Opposite of mas...

[fishdawg40]

HwYMS-Happy with Your Mandolin Syndrome

I'm content with my mandolin, I admit it. Do I have an abnormality? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Seriously, I just upgraded for the first time to a higher end mandolin a couple of months ago. I know I cannot afford another and don't want to sell mine to go for another mandolin. Maybe I'm just practical and knowing lusting for some big time mandolins is not reasonable, so why lust at all? Or maybe I just quenched my first case of MAS (I had an old import for as long as I can remember). Sometimes, though, it seems MAS is out of hand, but who am I do judge, I can only make observations. Don't get me wrong, I look at others and say, "wow!" but I know the reality. I think I should be focusing on the playing rather than on instruments. Not to take any shots from those suffering, supposedly, from MAS, but I think it is wasted energy. However, I do understand about upgrading from a beginner to a more advanced mandolin (maybe because I did just that). But when you have a/some nice mandolin(s) and want more, it just doesn't make sense to me. Perhaps I'm not "with it yet" or "don't understand" but it probably is that I don't have the $$ to even entertain that thought. But like anything else we always want more, can't mandolin pickers rise above?

Boycott mandolin builders..., just kidding, you guys/gals are great... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[The Old Sarge]

HwYMS-Happy with Your Mandolin Syndrome

I'm content with my mandolin, I admit it. Do I have an abnormality? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Seriously, I just upgraded for the first time to a higher end mandolin a couple of months ago. I know I cannot afford another and don't want to sell mine to go for another mandolin. Maybe I'm just practical and knowing lusting for some big time mandolins is not reasonable, so why lust at all? Or maybe I just quenched my first case of MAS (I had an old import for as long as I can remember). Sometimes, though, it seems MAS is out of hand, but who am I do judge, I can only make observations. Don't get me wrong, I look at others and say, "wow!" but I know the reality. I think I should be focusing on the playing rather than on instruments. Not to take any shots from those suffering, supposedly, from MAS, but I think it is wasted energy. However, I do understand about upgrading from a beginner to a more advanced mandolin (maybe because I did just that). But when you have a/some nice mandolin(s) and want more, it just doesn't make sense to me. Perhaps I'm not "with it yet" or "don't understand" but it probably is that I don't have the $$ to even entertain that thought. But like anything else we always want more, can't mandolin pickers rise above?

Boycott mandolin builders..., just kidding, you guys/gals are great... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif
My wife and I visited a couple of guitar stores yesterday to look at mandolins. I am looking a lower end models (sub-1k....preferably way sub). She liked the looks of the Alvarez F-3 with the "violin" finish and it sounded pretty good but I'm still looking. Since this will be my first mandolin and she knows even less than I do about them I thought it only fair to share the existence of MAS with her. Luckily, I have a very understanding wife. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

I've been lurking here for a few weeks and it has been an educational experience. Thanks to everyone for the information they so freely share.

[mangorockfish]

I got my Eastman 615 8/10/06 and couldn't be happier. Fantastic in every respect. It is my first mando since back in the early 70s. Had a Harmony. Anyway, I'm wanting to get an Eastman 614 to go with the 615. Showed them to my wife last night and she fell in love with the looks of the 614. When I get it, my MAS will be cured I think, because I haven't found any of the high-end stuff that I like any better than my Eastman. My $.02 worth.

[Mikey G]

[QUOTE]:I'm content with my mandolin, I admit it. Do I have an abnormality?

You're probably the only normal person on this board.

[flairbzzt]

I started low, worked my way up to the 4g market, and then back down over the last few years. There's always the bigger/better instrument/car/house etc. It happened when I started being more practical and really looking at what I had in relation to the time I had to spend playing it. When that changes, it makes sense to adjust. I don't buy instruments as an investment, and I know availability of most models will still be there later if I want to upgrade again. When I spend more time with one type of instrument rather than the other, I consider downgrading whats not in use and moving the resources to what is. There's also the ratio of what I'm spending on me versus wife/kids and their hobbies, etc. Of course, If you're into collecting and/or have unlimited finances, none of this need apply.

[gnelson651]

HwYMS-Happy with Your Mandolin Syndrome

I'm content with my mandolin, I admit it. #Do I have an abnormality? #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

#Sometimes, though, it seems MAS is out of hand, but who am I do judge, I can only make observations. #Don't get me wrong, I look at others and say, "wow!" but I know the reality. I think I should be focusing on the playing rather than on instruments. #Not to take any shots from those suffering, supposedly, from MAS, but I think it is wasted energy.
I would tend to agree with you. Last year I was able to upgrade from a low-end Morgan Monroe to an Eastman 805 (I know that some may not think an Eastman is much of an upgrade).

