's the next question- what kind of mandolin do you play ? If you have more than one- what's your favorite? For me, I have several & right now I prefer my Randy Wood 2 point.

Amandalyn

Mar-23-2005, 3:32pm

Now, are any of you mando-ladies going to Savannah for the Mando-Madness this Friday night ? I'm trying to organize a pickin' on Friday or Saturday afternoon- could be both days at one of the parks- if you're interested lemme know & I'll post the info here.

TommyK

Mar-23-2005, 3:38pm

Hey, count me in! #I play in the Dayton Mandolin Orchestra, which has only 4 female members out of 24 or 25....I also play string bass, which makes me a minority there, too....
A year ago I went to a BG fest in Ottawa, Il. I don't know how many groups played but all, I mean ALL the bass players were ladies. All the mando players were men. I didn't say gentlemen because ... You think anyone of them would help those ladies move their bass? Heck no! They were too busy 'luggin' their mandos. Shameful, just shameful. I'm sure their mamma's raised 'em better, but it apparently didn't stick. The ladies have my utmost respect and admiration.

Karen Kay

Mar-23-2005, 3:44pm

GVD
LOL
I still play, just wish I were better! The crash was just another hurdle I didn't quite clear! Look for me at Mandofest and at Don's deal!
KK

mandodebbie

Mar-23-2005, 4:05pm

I am female. I play alone, all by myself, since hamster died. Actually there is a lady in the Manitoba Oldtyme and Bluegrass Society that goes to my church and has asked me to join her little gospel-type band. (And since Prebyterians in Canada aren't really reknown for gospel music, this should be interesting. Hmmm...I can remember some old Sunday School hymns.) I have informed her that I have been only playing for a year, so wish me luck. Hey, my dreams of "jamming" just might come true!

Gail Hester

Mar-23-2005, 4:23pm

Hey, female builder here. I started building when my husband got a severe case of MAS, now I’m hooked. His sickness is spreading so I am currently building an H5 Mandola. I also work on guitars, refinish and restore old instruments so I guess that makes me a luthierett. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

doublestop

Mar-23-2005, 5:18pm

Geez, what a great response from all. You should she the look on my male friends' faces when I tell them I would like to do "Nine Pound Hammer" in C. Wish I had more women to play with.
I am from Central PA and play an 80's model KM-1000 and a Custom Weber Yellowstone.

justwrite

Mar-23-2005, 6:35pm

39-year-old female picker here, in Sugar Land, Texas. I've been to many a jam session where I was both the youngest participant and the only female. There are a couple of good weekly jams here that a fair amount of women attend. One is full of female dulcimer players.

I agree with the observation that a lot of women play bass in bluegrass bands.

Dale got banned!?!? I haven't been on the board enough since I got a 9-5 job several months back.

violmando

Mar-23-2005, 7:14pm

Thanks for the comment, Tommy K, but I wouldn't let men like that help me with my bass anyway--I'd just tell them to move outta the way!!!!!

mcH

Mar-23-2005, 7:25pm

I'm in. I'm live in the NW Georgia area, and pick with a couple of other guys in town - once every so often. They want me to play fiddle, though, since one already plays mandolin, and the other plays guitar. But fiddle is good... since I really play violin and viola.. it's a nice change. I attended a "new years" jam back in January, and about 4 of the players were women. We're definitely outnumbered here.

