Sweet pea for a kid?

[Cary Fagan]

Well, I read the thread about the trouble teaching anything to your own kid. True enough. But my eight year old daughter wants me to teach her mandolin. She's taken piano already.

My mandolin just seems too big in her hands, awkward. I'm thinking maybe of getting a Weber Sweet pea. The light strings would help too. Any opinions?

By the way, if anyone has a sweet pea they want to sell, please contact me.

[grandmainger]

Honestly, I'd try to go for a proper mando. Something like a flat-top (MidMo?) should do nicely. You can string it light without losing too much volume, and she should be able to enjoy it a lot more, for a lot longer! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif
Germain

[David M.]

Cary, I ended up starting w/a $69 (I think) Rogue. #one model up from the $40 Rogue. #It's plywood, but I did some work on the nut, bridge feet, and string slots in the saddle. #Brought the action down to a nice low action. plays OK for him.

Mainly I got this model because I can't afford another mando right now and I want to see how he does with its care, interest, etc. before upgrading.

I tend to agree that it may be best to shoot for using the standard mando, maybe an A style.

Next I'm going to upgrade him to a Flatiron pancake, but he may never get it #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[JEStanek]

I love my sweet pea but I don't think you need to start a kid off on one. A regular size mando on an 8 year old is proportional to a Dred. guitar on an adult!

Light strings are an excellent idea.

Jamie