Anti-MAS: the minimalist approach

[Jeff_Stallard]

I don't have near as many mandos as some people (3 mandos, 1 OM, and 1 Irish tenor banjo), but I've begun to wonder if all of that is a waste, if I should sell the mandos and OM and replace them with ONE mando. Why mess with the hassle of many when I can have just one to worry about?

Anyone else contemplated a move like this?

[rixter]

It seems to me that as long as this move still involves the purchase of a new mandolin, it's just another subtle variant of that old devil MAS. Once you get the one "true" mando, well, it won't be too long before you realize that you just have to get a decent beater because there are some places where it just won't do to take the good one and the next thing that you know..... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[Christine W]

oh yeah, You can only play one at a time. I could however see having a mandocello and a mandolin, a mandola and a mandolin etc...
I think if you have the funds and the space and the time to play all those instruments than great but if they are just sitting there collection dust well than it's time to lighten the load.

[pklima]

I have one mando (Martin style 6a bowlback - no, I don't play bluegrass) but I also have a bass, a troll cittern, a tenor banjo, a guitar and an electric doubleneck troll guitar... This has nothing to do with ascetism or personal discipline or any such noble ideas; I've just been trying not to acquire too many bulky things so it will be easier for me to move across the Atlantic. I appear to have tuning acquisition syndrome, however, as each of my instruments is tuned differently.

[Jim M.]

I tried it, but it didn't last. Even then, I had one mando and one OM. Those are different enough I think you can justify keeping both. I'm still tempted to minimize and may put it into action some day again, but I doubt it. At best I think I might whittle down to one oval and one f-hole.

[cutbait2]

yes, one mid-mo would do it all well enough for most us, however that flies in the face of human nature.......

[mandobob]

I'm done to one Breedlove mando, one Martin guitar, and one Telecaster (ok there's an old beater acoustic around too)
but the mando and flat top seem to get better and better when they don't share my (limited) playing time.
I suffer greatly from GAS/MAS everyday; but the one each thing is working (kinda) for me.

[pickinNgrinnin]

I now have 2 Mandolins and that is probably as many as I need. I also have two Guitars. There is only so much time in the day to play and the way it is, some get neglected. I may want more but I don't really need more. I can see myself buying and selling more instruments along the way but I don't want to have the inventory grow any larger http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[Bob A]

Insofar as there has never been a standardised mandolin (unlike the violin, whose dimensions and design have been agreed-upon as perfected several hundred years ago), I'd find it difficult to support the notion of a single mandolin.

At minimum, there are at least two styles of Gibson-type instruments, f-hole and oval; then the bowlbacks, which seem to be divided into Neapolitan and Roman styles, with the American bowlbacks being a different-sounding subset of Neapolitan; then the flatbacks like the old MArtins; then hybrids like Lyon & Healy, which occupy a tonality between Gibson and the bowlback group.

Then the shots that fall way outside the group: banjo-mandolins, National resonators and the like.

Of course, we can't forget the mandolas and mando-cellos. I suspect we CAN forget the mandobass. They seem to work best as wall-hangers; at any rate, I can't recall anyone seriously playing one of these, or even owning one. Forgive me if you have one, and play it daily.

For the price of a used car, you can assemble a minimum package of mandolins, suitable for any occasion. Seems a worthwhile endeavor to me. But then, my diagnosis has been confirmed.

[John Flynn]

In 12 years of playing I have only ever had two mandos at a time: A good one for performance and a travel mando for practice on business trips. I am thinking about getting a better travel case for my good mando so I can go down to only having one mando or alternatively getting a better travel mando because the one I have sounds so bad.

I play a lot, BTW. At least an hour of personal practice a day and two to five events over each weekend including some combination of practices for two groups, jams and performances. Still, I have some MAS. It's hard not to with everyone talking about new mandos all the time and such great luthiery work being done these days. I have traded up on the good mando once. I know couple of really great players I have taken lessons from who only have two mandos, a good one and a beater.