sailaway

Mar-23-2005, 8:29pm

To: Whomever started this thread : What a great idea !!! all women mandolinists should know where the few other ones are so we can jam and exchange ideas....I am in W Pa and regularly travel Cleveland- Erie - the W Va line and east to Philly a lot. I played classical piano for 25 years (but lugging pianos to campfires is not possible..) Played folk Guitar for years since college, despite my father threatening to throw me out in the yard if he heard Dont Think Twice one more time..... Got sent to South America for 6 months, guitars are tough to transport in the hilands of Chile so so got a decent A style mando 2004 and have been having a great time with it . I play classical , (Bach and Chopin mostly) ethnic folk music (irish, italian a lot of dark russian) and a LOT of BLUE GRASS which I love to death because there are HUGE numbers of people who play blue grass and you can always find a jam . believe me -- (I w as in Sao Paulo Brazil last February and I found a Blue Grass Jam and was fortunate enough that they kindly allowed me to participate.. !!!!~ ) Have been to blue grass week at Augusta W VA -- going again this year, it is a BLAST , good mando lessons, HARMONY SINGING AND 7 nites of solid jams from morn til nite. Am trying to learn django reinhardt jazz and it is killing me .Any pickers in the W Pa - Cleveland -Erie area-- please e mail me, there are regular jams 4 nites a week fdrom Pgh to Erie , and irregular ones alternating Mondays and Wednesdays so you can always find a music PARTY !!! I am off to the Philly area end of month 4-25 to 4 -28- , then Boston -- hope to find some good picking and jams thereabouts ...( my handle SAILAWAY is because I 'sail -away' like Jimmy Buffett on an old boat on week ends with my mando ...) http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif' Enjoy every sand wich ' (Zevon) and remember: ' You need more than one person for harmony. ' ....(Meatloaf)

kyblue

Mar-23-2005, 8:36pm

Just got back from a jam here in Kentucky -- 3 ladies (mando - me, banjo, fiddle), 8 guys (1 mando, 2 other banjos, 1 dobro, 4 guitar.) No bass, but usually that's a woman, sometimes a man. One night the ladies outnumbered the men, several ladies on guitar that night, and most of the men were home with the flu...

Paula

otterly2k

Mar-23-2005, 9:06pm

Hmmm... a lot to respond to.
bdisp-- haven't had a chance to play an Eastman F-oval yet, but am stopping at Mando Brothers (staten island) on my way home from a work trip tomorrow, and hope to play one there. Am considering others as well...we'll see where I land. Unfortunately, my dreams are bigger than my budget!

and Gail H....I'm getting ready to go build my first instrument (Don K's OM building workshop)...have seen you about on the mando builders threads...I learn so much from reading that, and can't wait to learn more hands-on! I'd love to see more women building! For me, I have to play catch-up skills-wise (didn't grow up learning or even observing woodworking at all), and gain confidence, but I'm patient with detail work and definitely motivated!

re: what mandos?
Right now I'm playing a Trillium octave mando. It has great tone, really rings, and I like filling in that voice between the mandos and the guitars. Am about to build a shorter scale one too. And am currently carefully shopping for a regular sized mando right now. (and have a funky Italian vintage mandola to get rid of, in case anyone is intrigued, pm me). Also have a pre-Epiphone tenor banjo on long term loan and a 1980 Martin D-28 which was my primary instrument for many years.

KE

Gail Hester

Mar-23-2005, 11:50pm

Karen, I’ve never had the pleasure since I live on the left coast but Don’s workshop sounds like a great idea. He seems to have a genuine passion to teach building and help others. I’ve heard nothing but good things and he’s always so helpful in the builder’s threads. Have fun and good luck.

violmando

Mar-24-2005, 4:50am

Hey Sailaway--whereabouts in WPa are you? I live near Dayton, but the folks are in the Indiana Pa area and I will be there twice this summer--once on my way to AMGuss!

saznpins

Mar-24-2005, 7:23am

It's so nice to see other ladies who love the mando! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

I live in central NJ and play my Flatiron Performer F as my primary, and I have that little Weber Sweetpea for work, vacation, camping, etc.

I'm hoping that by playing to my little one while I'm pregnant he or she will come out with a fondness for the mando too http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif I'll find out on Saturday whether we're having a boy or a girl and we're very excited! Maybe another mando-gal is on the way http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

mtnrose

Mar-24-2005, 11:31am

Im so glad to see this thread. I live in western CO. and usually just play by my lonesome. Occasinally my amazon parrot sings along.

Im an ex violin player and took up mandolin about 5 years ago. Recently started octave mandolin and cello. I am starting to do my own repairs and set ups with varying success. Im plotting to take an old cracked bowlback apart so I can put it back together. Its very inspiring to see what Gail is accomplishing and I hope I can do half as well.Id love to be able to do Dons workshop. Seems like a great way to start building. Good luck Karen!