For now, the Eastman is all the mandolin I need for my level of playing. I do have a custom A oval hole that a friend make for me and a MK Legacy Deluxe (one of those Musician Friend's $299 special from last year. BTW: The MK is no where near the quality instrument of the Eastman IMHO).

A few months after getting the Eastman, I wanted an Eastman 504 to compliment the 805. But I realized I really didn't have much of a need for another oval hole.

If, and when, I outgrow the Eastman, I would like to have a Gibson F9 someday. Until that time, I'm satisfied with what I have.

[Mikey G]

I was going to buy a Master Model off of the classifieds, but after making contact with the seller, he sold it to someone else. Looking back on it, I'm glad he did. I am very content with the mandolin(s) I have at home.

[Richard Russell]

I am satisfied with my mandolin and octave mandolin. I do admit, however, that I check the classifieds as well as several online dealers EVERY DAY to see what has come up for sale. MAS is very mild in my case.

[JeffD]

I went from 1989 or so, to this year, without purchasing a mandolin. Until then I a mandolin - a fine one, a very nice mandola, and a great bouzouki.

So earlier this year I sold the bouzouki and the combination of the money burning a hole in my pocket, and the eye candy and enthusiasm on this site, and I have purchased a new Weber Aspen II, and acquired a bowl back, and I am looking at another bowl back.

Its this site, its this darned site, that adds gasoline to the hot coals of mando-lust - turning it into raging pathogenic MAS. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[jasona]

I love my mando, especially its tone. I hate its neck, but am trying really hard to get used to it. After all, it smuch narrower than a guitar. I brought it in to Buffalo Bros to AB it with the Collings, all of which have necks that fit me perfectly, but they couldn't hold up tone wise so I didn't do it. I am contemplating having someone take an eighth of an inch off its width still.

[JoeD]

I'm happy as a clam with my Collings MT. For that matter, I don't even have any GAS or M/GIMAS (Mandolin/Guitar instructional material-A.S.).

[cooper4205]

Its this site, its this darned site, that adds gasoline to the hot coals of mando-lust - turning it into raging pathogenic MAS. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
amen!

[bush-man]

I have serious lust for one of Andy Mowrys mandos. If I could afford one I don't think I would need anything else.

[fishdawg40]

[QUOTE= ]:I'm content with my mandolin, I admit it. Do I have an abnormality?

You're probably the only normal person on this board.
Thanks Mikey. I don't know if that's an insult or a compliment http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

flairbzzt-Your post makes plenty of sense. Different times call for different mandos, etc. If money is not an issue go full force. However, even though I upgraded recently, I know I didn't work that mandolin to it's extent. I enjoy playing my new one so much more, but I would've been fine with the old one.

Just to make sure my thoughts were conveyed correctly: I'm basically searching for the "why" of our (I'm definitely not immune, but I recognize my weakness and am trying to not give in) more, more attitude. Maybe it's lack of dedication, always thinking that another purchase will further our playing? That even goes for instructional materials. The fact is that focused discipline and practice will make us better. As absurd as it sounds, in most cases, it's probably easier to purchase a $4000 mandolin than to practice like the devil. The internet (technology in general), I think, has done much to stifle our focus, "press a button and you get what you want." More options is not always a good thing.

[the_guitar_guru]

I think you cure MAS or GAS by getting one nice instrument. I went through many import mandolins and none of them cut it. I had my dream mandolin built by Kevin Mathers and now when I walk in to Elderly I am safe. I used to go through guitars as well; got a PRS Custom 24 back in '92 and never wanted another electric guitar after that though I have a Strat for back up.

[SternART]

Every now & then you can reach a plateau & go into remission.......
then MAS will jump right up & bite you in the butt when you least
expect it. YMMV.

[Dan Margolis]

As we become better players, we "upgrade" the sound of the mandolin that we already own. My Rigel A+ Deluxe and Collings MT-1 are better than I am. Dan

[farmerjones]

Satifaction is between your ears.

You can save a bunch of money by deciding to be content/happy.
That being said, if you play a bunch, a fellar should have both an f-hole and a oval hole weapon. i do, and i neglect them both. Sympathy for the unplayed manlin is another thread ain't it.