If I really had a purpose for another mando, I would get one. If I really thought the good mando I have now was not good enough and it was holding me back, I would trade up. I can afford it. But like someone said, you can only play one at a time. And the music is in the player, not in the instrument. The instrument is just a tool. In every hobby or pastime, there are some people who are more interested in the activity and some who are more interested in the gear. I always feel a little sorry for the latter. I think they are #missing out on something.

[JamesBryan]

Yes that is a tough decision. Maybe some of us can be of help unloading the excess for you. So, ah,.....whatcha got? How much?

[fatt-dad]

Considering the minimalist approach, I would have to keep my A5, A3 and 1N. While I enjoy the others, I would be hard to go below those three.

f-d

[Bob A]

Yup, I'm a gearhead. Pity me, and send money.

BTW, I play most of them regularly, not well, but with enthusiasm.

[RobP]

I have 2 mandolins. A Rigel A+ deluxe that I bought a year ago, and the Tacoma M1 I upgraded from. I hardly ever play the Tacoma, but I keep it mainly because it was a 10th anniversary gift from my wonderful wife. I also have a guitar because I like to sing with my family.

I typically don't go out of my way to seek out or play other mandolins at music stores (A mid-mo once in a while for fun).

I tend to obsess more about the music and my playing ability. I figure the mandolin I have should be good enough for a long time. I REALLY REALLY want to be a better player. How many variations of soldiers joy can I learn? How can I possibly learn a break for that new song my trio is working on? When will improv start to become more natural and by feel? When will the baby finally fall asleep so I can practice? etc.

my MAS is Musical Ability Syndrome http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif


Cheers,

Rob

[jiffyfeet]

I only have one mando and I don't want another one for any reason. I might eventually want a better one, but I would get rid of mine at that point.

[Walter Newton]

I also currently have one and, for now, no desire for another...though if I won the lottery I'd probably turn into a "collector".

My girlfriend is a classical violinist and has one violin. A good friend plays piano and has one piano. I think outside of guitar/mandolin players acquiring a big instrument collection is a lot less common (then again, for the cost of my friend's piano you could have a whole closetful of mandolins).

[Michael H Geimer]

Totally guilty ... GAS/MAS ... you name it. But, still don't consider myself a 'gear-head'.

I look at each instrument as a distinct color, and I think I have put togther a pretty rich palette from which to choose ... Mmmmm .... decisions ... decisions*.

4 guitars:
- Dreadnaught
- 000 12-fret
- Parlour
- Lowly Backpacker

2 Mandolins:
- Flattop
- F-style

Misc:
- Piano
- Accordian http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

Now ... if I can just talk my co-worker out of his 000-28C, I'll be set ... right?

- Benignus

*The fire alarm went off a few nights ago ... I chose the Weber. Always thought I'd grab the Martin, but nope. The Weber and 1/2 a sandwhich. (Mind you, a neighbor and I searched the building first, so I knew all was really OK)

[planoman]

The question I keep asking myself is: does the Cafe produce MAS, because we are constantly looking at (drooling over) mandos that are just out of our reach financially? However, if that is true, the cure for MAS--i.e., not logging onto the Cafe--isn't worth it. For a true hobby player, with no interest, talent, means or time necessary to become a pro, I would like to think I only need one mando. Oh well, since I can't resolve these issues, I may just as well enjoy the irony of wanting better and better mandos, while not needing or affording them.

[straight-a]

I'm down to two; a Fender FM-63 and a Gibson A-9. Use the Fender for a knock-around and the A-9 for performing. More mando than I will ever need.

I do have a Gibson A-12 but it isn't playable due to a need for frets and a bridge. Doesn't sound to hot anyway so no plans on repairing it.

[Blind_Cowboy]

Ah jeez I suffer. I think i'm addicted. It's like herroine with strings attached.