...ohh I have an old Gibson Ajr, a bowlback, banjolin, Weber Bitteroot Octave mandolin, cello, several wallhangers and a few strange "conversation peices."
In my violin years I only owned 2 (not at the same time). Im not sure why mandolins inspire aquisitition syndrome. It sure is fun but Ill be thinning the herd soon. Im looking forward to getting a 2 point octave mandolin in about 5 months.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

mandolooter

Mar-24-2005, 12:39pm

Keep pickin and building ladies...your all an inspiration to us fellers and quite frankly i'd rather play with a bunch of girls anytime! I had the most wonderful conversation with a lady luthier in Philly yesterday when i was ordering some instruments...not only #did she freely share her knowledge with me, but said to give her a buzz anytime if i run into problems during my repair job.

My daughter has finally decided to take up the fiddle after being inspired by my female mando teacher and her Mom, a guitar picker...saying Im thrilled to death is a understatement!

otterly2k

Mar-25-2005, 11:10am

Mandolooter-- PLEASE pm me with info about the "lady luthier" in Philly... as I am there too, and would REALLY like to meet/connect with her!

thanks!
KE

Stephanie Reiser

Mar-26-2005, 3:46am

Great thread!!!
I live in Maine, and cannot find any female mando players who want to play together. I would even settle for a guitar player, just to jam with.
Gail H., I have seen your work, and it is very inspiring.
KE, I am building my second mandolin. My first is very playable. If you send me an email I can send you a pic of it. Building mandolins becomes an obsession as they allow room for artistic creativity on the headstock. Each mandolin I build I try to get another tool. Just wish I had someone to play with.
Stephanie

HarmonyRexy

Mar-28-2005, 10:49am

Hi!
I've been lurking here for ages but never really felt the urge to jump in before.
I usually play all by my lonesome... Every once in a while I play with other mandolin players and/or guitar players. All of them are men.
I don't know any female mandolin players.
Back when I played alot during my college time and a few years after, I lived in Michigan and knew many ladies who play.
I had taken a long break from playing and have remembered My Love during the last couple of years. I'm in Florida.
I attend lots of bluegrass events and go to at least one bluegrass night every week. I see many guitar, dobro, and banjo players but not many mandolin players.
It's a long answer for, I play mostly alone.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

otterly2k

Mar-28-2005, 1:29pm

Thanks for the encouragement, Stephanie! I'd love to see pics of yours...can you post them here? If not, I'll email you. Did you start from scratch or build from kits? And I agree with you... Gail's work is inspiring.

re: creativity... I've been working on some beautiful inlay pieces made from recycled piano ivory...and then etched and inked (like scrimshaw). I'm thinking headstock and maybe 12th fret. We'll see... I don't know what the dimensions are of the headstock, exactly, or what there will be room for...you can be sure I'll post pics when I have 'em. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

KE

otterly2k

Mar-28-2005, 1:35pm

Oh, and Sailaway... let me know next time you're headed for Philly...(or anyone else for that matter)

levin4now

Mar-28-2005, 1:58pm

I'm really just kidding here...but usually by now someone has posted this (or these) words:

"Pictures Please!"

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

Gail Hester

Mar-28-2005, 2:37pm

Alan are you trying to get pictures of the women or their mandolins? #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

carolynbeth

Mar-28-2005, 11:11pm

Well, we seem to be pretty thin on mandolin players here in The O.C. -- female or otherwise... I'm starting to wonder if I'm the only one.... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

P.S. hey, mandolooter, congrats on your daughter...you've got yourself a 3-piece band, well done! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Stephanie Reiser

Mar-29-2005, 3:48am

KE,
I tried posting a pic of my mando here, but for some reason it doesn't work. I've done it in the past, but lately I cant get my mando pic on here. If you like, email me and I will send a couple pics of my mandolin.
I plan to attend that mando camp on Cap Cod in September. Hopefully mando #2 will be finished by then. Also, my current song project is Thile's When Mandolins Dream, and hopefully I will have that memorized by then too, for the open mic.
Isn't the mandolin such a beautiful instrument?
Stephanie