[John Flynn]

fishdawg:

Then you shall be called Ramses, for truly you are the King of Denial!

Yes, you can be in MAS remission. Yes, you can get to where you don't get weak knee'd when you walk into a store. But the instrument that will take you down is out there, waiting for you to cross its path. It sounds better and looks better than you imagined an instrument could. It costs more than you ever thought you would spend. Maybe tomorrow, maybe a year from now, you will find it and it will snap your head around. You will think about it constantly and play it in your dreams. You will try in vain to put it out of your mind. Finally, you will find a way to buy it. Then you will start a new thread here saying that your MAS is finally cured. And so it goes...
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[fatt-dad]

My worse period of MAS was when I was hunting for "made in Japan" gems. #I bought alot of mandolins, strung them up, cleaned them up, made straps for them bought and sold them, etc. #It was great fun and I learned alot. #There was no stopping me. #Then I bought a mandolin that was expensive and great - too great for me. #I had my Flatirons at the time (as I do today) and realized that buying a multi-thousand-dollar mandolin was just too over the top for my level of playing and for the improvement realized above and beyond my A5. #I returned it and it's owned by a fellow cafe member. #(This took place about 1 1/2 years ago.) #I haven't bought or been temped by another mandolin for over a year. #I do have a Muth on order, which I'll receive in a few months. #The wait was long, but the price is more in line with my budget and this should be a wrap. #That said, I'm trying to avoid GAS as I've been playing guitar recently and, well,. . . . . . . .

f-d

[Strange1]

"Low-end"..."High_end" I was wondering if these terms have a $ amount affixed to them. What is the "norm" when speaking those terms? Thanx.

Jack

[Greg H.]

Jack,

I think High end/low end are very relative terms (based on one's income, musical interest etc). For example, high-end for a classical player might be a Calace or similar bowl back that would cost significantly less than a high-end bluegrass mando (that said, a classical Gilchrist or Heiden would be high-end in anybody's price range). In terms of BG mandolins though, I would view low-end as < $2,000 and high-end as >$15,000. This is not to suggest that there aren't really good mandolins in the <$2,000 range and there isn't the occasional dog in the >$15,000 range, but that's sort of where I would arbitrarily draw the lines. #Hmmmm, it looks like I just spent a paragraph to say "I don't know. . . .". http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[fatt-dad]

High end is anything worth more than I got and low end is anything worth less. My collection defines the middle of the road - ha.

f-d

[arbarnhart]

I would like to say that I don't have MAS, but Mando Johnny may have it more correctly. I am quite pleased with my low end mando and it certainly isn't holding me back, but I have played another at a music store (wasn't mando shopping, but just figured I would try a few to see the difference while I was there) that was hard to put back. It didn't haunt me, but I was surprised at how much I wanted to have it. It wasn't from being significantly better; just different in a way that was appealing. I am content with what I have, but being content and not feeling the allure of something different are two different things.

[racer122]

As a Noob here, but a longtime competitor in another arena, I heard a saying that applies. And please don't take this as a reference to anyone...

"Amateurs talk about gear, professionals talk about technique."

That said, once you reach a certain level in your playing, the only way you're going to make real improvements in your sound is through your gear.

[John Flynn]

"Amateurs talk about gear, professionals talk about technique."

So how many players, amatuer or professional, would actually say "no" if someone asked, "Would you like to try out my Gilchrist/Loar/fill-in-the-blank-great-mando?" Your statement is very true, in this and lots of other endevors. But it deserves to be said that in addition to being players, both amatuer and professional, most of us are also enthusiasts. I think most players of all levels like to ogle a nice mando and most of us would at least think about buying a better mando if a lot of cash dropped in our laps. I think MAS is as much about being an enthusiast as it is a being a player.

[flairbzzt]

After all these years, I'm glad I consider myself a professional amateur or I might be insulted. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[farmerjones]

Heck yes! a $400 dollar driver has to make you a better golfer than some fifteen dollar lessons. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

sure i may sound otherwise but i do have a roving eye. . .

Especially for quilted backs. Grrrrrr "Hello darlin. Nice to see you. . . . ."

[fishdawg40]

That being said, if you play a bunch, a fellar should have both an f-hole and a oval hole weapon.
As I write a thread about denying MAS I get these thoughts that FarmerJones writes. I need an Oval hole..."keep it in check Joe." "But they're not real expensive," "play your mandolin and stop it..."