Gibson Les Paul Studio, tripped out Telecaster, Hagstrom Swede Bass(LOVE!), Fender Jazz Bass, Precision Bass, Old Alvarez 6str. acoustic, Nashville tuned Dean acoustic, Guild 12str. acoustic, Johnson acoustic (Raised bridge and nut for slide), Bestler Mandolin, X brand Ukulele, assorted harmonicas in every key, percussion, bongos, kazoos, reed flutes, ah man. Somebody stop me. Please!! I don't even want to get into the amount of recording equipment and mics that I have. And amps?!? What was I thinking?!? Who needs 6 different amps? Effects pedals out the whazzoo, and enough software and VST plug-ins to choke a well built horse.

But, ya know. I wouldn't mind having an A-9. Hmm. (No! No!) Maybe i'll just go over and see what they're costing nowadays. (Help!)

Blind Cowboy...

[Jeff_Stallard]

For a true hobby player, with no interest, talent, means or time necessary to become a pro, I would like to think I only need one mando.
I am definitely a hobby player, without the interest or time to become professional, or even semi-professional, which is part of the reason I'm thinking of getting rid of a few.

[jbrwky]

Jeff, I think you're on the right path, man. If you sell everything and sit on your immoveable spot, you can just think mando. No possessions, no desire, just pure, unadulterated, mando consciousness. Or not.

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

[Jeff_Stallard]

This idea of mine actually doesn't have anything to do with music. I've started looking at all of my belongings in a minimalist fashion. I just donated a dining table and a desk to charity because I never used them (yes, I'm single) and couldn't see cluttering my life with their presence. That made me wonder if my instruments are becoming a clutter. I'll probably end up keeping them all; I'm just thinking out loud.

[Crowder]

I know couple of really great players I have taken lessons from who only have two mandos, a good one and a beater.
From what I can observe, here and elsewhere, there seems to be an inverse relationship between the dough tied up in instruments and the ability to play said instruments. There are of course exceptions, including anyone who plays for a living. But among amateurs, the guys with all the toys are oftentimes not good players at all.

[Jim Roberts]

Crowder...who cares if they're good players or not? If having a really nice instrument, novice or not, is what makes a person happy then I say get the nicest instrument(s) you can afford!

[jasona]

I have one instrument. One mando. That is all. I like it that way--forces me to spend the time playing it! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[mrbook]

I think you need a least two - a main one to play, plus an extra in case a problem develops with the other (it rarely happens, but it justifies a second). In my case, I keep one at home and one at work, so I have one wherever I leave to play somewhere.

For awhile I had quite a few instruments (over 60 at one time, but only 9 mandolins at most), then one day I thought, "When I was a kid, having a great guitar would have meant everything, and having two great ones was beyond imagination - now I have a dozen or so." I started selling some, down to 3 mandolins (four when the one I'm building is finished), 4 guitars, 3 banjos, 1 dobro, and "a few other things." I play more, spend less money on strings and less time changing them, play more, and haven't missed any yet. The more I play, the more I have wanted to get more music out of the instruments I already have. They all sound different, it's true, but I'm not sure how different my playing is on each one.

[Boombloom]

I've played for years with a well known professional mandolin player who has had only one mando since the early 60's. Years ago I asked him why, since he plays so much and has played so long, does he only have one mandolin. He responded "Well, I only have one wife...." As for me, I can barely play the mandolin, but I am building an arsenal. I only have one wife though.

[Bill James]

But among amateurs, the guys with all the toys are oftentimes not good players at all.

Not sure if that's true but if it is, I'd rather be a bad player with a good mandolin than a bad player with a bad mandolin.

Maybe there's another inverse relationship where the really bad players have really good jobs.



Years ago I asked him why, since he plays so much and has played so long, does he only have one mandolin. #He responded "Well, I only have one wife...."

I know I'm a little slow, so could someone please explain how that's related.

[Flowerpot]

What the wife comment means: If you've found your one true love, there's no need to go elsewhere.