Karen Kay

Mar-29-2005, 6:53am

I play with my husband & my best friend, Virg, but as she lives in the St. Louis area that's only a couple of times a year but she also meets me in Winfield. #A couple of years ago at Winfield, someone came up with a "Chick-pick" thing where only women could participate in the jam. I wouldn't go to the Chick-pick for a couple of years because it sounded 'remedial'. #But that was my problem because when I finally went it turned out to be a lot of fun & a good learning experience. A couple of years ago, we had guys dressing up in skirts & stuff trying to get in the jam. #Now the guys are 'cabana boys' but they are not allowed to play. As with most things Winfield, it's all in fun and for the music. I like to play with the guys but in a jam setting, they do have a tendency to hog the show. #
My sister, Jo, has been playing for about 6 months so we play when we get together.
I still play my Davis a lot but recently, my fav has been the 1916 Gibson A.
KarenKay

GVD

Mar-29-2005, 8:29am

Karen, So that really is what you look like huh?. For the last 6 months I thought somebody had slipped a hallucinogen into my Guinness when I saw you at Winfield. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

GVD

Karen Kay

Mar-29-2005, 10:12am

GDV ~
Now I understand....no wonder. It's all making sense now...
You wanna come down from the North & interview for a Cabana Boy position?
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
KK

ash

Mar-29-2005, 2:23pm

yep...i play mando. Rock on ladies!
ash

GVD

Mar-29-2005, 2:32pm

ash Posted

yep...i play mando.

You're too modest Ash. That's like Picasso saying "I paint a little". #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

GVD

otterly2k

Mar-29-2005, 4:05pm

That's a great photo, Karen...:D

Stephanie... I PM'ed you my email address so you can sent those mando pics. Working on Thile... cool. I'm working on a piece called Suleman's Kopanitsa (you can hear it on the Mosaik recording with Andy Irvine, et al)-- love those wild time signatures!! (this one is in 11/8).:p

Nora

Mar-30-2005, 8:26pm

I haven't had a chance to get on the message board lately, but I am a girl, too.

kyblue, what part of KY? I am in KY, too.

I just started learning the mando a few months ago. It's a cheapo. I jam with some guys every few weeks and they have been very kind about my playing (or lack of). I am mostly bluegrass (or is that BLUEGRASS?).

When you sing Nine Pound Hammer and the verse sings about Hazard and Harlan, that is the area of where KY I live.

Nora

ps

For mandodebbie: I was brought up Presbyterian and Bluegrass Gospel is still good. Sing 'Wouldn't Take Nothin' for My Journey Now', by sister Vesta (Goodman). It makes you feel good, even it you're a Presbyter.[B]

duuuude

Mar-31-2005, 12:45pm

My dad grew up in Harlan County. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

mandodebbie

Mar-31-2005, 4:32pm

Thanks for the encouragement, Nora! I am actually expecting to jam right after church this coming Sunday with my fellow Presbyterian gospel girls for the first time. It's the only time they can fit a session in their hectic schedules, as both ladies have young children. (I just had hamsters!) http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

CapnScarlett

Apr-01-2005, 1:17pm

I'm a woman! Due to my physics major and math minor I haven't had much time to bum around on the internet recently. I usually play with friends (who all happen to be female)...they play things like oboe, recorder, fiddle, etc.

Kate

mandomick

Apr-01-2005, 9:23pm

I'm a woman! #Due to my physics major and math minor I haven't had much time to bum around on the internet recently. #I usually play with friends (who all happen to be female)...they play things like oboe, recorder, fiddle, etc.

Kate
Hey Kate, where did your signature come from? Somebody else had it too and nobody knew where it originated. Can you tell us?

Nora

Apr-01-2005, 9:56pm

Is it just me, or did anyone else notice that this thread has more than 2000 viewings. Think somebody got the wrong idea?

Nora

mandodebbie

Apr-02-2005, 1:26pm

Golly, gee!I was wondering about that too, Nora! Awhile back there was thread about mandolin practice in the nude. It mostly displayed photos taken in the 1920s or so. It was quite the "hit" with the menfolk on this message board until the director found it was getting out of hand, so it eventually stopped running. I haven't been posing nude with my mandolin lately, so the male massage board ooglers are out of luck. But for eveybodies' information, I do have some very nice photos taken of me(fully clothed) with my old Hyburn, but I haven't scanned and downloaded them yet. Anyway, all of we ladies know that we are indeed serious musicians, but Human Nature, ie. men being attracted to us, usually takes over when it all comes down to it. There is indeed nothing new under the sun.

otterly2k

Apr-07-2005, 1:27pm

OK, gals, I'm back from my OM building workshop... you can see my posts about it, and some pics, on the CBOM message board, and also on the luthier/builder board.