Looks like my emotions are gonna go full circle in this thread...

jflynnstl; After writing, thinking, and reading responses about this it seems like your post is what the nature of the beast is. However, I'll try my hardest to keep my eye on the prize which is good playing and that stems from hard work (at least that is my experience).

[JeffD]

I have heard the arguement that people purchase lots of mandolins because its easier than getting good at playing. I don't agree - at least I don't think it is necessarily so.

You see, if you practice any of your mandolins, you get better on all of them - and if you have a lot, you are more likely to pick one up and practice. Well thats the theory anyway.

Truth is, I get to be in love with my mandolin and lust after other mandolins without incurring the rath of my main instrument. And then I can even indulge and acquire a new mandolin, and, like the dream harem, none of the mandolins are jealous - they are all happy to be there for me and hope to be chosen to be played, while not complaining when neglected for a while.

Although what they say to each other when I am out fishing I don't know. Yikes!

[Jim Garber]

Part of my accumulation syndrome I would attribute to my collecting instincts, part of my love for the instrument and interest in the subtleties of different sounds that can be produced. And part of it is in the joy of the hunt.

I am not ashamed to say that I have too many...

Jim

[JGWoods]

"...I am not ashamed to say that I have too many...

Jim
And I really enjoy your collection Jim, it keeps my MAS at bay- sometimes.
My collection- was 7, now 6, is likely to shrink to 4 as I find I just don't play certain ones. I have no doubt the proceeds will lead to MAS eventually. Once that money becomes "mandolin money" it kind of stays that way.

I once converted Martin Guitar Money into Mortgage Money and it was a sad day.

[Mark Walker]

I have a 'low-end' Lotus (PacRim) I bought about 15 years back for like $225. #In 2002 I jumped into a custom-made Silver Angel which I absolutely loved, and upgraded again from that (with - believe it or not - my wife's insistance that I have an oil painting of an angel included on the back of the new Silver Angel) in 2005. #

The reality of the situation struck me early this year when - contrary to what someone told me that I would "...Play UP to the quality of my instrument" - I realized I simply am not that talented - regardless of what's in my hands. #So I've loaned my Silver Angel to one of THE best mandolin players in Michigan (Dave Williams of the Williams Family Bluegrass Band) so that it will get played like it should be played. #

That being said, I tend to agree with racer122 about 'Amateurs talk about gear; professionals talk about technique.' #I have short, stubby little fingers, very little talent, and my technique can only be described as 'hacking.' #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif #

So I now take comfort in letting talented people play my mandolins, and I've discovered that in the hands of someone who knows what they're doing, both the low-end as well as the high-end Silver Angel sound wonderful! #(Though the Angel admittedly does have far superior tone, volume and 'bark' to it!) #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[arbarnhart]

"Amateurs talk about gear, professionals talk about technique."

So how many players, amatuer or professional, would actually say "no" if someone asked, "Would you like to try out my Gilchrist/Loar/fill-in-the-blank-great-mando?" Your statement is very true, in this and lots of other endevors. But it deserves to be said that in addition to being players, both amatuer and professional, most of us are also enthusiasts. I think most players of all levels like to ogle a nice mando and most of us would at least think about buying a better mando if a lot of cash dropped in our laps. I think MAS is as much about being an enthusiast as it is a being a player.
I don't think it's about a mando making you a better player unless you have a real junker. It is about a different sound plus they are conversation pieces or artwork in addition to being musical instruments. When I said I was surprised at how much I wanted one I happened to play, I meant in addition to, not instead of, my current mando.

[farmerjones]

i'd be more incline to spin it around and say,

"Amateurs talk, Professionals work."

ima hack myself

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

[Santiago]

There is an easy cure for lack of MAS. Just visit a good showroom like Mandolin Brothers or Elderly, or go listen to a few new mandos at a nearby fair. I'm quite happy with my one mandolin, but it's only a matter of time before it finds and mate and reproduces.

[Bradley]

I just had a comment from my wife that went "You've had that mandolin longer than any other mandolin you've ever owned..." I must admit that I am very happy with my Kimble F5 and really havent looked at anything since I have had it the last 2 years.

I will probably always have a dream of a MM...if it happens fine, if it desnt fine.

Regarding high en dand low end mandolins.To me there is a group that starts at $1000 and goes to about $4000, and the upper group would be $6K to $10K....anything beyond that is insanely expensive!!