That's exactly the way I am too. I've played the mandolin for around 20 years, the last 12 years pretty seriously, and have always owned exactly one. Whenever I've moved up instrument-wise, I've sold the old one so that all my instrument equity is concentrated in one nice instrument. I figured that the old instrument would just sit around and collect dust.

I suppose it's just my personality -- been married once, still married, 21 years now. I'll drive a car until it falls off its wheels. Always had one guitar (dreadmought) at a time, until I added an archtop. One fiddle, one bass, etc.

But I'm going to change that when I get my new mando which is on order now -- I'm going to keep my old one for the road and keep the new one in good condition. I'll see how long that lasts; I bet I won't be able to stand it and I'll drag the brand spanking new mando on stage to get its share of war wounds.

[Bill James]

But I'm going to change that when I get my new mando which is on order now -- I'm going to keep my old one for the road and keep the new one in good condition.

Caught in the throws without even knowing it. That MAS is a diabolical sickness!

[John Flynn]

I'd rather be a bad player with a good mandolin than a bad player with a bad mandolin.
I prefer to be a decent player with a decent mandolin. That's all I need.

On a completely unrelated note, I am a tolerable husband with a great wife. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[elenbrandt]

Jeff...your theory sounds nice on the page, but in reality it will fail unless: (1) you have the mandolin of your dreams as that one mandolin (2) you have the spare if something happens to #1. That was how I cured MAS. I always felt twitchy before -- something newer and different...etc. I hated having too many instruments sitting around and felt "crowded". It stops when you find the right one -- THAT is the only cure for MAS.

But then again, some men could be married to a goddess and still want to cheat with a bar-fly... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[jaybee]

I'll never do it again!!! I let myself get down to one mandolin...my "good" one. Then low and behold I had to send it in for a re-fret job and some other "tune ups". And now guess what? I'm biting bullets trying to be patient with the repair guys. I have got to get me another machine. DON'T LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU...! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[Nick Triesch]

Years ago before kids I had for a while a terrific Martin D28 and also a New Goodall standard. I used to kid that the Martin was my beach guitar. #It was cool while it lasted because I then got married and we had kids. #Dang. Martin is gone. # But man, it was fun to have two cool guitars. #If you can, #go for it! #Nick:)

[Dan Adams]

One mandolin for every purpose? I've never bought a mandolin, I didn't expect to keep. One for bluegrass jams, because its a cannon and cuts through the din. One for performing, because nothing sounds as good through the PA. Another one to plug in, when the PA isn't enough. One for Celtic music, and an 87 year old for Old Timey. A knock around that I don't have to worry about, a knock around for work, and the very first for sentimental reasons. See, just one mandolin for every occasion.!
Is there just one mandolin for all occasions? Dan

[Greenmando]

I am down to four, from some ten plus. I have

Flatiron Festival F
Gibson A9
mandobird
martin backpacker

the last two are more toys than anything.
I would love to see Gibson make the F9 in a oval hole.

[Coy Wylie]

This is not a condemnation on the cafe or anyone here rather it is a question: do you think this forum helps breed MAS?

I have two mandos. My MK and a new Weber Custom Bitterroot I just bought. I like them both. However, I wonder how much reading all the posts here about higher end American mandos helped me to justify springing for the Weber?

[BigJoe]

While I find this thread interesting....and from a business consideration I hope everyone keeps MAS alive and buys more and more mandolins http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif , however, I am not sure I understand the whole have a good one and a beater for the road. I would want my good one with me on the road too. My mandolin is like a mistress to me. I love to hold and caress it daily and put my hands all over it. The nice part is my only wife does not mind. Seriously though, I cannot think of having a clunker to haul around and leave the good one at home. Seems totally backwards to me. Oh well, different strokes for different folks.

[Greenmando]

This is not a condemnation on the cafe or anyone here rather it is a question: do you think this forum helps breed MAS?
Not only does the forum breed more MAS on my part. I believe that the cost of many mandolins has risen due to discussion here on this forum. For example - Collins, MK.

[Greenmando]

While I find this thread interesting.... #My mandolin is like a mistress to me. #I love to hold and caress it daily and put my hands all over it.,,.. #
My precious, come to me my precious. I must have my precious.

LOL, I feel the same! Even if I am not practicing, I just love to sit and hold it.

[fatt-dad]

No matter what anyone says, I will continue to take my Korean-made Montana (four piece "spruce" top) to the beach. The sand in the machines and the blasting on the polyurathane finish seems to help the aging process - ha.

f-d

[GTison]

several years ago I was at a bluegrass festival. A man was there who had a pac rim model. He was a fair player. Then later he told me he had a F5L at home, that he didn't take it out to festivals (or anywhere I bet). I thought that was backwards thinking. It's like hoarding something. what's the use of having it if you don't get to play it where it's needed most?
I have 2 mandos one I keep in a special tuning or just as a spare in case I break a string. BUT I also have 2 old A models which need work. That I prob. wont get to untill I retire.

[mrbook]

I take my good mandolin almost everywhere, even crummy bars, but it is nice to have another for days when I will be playing outside and the weather doesn't cooperate - pouring rain, 45 degree temperatures, etc. I will get through it better than the mandolin might. Even then, it's a decent instrument, not a "beater" - one I would gladly play anywhere if I didn't have a better one.

My bass player's wife mentioned she was starting to get jealous of his attention to his instrument. I told her not to worry unless he starts buying it jewelry.

[onlyagibsonisgoodenuff]

I don't see the point in having an old beater mando 'cause all the time you're playing it, you'd be wishing you'd brought the good one. I took my Bush model and my Collings to a festival one year and the Bush developed a slipping tuner problem. Boy was I glad I had the Collings along!

[jim simpson]

Add my voice to Big Joe's and others regarding not wanting to take a beater along instead of your good one. I run into folks all the time at festivals who proclaim, "my other mando or guitar is at home".
I am also guilty of MAS: Gibson F5G, Weber Yellowstone, Martin HD28 & 00016RGT, Guild 12-string, Gibson SG, Fender Strat w/built in Roland synth, Fender P-bass, homeaid Bass, and a few yardsale electric guitar projects.
Jim

[JD Cowles]

big joe i'm with you. #my mando is my only one and it goes everywhere. #after all, that's what i bought it for.
elen, i think i found the one, and i agree that it's the only cure (BTW, my BFAS was cured when i met my wife).

now, does acquiring other instruments, say a nice old martin git or a bass apply here? #if so, i'm far from cured
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[BigJoe]

MAS, GAS, WhateverAS is really a search for the "holy grail" for each person. Once that is attained it really is not as much fun looking for or getting more instruments of that type. Now don't get me wrong, I don't believe there is ever 'enough' instruments, but once you find the one that is truly you, it is hard to play any thing else. I love great mandolins, but I don't desire them because of the ones I have. I would gladly take more, but they would likely not get played. I have several acoustic guitars and they each are the 'holy grail' for what they do. I'm still in search for the right Super400C acoustic but that will come in time. I think I'll have to save a lot more pennies and nickels before I can make one mine. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif . I guess I've been blessed to play, see, and own so many wonderful instruments that I don't get as much of a thrill in the search for the 'right instrument' as I used to. It's a wonderful place to be. Of course, a great share of the fun is not the attaining, but the search.

[mrbook]

There are a lot of reasons to acquire mandolins - nice ones are works of art, just like a painting or sculpture, that you can also use to make music. I've bought quite a few, each because they had qualities that attracted me. When playing meant more than owning, I kept the one I built and two others, enough to last me a lifetime. I may want more sometime, but I'm quite happy now.

All the comparisons to women make me nervous. I look at mandolins all the time, but am quite satisfied with mine; I'm happy with my wife, and don't look at other women. Maybe it's more like fishing: when people start, they want to catch and keep as many as possible; with experience, they enjoy catching and keeping one or two great ones.