It was a really great experience. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in building. Don is a born teacher... and able to adapt his instruction to the experience/skill level of the student. I have little woodworking background (one class several years ago), and this was totally do-able. He never let me feel badly about needing help when I needed it, and was very positive and encouraging the whole way through. The kits are well-designed and he has arranged it to all work in the allotted 3 days, though you have to be prepared to work hard... as it takes every minute of those days to do it.

He's doing another workshop in early May (regular sized mandos), and after that, there'll be a gap while he finds a new location.

otterly2k

Apr-07-2005, 1:28pm

TommyK

Apr-08-2005, 12:33pm

Is it just me, or did anyone else notice that this thread has more than 2000 viewings. #Think somebody got the wrong idea?

Nora
WHAT??
You think us guys would ignore a post that says 'Women' on it??
I once went into a room marked "WOMEN". Had a picture on the door and everything. That was back in High School. I told the guy I was looking for women and the sign said... The principal was not amused. I did avoid a suspension, however. I think I did hear a chuckle as I headed back to class.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
Mr. Christiansen, if you're listening.. thanks.

mandogrrl

Apr-10-2005, 9:38pm

Just got back from Mandolin Camp North. There were approx. 100 participants, 12 women. There was one female instructor. I am definitely seeing more women mandolinists though.

Stephanie Reiser

Apr-11-2005, 5:53am

I am planning on going to the mando camp on Cape Cod, and hoping there will be other female students there, too. I know there will be one female instructor.
Stephanie

otterly2k

Apr-11-2005, 8:26am

I'm pleased to say that 1/3 of the students at the OM building workshop and 3/9 students at Niles Hokkanen's mando technique workshop were women... It's a better ratio, although the smaller class size probably made a difference.

I guess we just need to do some recruiting!

CapnScarlett

Apr-13-2005, 4:26pm

Sorry mandomick, I don't know where the quote came from. I saw it on somebody's AIM profile and got a kick out of it...

bigbike4

Apr-15-2005, 7:05am

New here and new to mandolin but count this gal in!

Stephanie Reiser

Apr-15-2005, 11:22pm

welcome to the group, Big Bike,
(a harley?}
Stephanie

billkilpatrick

Apr-18-2005, 10:15am

me tarzan but i just can't tell you how relieved i am to see that the common-sensible, funny and mildly flirtatious person i've been chatting with over the mysteries of this instrument is listed here amongst you.

seems to me, that's the major down-side of a nom de keyboard - ambiguity and the use of certain words can close the door on any conversation if you're unsure who ... u ... r ...?

da-doo-ron-ron-ron-da-doo-ron-ron - bill

Taube Marks

Apr-18-2005, 11:22am

The first year I attended Sore Fingers (UK Bluegrass camp) I was the only "girl" (aged 55) in the class, and boy did I feel it. However, I never give up and I kept putting in my two cents on mandolins and mandolin history in the general discussion, and by the end I felt accepted. The following year, there were three of us in the class of 20 and last year there were four. T

his year, with Tim O'Brien teaching, I only made to number five on the waiting list (so did singing with Alice Gerrard instead...that was great), but there were more girls/ladies/women/wimmens than ever.

There is a shortage of mandolin players here in my area (I even met one of them through this board...and he only lived two streets away...talk about insular)so I play with whoever will take the plunge. I invite people over, since I reckon some of the best playing isn't only done in public but in private too. All it takes is a box of nice biscuits (or cookies to you guys) and some decent real coffee. In my dreams, I see that all my neighbours have taken up the mandolin and we have jams in the back gardens of North Oxford!

Taube

sailaway

Apr-19-2005, 3:55am

well, Taube, I will keep your e mail address handy as I will be traveling to England on business in the fall! last time I spent a week in Manchester and never hooked up with any mando players, though an excellent folk guuitarist did eventually show up.... I have found that a good way to meet mando players when you are traveling is (1) go to the local string instrument /classical music shop and ask around (2) to take your mando to a public park or square and just start playing........ http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

bsmando

Apr-25-2005, 11:26pm

Hi everybody,
Just saw this thread and thought I should write in. I'm a lady mandolinist. Been at it 31 years now. Started playing when I lived in Houston, Tx and then moved to the Bay Area of California (to play in the Robin Flower Band and ended up in several others). Now, I'm located in southwest Idaho. I also made my F5 mandolin back in 1977 with help from Tom Ellis.
Cheers,
Becky

Stephanie Reiser

Apr-26-2005, 3:30am

Becky, would you want to post a pic of your F-5? I built my own too, and would love to see yours.
Stephanie

bsmando

Apr-26-2005, 10:58am

Okay, here's my baby - link attached. You may wonder about the tailpiece cover - I made that out of silver and 'chased & repoussed' the design. Actually, I made the mandolin during my senior year at the University of Houston for my Jewelry and Metalsmithing major in the fine arts dept.
My Smith Ellis mandolin (http://www.smithfowler.org/music/SmithEllis.htm)

mtnrose

Apr-26-2005, 11:19am

Becky wow thats pretty. I love the color and that tailpeice is super neat! I assume they gave you an A.:D

another Becky

PaulD

Apr-26-2005, 11:59am

Becky... that is one fine looking mando... and the tailpiece cover is great! I like the light sunburst... great job.

Paul Doubek

billkilpatrick

Apr-26-2005, 12:27pm

yeah, i agree. it sounds good just looking at it. complimenti - bill

bmac

Apr-26-2005, 1:13pm

When I found this site, roughly a year ago, I was surprised at how few female mandolinists there appeared to be. Late 19th Century and early 20th century photos show that female and male mandolin players were more or less equal in number (just a guess). Now, however, it appears that the male to female ratio may be as high as 10 to 1 (another guess) with males dominating in number....

So I was curious as to why there appeared to be so few female mandolin players active today. This seems to be the case in professional as well as amateur mandolin players.

I don't have any idea why this seems to be the case. Glad to see so many women speak up though.

Taube Marks

Apr-27-2005, 6:09am

Captain Scarlett...

Wasn't he in that puppet show from 60s in the UK entitled the Thunderbirds. Another character was Lady Penelope and her chauffeur named Parker. I don;'t think any of them played the mandolin. It was a kind of marionettes in space thing. Very hip and cool for its time.

Taube

WireBoy

Apr-27-2005, 9:08am

Puppet show, indeed!

Please... SUPERMARIONATION !

Lady Penelope and Parker were high society embedded agents of International Rescue in the series Thunderbirds.

Captain Scarlett and the Mysterions was a later series where earth battled aliens.

no mandoins, but they did have puppet versions of the popular early 60's guitar band The Shadows as the Intl Rescue gang visited a nightclub in one episode.

bratsche

Apr-27-2005, 10:44am

When I found this site, roughly a year ago, I was surprised at how few female mandolinists there appeared to be. Late 19th Century and early 20th century photos show that female and male mandolin players were more or less equal in number (just a guess). Now, however, it appears that the male to female ratio may be as high as 10 to 1 (another guess) with males dominating in number....

From what I've gathered, in the late 19th Century and early 20th centuries, mandolin orchestras rose to huge popularity, and every decent sized town ultimately had at least one. Nowadays, in contrast, the vast majority of mando players (in America at least) are into bluegrass music, so I don't think the change in gender ratio is any coincidence. (Personally, I wish there would be a resurgence of interest in the former, as the latter does nothing for me...)

bratsche (a woman)

mandolooter

Apr-30-2005, 7:07am

Im personnally a huge fan of women mandolinist's and women in general. In this seemingly male dominated world they are like a breath of fresh air! You go girls! Im the proud father of a beginning fiddler being taught by bsmando who's beautiful and great sounding mandolin is pictured above. She wants to play mandolin too, so add another girl to the list!

Hi Bratche...long time no see you post, but maybe I've been in the wrong threads!?! Send me some pic's of the Vega sometime when things are slow...I was gonna get it but chickened out. How bad did I screw up? LOL http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif