I would think most of us...

[JeffD]

I love the diversity of our group. We all came from different places musically and are all going different places, and every time someone tries to summarize us it is invalid, except to say that most of us play the mandolin, or at least own one, or like them to some extent.

I love our shared passion and consider myself quite lucky to know you folks.

Here is a brief collection of generalizations culled from discussions on this board that are not as universally true as many would think.

"I would think most of us...":

...got interested in mandolin by listening to bluegrass.
...are Chris Thile fans.
...played the guitar first before playing mandolin.
...would want to get good at improvising.
...would want to play better chop chords.
...have MAS.
...would like to own a high end mandolin.
...listen to mandolin music in order to emulate it.
...play an F style
...would want to play an F style
...agree that commercial music is bad.
...agree that Guitar Center is bad.
...got interested in music first through rock.
...are Bill Monroe fans.
...would want to play like <fill in the blank>
...agree that Gibson is the best
...agree that Gibson is over rated
...agree that $27,000 is too much to spend on a mandolin
...agree that small independantly produced music is better
...would want to compose our own songs or tunes
...want to perform on stage

[midmando]

I agree with 7 of those http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blues.gif

[Andrew Lewis]

Great observations. We need a link back to this thread so we can remind ourselves occasionally about the fallacies of some of our assumptions. That list proves what depth this community has.

[JEStanek]

All blanket statements are wrong, even this one.

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

[Andrew Lewis]

Except, of course, when you're discussing the best ever. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[John Flynn]

I agree with 14 items, or 2/3 of the list. Who would have thought I would be a Cafe' stereotype?! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[Plamen Ivanov]

A classical mandolin player does not fit to this profile. Or at least there are more exceptions than matches. But i like the idea...

And I also like this very much:

"I love our shared passion and consider myself quite lucky to know you folks."

Good luck!
Plamen

[Scott Tichenor]

Just my personal opinion, but one of the biggest problems with this forum is the fact that people start thinking and speaking for others. I actually agree with very few of those stated at the outset but I've sure read them plenty of times. Nothing wrong if someone fits them all though. I've always loved the mandolin for its tonal qualities and the fact that it just fit my music personality. The fact that I'm not another of the planet's 500 million guitar strummers is just a bonus. I don't need to fit into anyone else's predefined outline, thank you very much.

Side note, reading the Martin Guitar forum the other day and some guy commented, "don't bother going to the Mandolin Cafe to discuss entry level instruments... they don't discuss anything there but really expensive high-end instruments."

[Bruce Evans]

8 out of 21. Less than half. That's only good if you are a major league batter.

[Big Joe]

I'm somewhere between 4 or 5 of those on the list. I generally don't go for generalizations, except when I generally do, and then only as long as it is not too generalized http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif .

[sam60]

looks like i fit the stereotype.......I dislike being stereotyped:;): like everyone else.

[mandocrucian]

http://www.luds.net/images/avatars/furax_cletus.jpg

Did someones be asking 'bout stereeos? the best tipe is 8-track. Hey - you got somthin agin squidbillies?

[MikeEdgerton]

Hmm, I agree with two on the list.

High-end mandolins are in the eye of the beholder. To some a $250.00 Kentucky would be considered high-end. That same person might not see a problem paying $275.00 for a Martin HPL guitar. I dare say the Kentucky mandolin would be, in the grand scheme of things, head and shoulders above that guitar in the world of musical instruments.

[homeslice]

Its also great how, with most individuals, this list will tend to change. Not to get to deep here but it seems to reflect life itself. The mandolin is a wonderful thing that brings me a lot of happiness. On the other hand, it can be extremely frustrating and rarely does what I really want it to do. I've learned not to be too quick with raising a flag and claiming something as the best.

[tedincolorado]

As usual, being a contrarian, I only fit three. Used to play the guitar for about forty years- my guitars are gathering mould in their cases since I was foolish enough to touch my wifes ebay junk mandolin. I have MAS- I admit that freely- and I do prefer to play tunes I've written myself. I also agree that there are many wonderful people on this site and feel lucky to know about it. Big Joes comment is hilarious. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[sgarrity]

Faults and all, this is one of the best music forums out there. This is a very diverse group and of course that occassionally causes some serious discussion. The great thing about a message board is taht if I don't like the discussion, with a click of the mouse I've moved to the next topic.

On topic, I agree with about 12 of those. I reckon that puts me in the stereotype category too. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

I match 2.17 of them. One of my six mandos is an F-style.

I play mandolin because it makes sense to me. Most of my musical influences are not mandolin players. I pretty much try to play what I hear in my head so I guess I do compose and improvise.

[El Greco]

Yes, I agree with Scott on the point he made about board members speaking for me. I don't know about the thinking part...I think I distill the valuation of ideas and statements on my own. But we do have a proxy system here. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

I started with Greek bouzouki and I've adopted the mandolin --rather the mandolin adopted me. It certainly "speaks" to me musically.
I did start listening and still listen to some bluegrass, but don't play it as much anymore. Banjo actually irked me to the point where I found shelter in the mandolin sound and later discovered its importance in the development of American folk , mountain, old time music, jazz and blues(and of course bluegrass).

I can care less about Gibson's acoustic instruments (just my personal opinion - sorry Gibson fans).

I do have MAS, but not the $$$ that cures it. I can accurately measure my lust for acquiring a new instrument in the mando family with a 0.0005 thickness indication caliper.

I enjoy the camaraderie and immense knowledge of mandolincafe's board members. It's a great resource and online community.

[MikeEdgerton]

Actually, in reviewing the list I see you missed Folk of the woods, but then again that discussion hasn't taken place in a year or two.

[Bill Van Liere]

Jeff...I agree with your list. Oh wait, it's the Cafe and I am supposed to respectfully disagree.

Line twelve "Guitar Center is bad"; Nope, (I can't believe I said that). The other night my wife wanted to look at some electronic gear so I went along with her to the GC on 28th in Grand Rapids, Mich. I was hanging out in the acoustic room when a nice young man asked if I needed help. I began to chat with him and at some point told him I am a mandolin player. His eyes light up and he asks if I know who Bruce Weber is. I used to own a Weber Sage One OM with the serial number ending 001, so yes, I know who Bruce is. Turns out he is going to college in town here but is originally from Montana where he was an apprentice at STE in high school. Great guy who knew plenty about custom instuments, tonewoods etc.

Is Guitar Center bad? Well, they are not a mandolin shop.

[allenhopkins]

I would add, of those posting on the board, that most of us are intelligent, quite articulate, and unafraid to express strong opinions and to "mix it up" (usually in a friendly fashion) with other Cafe members. This may be true of message board posters in general, not just of those on this site. I've also found Cafe members extremely helpful, making honest efforts to answer questions that some would consider "dumb" and others would consider argumentative.

This site has a low percentage of "trolls" (and you know who you are), generally adheres to what are pretty reasonable overall posting policies, and every day provides a surprising spectrum of good, solid information and assistance on a wide variety of mandolin-related topics. I find myself going here two or three times daily, and almost always find something that stimulates interest and often participztion.

Gotta go, for a gig at a seniors' residence; this week, it's 19th-century holiday music at a restoration, entertaining at a group home for developmentally disabled, a benefit concert to support a local farmers' market, and a private party where I'll back up a fiddler for some traditional dancing. A busy month ahead, and a good part of it will be my daily visits to the Cafe.

[Treetopper]

Opinions are like (you know), everybody has one.

[MikeEdgerton]

I would add, of those posting on the board, that most of us are intelligent, quite articulate, and unafraid to express strong opinions....
Well, I guess being one out of three ain't bad. I usually do express my opinions, beyond that I'm dumber than dirt.

[mandopete]

Remember, you're unique - just like everyone else!

[Snakebeard Jackson]

Put me down for 11 of those on the list. I would have had 12 if you put down the Dawg as a fan favorite.
Good list.

Is it just me or does Scott Tichenor seem a little grumpy lately?

[Brad Weiss]

...got interested in mandolin by listening to bluegrass. #Nope
...are Chris Thile fans. # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # A Bit
...played the guitar first before playing mandolin. # # # # # Not really
...would want to get good at improvising. # # # # # # # # # # #Yep
...would want to play better chop chords. # # # # # # # # # # # # #Nope
...have MAS. # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # ##Not today
...would like to own a high end mandolin. # # # # # # # # # # # #Sure, if you're offering
...listen to mandolin music in order to emulate it. # # # # #Rarely
...play an F style # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # ## # # Nope #
...would want to play an F style # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #Or an A or a 2-point, sure
...agree that commercial music is bad. # # # # # # # # # # # # # #Sorry, all music is commercial. I've bought loads of it.
...agree that Guitar Center is bad. # # # # # # # # # # ## # # # # #You mean, like, evil?
...got interested in music first through rock. # # # # # # # # #No paper, then scissors
...are Bill Monroe fans. # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # ## # # # # # # #Not much
...would want to play like <fill in the blank> # # # # # # # # Hard to agree or disagree here...
...agree that Gibson is the best # # # # # # # # ## # # # # # # # #You mean, like, the opposite of Guitar Center?
...agree that Gibson is over rated # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #Not by me
...agree that $27,000 is too much to spend on a mandolin # # Not if you'll buy mine from me for $28,000
...agree that small independantly produced music is better # #Than Gibson?
...would want to compose our own songs or tunes # # # # # # # # # Why not
...want to perform on stage # # # # # # # # # ## # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # I'd prefer a coffeehouse

[B] # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # It's fair to say I'm not really sure what most of these claims actually mean, or what my answers do, either...

[gnelson651]

I agree with Scott on the "white knights" who try to ride to someone else's rescue. Its not only irritating but arrogant. I also don't like the brown noses that seem to think some here can do no wrong.

I admit that I fit into most of the list generalizations but so what? I come here because I enjoy the company of others who enjoy the same instrument I do. Like all relationships, we will put up with some idiosyncrasies. As Thomas Jefferson said, "Difference of opinion lead to inquiry and inquiry to truth."

We tune in because we care http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[pickinNgrinnin]

I think they are all true since I read them on the internet http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[Alex Fields]

Several of those are true of most of us. Sure there are exceptions to all of them, but exceptions don't change the fact that most people agree on it. For example I would think a large majority of people here would like to be better at improvising. Not everyone, but a majority.

Also, several of the things on this list very few people would hold to be true of a majority. I'd be surprised if you could find a single person who believes that most people here got interested in music through rock. Maybe you can find someone who does, but if so you've just found an odd person. I think that for most of those things it's pretty clear whether or not most people think it (and most of them there are lots of people here who agree and lots who will disagree).

There are seven or eight things on that list that are clearly true of me, and several more that are ambiguous and are true of me on one interpretation but not another (so for example I don't want to play just like anyone, but I want to be able to play the things certain people do, say Evan Marshall's duo picking...there's a big difference).

[JeffD]

Several of those are true of most of us. #Sure there are exceptions to all of them, but exceptions don't change the fact that most people agree on it. #For example I would think a large majority of people here would like to be better at improvising. #Not everyone, but a majority.

Also, several of the things on this list very few people would hold to be true of a majority. #I'd be surprised if you could find a single person who believes that most people here got interested in music through rock. #Maybe you can find someone who does, but if so you've just found an odd person. #I think that for most of those things it's pretty clear whether or not most people think it (and most of them there are lots of people here who agree and lots who will disagree).

There are seven or eight things on that list that are clearly true of me, and several more that are ambiguous and are true of me on one interpretation but not another (so for example I don't want to play just like anyone, but I want to be able to play the things certain people do, say Evan Marshall's duo picking...there's a big difference).
Yes I do believe that most of us can name several things on the list that are true of us. But I am not so sure they would be the same several things.

I think your specific example is quite central to my idea. My personal experience with mandolin players and folkie and classical musicians of many stripes is that yes some of them really want to be good improvisors, but the skill of improvising isn't that important to most of them. I would not generalize from my experience except to say that the lust after improv skills is less universal than you might think. I could be wrong (its alway dangerous to generalize... well almost always).

Everyone of the items came from a thread on this board. I don't remember where or when, or the context, but yes someone made the comment that he thought that most people were like him and came to music through rock.

My point is not to argue demographics or percentages, or to express my opinion on any one of the items. Its to express my wonder and appreciation for how different we all are. I came to the cafe looking for support and understanding for my eight string addiction, and as a bonus I find a diverse bunch of very interesting people who I might not have met otherwise. Its just very very cool.

[Jonathan Peck]

One of the things that I like about this message board is that people of all age groups are well represented. There are also enough categories that players with diverse musical backgrounds and interests can all have their own category to participate in.

Mix this all together, and you find that we all seem to come at this from different angles and most everybody has something to add to any particular topic that they have interest in.

You also have to take into consideration that sometimes it takes new members awhile to figure out their own message board style. While the edgeyness of young members may grate on older members, and the inflexibility of older members may grate on younger ones, I think we all tend to gravitate towards a happy medium of interaction.

[JeffD]

Remember, you're unique - just like everyone else!
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[mandolirius]

<Nothing wrong if someone fits them all though.>

Hmmm...if someone thinks that Gibson is both the greatest, and over-rated I might find something wrong with that. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Celtic-Grass]

16 for me! You know me soo well. Tho,I actually got serious with guitar after playing mandolin. go figure.

[JeffD]

"You told my wife she was absolutely right, and now you are telling me I'm absolutely right! We can't both be right!"

To which the marriage counselor responded, "Your abolutely right."

[Peter Hackman]

I ...


..got interested in mandolin by listening to bluegrass.
Probably

...am a Chris Thile fan.
I don't dig individuals, only groups, projects, etc.

...played the guitar first before playing mandolin.
Yessir! And I didn't just strum it.

...would want to get good at improvising.
There's always room for improvement!

...would want to play better chop chords.
There's #much more I could do with chords and rhythm.
But the chop is old hat.

...have MAS.
You would have to drop a new great mandolin in my knee to make me lust for it. MAS is a silly acronym. GAS is really funny.

...would like to own a high end mandolin.
I #believe the Collings qualifies.

...listen to mandolin music in order to emulate it.
Inspiration is everywhere.

...play an F style
Yes

...would want to play an F style
See above

...agree that commercial music is bad.
As all full-time musicians are controlled by commercial interests
(and take loans #from the mob to buy new instruments) a lot of commercial music is fantastic!

...agree that Guitar Center is bad.
Don't know them

...got interested in music first through rock.
Yessir, 50's rock, Haley, Presley, Domino.

...am a Bill Monroe fan.
Not really

...would want to play like <fill in the blank>
an improved version of myself

...agree that Gibson is the best
Don't know anything about them, but it sounds like a silly statement.

...agree that Gibson is over rated
Don't know anything about them, but it sounds like a silly statement.

...agree that $27,000 is too much to spend on a mandolin
I wouldn't

...agree that small independantly produced music is better
Almost all the CD's I buy (except classical) are in that category.

...would want to compose my own songs or tunes
I already do.

...want to perform on stage
No longer. I've done that quite a bit.

[JEStanek]

I came to an interest in making music Folk music via Rock. #Maybe using a tennis raquet for an air guitar planted the A style mando seed. #But I was exposed to some Bluegrass (DuelingBanjos Soundtrack), Homer and Jethro Cornfucious Album, Classical Music, 6-9th grade band(French Horn, Baby!), Jazz, Disco, Rap, R&B... #But my CD purchases in my Teens and 20s were mostly Rock.

Here's my list of "assumptions"
Most of us believe...
"some of us are idiots."
"some of us are brilliant."
"some of those who think they're brilliant are really idiots."
"some of us like to be right."
"some of us want to make the rest of us agree with how right some of us are."
"some of us can write haiku and some of us can't."
"we are most often trying to be helpful when we post."

I'm a big fan of the diversity of knowledge, opinion, and background of this community. #We've got everything from tattered over-alls to stuffed shirts and everything in between. #A wide range of opinions on everything.

I marginally to somewhat fit into 4 of the OP assumptions.

Jamie

PS, I've probably been guilty of several of my assumptions from time to time.

<Nothing wrong if someone fits them all though.>

Hmmm...if someone thinks that Gibson is both the greatest, and over-rated I might find something wrong with that. :D
Actually that wouldn't be as odd as it seems. There have been several evolutions of the entity known as "Gibson." It could even be perfectly logical to think "Gibson" was the greatest, then over-rated, then the greatest, then over-rated, etc.

[JEStanek]

<Nothing wrong if someone fits them all though.>

Hmmm...if someone thinks that Gibson is both the greatest, and over-rated I might find something wrong with that. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Actually that wouldn't be as odd as it seems. There have been several evolutions of the entity known as "Gibson." It could even be perfectly logical to think "Gibson" was the greatest, then over-rated, then the greatest, then over-rated, etc.
Where's J. Mark Lane when you need someone to weigh in on the greatness and dispicableness of Gibson in the same post! Probably back on PianoCafé.com.

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

Jamie

[Ken Sager]

I like Jeff's idea that these generalizations are floated around here a lot but most don't really apply. Sure, some generalizations may fit, but we are all so different that this difference makes us interesting.

Rock on people,
Ken

[JeffD]

We've got everything from tattered over-alls to stuffed shirts and everything in between. #A wide range of opinions on everything.
And a few stuffed overalls and tattered shirts.

[Jkf_Alone]

mando-lynn,i talked to that guy too. he built his own acoustic and mr. weber himself let him keep it. i ended up buying an ovation (guitar) for my wife from him. he was just starting when i was there last, and i am glad to see he's still there. he was probably the friendliest and most natural fella in that store. to be honest the only thing i have against GC is that they don't set up their instruments well.

oh and i conform to 14 points on the list

[Jonathan Peck]

Here's my list of "assumptions"
Most of us believe...
"some of us are idiots."
"some of us are brilliant."
"some of those who think they're brilliant are really idiots."
"some of us like to be right."
"some of us want to make the rest of us agree with how right some of us are."
"some of us can write haiku and some of us can't."
"we are most often trying to be helpful when we post."
I would be willing to take an I.Q. test if you think that would help remove any doubt #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[JEStanek]

I know the Best one you can take...

Jamie

[lgc]

"edgeyness of young members may grate on older members, and the inflexibility of older members may grate on younger ones, I think we all tend to gravitate towards a happy medium of interaction."

I've found the middle ground-grating and inflexible. My girlfriend says I should try yoga.

[Jonathan Peck]

Post a link to the message board if you like, I'll play. Last time I tested I was in the 161 and above category, but that was probably just dumb luck http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[JeffD]

I tested at 161 as well. Oh wait, no that's the strings, the Gibson Monels isn't it. Never mind.

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

[JeffD]

You also have to take into consideration that sometimes it takes new members awhile to figure out their own message board style. While the edgeyness of young members may grate on older members, and the inflexibility of older members may grate on younger ones, I think we all tend to gravitate towards a happy medium of interaction.
And the inflexibility of some of the younger ones, and the resulting edgeyness of the oldsters.

[powercat]

I do have MAS, but not the $$$ that cures it.
You mean there is a cure? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif I thought buying/owning a mandolin was like a Lays potato chip, you can't just have one. In my case it took an affordable Fullerton to get beyond the one. I'll have MAS until I die, as there is always something better beyond my means. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[Jonathan Peck]

And the inflexibility of some of the younger ones, and the resulting edgeyness of the oldsters.
You mean Thile isn't the best mandolin player ever? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

(that one gets three smileys)

[mythicfish]

Where is Oscar Wilde when you need him?
It's so hard to get good help these days.

[Dfyngravity]

I think most of us......


**do have MAS and agree that the only cure is more MAS
**daydream about MAS
**eat sleep and breathe the mandolin

[David Horovitz]

...have MAS.
You would have to drop a new great mandolin in my knee to make me lust for it. MAS is a silly acronym.
Más means more in Spanish, which pretty well describes the condition for which the acronym stands.

My guitar-playing buddy does have a serious case of GAS, especially after a couple of beers . . . http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[twist_of_nate]

I think most of us......


**do have MAS and agree that the only cure is more MAS
**daydream about MAS
**eat sleep and breathe the mandolin
I had a dream last night I was at a concert in a very small theater. I don't know who was performing, but during a brief intermission Grisman showed up. He was going to perform with them when I woke up. The thing is, I haven't ever really listened to anything the guy has done (blasphemy on these boards, I know, but I'll remedy that one day).

[Alex Orr]

I agree with it all except for the Thile thing. Sure, I'm awed by his talent, but his playing doesn't really interest me, move me, or entertain me all that much. I don't know, maybe if he did a traditional bluegrass album or something like that, but I've never cared for any of his or Nickel Creek's original tunes and most of their "clever/novelty" covers (such as "Spit On a Stranger" or "Toxic") are annoying.

(In the case of "Spit On a Stranger" it's probably because Pavement is one of my all-time favorite bands, and I just find Nickel Creek's cover to be mediocre at best....although at least they made the effort and maybe got more folks into one of the best rock bands this country has ever produced).

[aphillips]

sorry- I'm new here - does MAS = Mandolin Attachment Syndrome?

[John Flynn]

Mandolin Acquisition Syndrome

[Big Joe]

"And a few stuffed overalls and tattered shirts."

In my case it is a few stuffed shirts and tattered ovealls. But, that's just me http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif .

[mandopete]

Now I wanna do the quiz and see how i score...

Got interested in mandolin by listening to bluegrass - YES
Are Chris Thile fans - YES & NO
Played the guitar first before playing mandolin - YES
Would want to get good at improvising - YES
Would want to play better chop chords - NO
Have MAS - YES
Would like to own a high end mandolin - NO
Listen to mandolin music in order to emulate it - NO (?)
Play an F style - YES
Would want to play an F style - ?
Agree that commercial music is bad - NO
Agree that Guitar Center is bad - NO
Got interested in music first through rock - YES & NO
Are Bill Monroe fans - YES
Would want to play like <John Reischman> YES
Agree that Gibson is the best - NO
Agree that Gibson is over rated - NO
Agree that $27,000 is too much to spend on a mandolin - NO
Agree that small independantly produced music is better - YES & NO
Would want to compose our own songs or tunes - YES
Want to perform on stage - YES

So that looks like like a 10.5 (I give the YES/NO's a 1/2 point).

What do I win?

[piratebob13]

This about sums it up for me...


...got interested in mandolin by listening to bluegrass.
.X.are Chris Thile fans.
.X.played the guitar first before playing mandolin.
.X.would want to get good at improvising.
.X.would want to play better chop chords.
.X.have MAS.
.X.would like to own a high end mandolin.
.X.listen to mandolin music in order to emulate it.
...play an F style
.X.would want to play an F style
...agree that commercial music is bad.
...agree that Guitar Center is bad.
...got interested in music first through rock.
...are Bill Monroe fans.
.X.would want to play like <Chris Thile>
...agree that Gibson is the best
.X.agree that Gibson is over rated
...agree that $27,000 is too much to spend on a mandolin
.X.agree that small independantly produced music is better
.X.would want to compose our own songs or tunes
.X.want to perform on stage

[JeffD]

Where is Oscar Wilde when you need him?
It's so hard to get good help these days.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Brady Smith]

17/21

[Jim Broyles]

"I would think most of us...":

...got interested in mandolin by listening to bluegrass. - Probably
...are Chris Thile fans. - No
...played the guitar first before playing mandolin. - Yes
...would want to get good at improvising. - Yes
...would want to play better chop chords. - Mine are fine
...have MAS. - No
...would like to own a high end mandolin. - Would like to own a pretty mandolin with good tone. Mine sounds great but is not much to look at.
...listen to mandolin music in order to emulate it.- Yes but not only for that purpose.
...play an F style - Yes
...would want to play an F style - Sure, but if an A sounded better for the money, I'd go for it.
...agree that commercial music is bad. - For the most part
...agree that Guitar Center is bad. - Don't know
...got interested in music first through rock. - There was always some kind of music going on in out house - probably country more than rock
...are Bill Monroe fans. - Yes
...would want to play like <fill in the blank> - Me only better
...agree that Gibson is the best - No
...agree that Gibson is over rated - Not for me to say
...agree that $27,000 is too much to spend on a mandolin - Yes
...agree that small independently produced music is better - some is, some ain't
...would want to compose our own songs or tunes - I do
...want to perform on stage - I do

[mandocrucian]

- Got interested in mandolin by listening to bluegrass - NO (went through the BG phase because I was playing the mando)
- Are Chris Thile fans - NO (= DON'T CARE)
1/2 -# Played the guitar first before playing - mandolin - YES (only for a year)
1/2- Would want to get good at improvising - GET BETTER, but no priority anymore
- Would want to play better chop chords - NO
- Have MAS - NO
- Would like to own a high end mandolin - NO
- Listen to mandolin music in order to emulate it - NO
1/2 - Play an F style - YES (but it's an oval hole: F4; and I'm playing this one more these days because the A needs a refret)
- Would want to play an F style - SCROLL or F-HOLES MEAN NOTHING TO ME, #
- Agree that commercial music is bad - NO (but...Sturgeon's Law: 90% of EVERYTHING is Crud. So I just listen to the 10% good stuff)
- Agree that Guitar Center is bad - DON'T KNOW, DON'T CARE
1 - Got interested in music first through rock - YES
- Are Bill Monroe fans - NO
1 - Would want to play like <Swarbrick, RT, Peter Green, Hendrix, Sugarcane Harris, Cipollina, Ian Anderson, Sonny Rollins, the guitar guys on the Chris Isaak records, John Kirkpatrick, Carthy, Cooder, Lindley, Renbourn, Drake, etc....all rolled into one (and on any instrument)> YES
- Agree that Gibson is the best - NO #(but old ones were real good)
- Agree that Gibson is over rated - As far as the NEW ones are concerned... DON'T KNOW, DON'T CARE
1 - Agree that $27,000 is too much to spend on a mandolin - YES
- Agree that small independantly produced music is better - NO (There's a lot of independent garbage being put out. Sturgeon's Law: 90% of EVERYTHING is Crud.)
1/2 - Would want to compose our own songs or tunes - NOT FOR ITS OWN SAKE; IT HAPPENS WHEN IT HAPPENS (if it's any good... otherwise you usually end up with 90% crud)
- Want to perform on stage - NOT ANYMORE (It's usually just a pain in the...)

That gives me a score of 5. #If you add or subtract for "attiude/outlook", I guess that lowers it down to 4.

(Beat that Flanders!) http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[Dave Caulkins]

Borrowing the format from above... (thanks)


...got interested in mandolin by listening to bluegrass. - It was probably Grisman for me, via The Grateful Dead. I hate to admit it but REM had an influence there as well, I was young in the 80s.

.X..are Chris Thile fans. - Yeah, but there are at least several players who really hold my attention more. His chops are insane, no doubt.

.X..played the guitar first before playing mandolin. - Yes, for a good number of years. I actually counted mandolin players as influences on my guitar playing long before I really played mando.

.X..would want to get good at improvising. - Yeah, I keep trying...

.X..would want to play better chop chords. - I'm not a huge user of chop chords, but I guess I wouldn't mind. I don't play bluegrass much at all, but this would be useful.

.X..have MAS. - Unfortunately, I do... My wife has it under control http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

.X..would like to own a high end mandolin. - Well, yeah... To some my Cascade and Flatiron might qualify... To others they are cheap... Depends on your viewpoint, I guess...

.X..listen to mandolin music in order to emulate it.- I listen to it primarily because I enjoy it. I learn from everything as best I can.

...play an F style - Never have owned one, may someday.


...would want to play an F style - I tend towards the "A" and "unusual" shapes myself. My goal is an archtop guitar style... I would spend my cash there first.

.X..agree that commercial music is bad. - Define "commercial". I love forms of music that were popular at one time, and could possibly be labeled with that moniker from ages ago (swing, rockabilly, old country, classic/southern rock). I have a severe distaste for modern radio play, so I have to give myself a stereotype point here though....

...agree that Guitar Center is bad. - As much as I'd like to say "yeah, chains and catalog retailers are draining the heart out of music stores" - I bought my Cascade from a major retailer. These places give alot of kids a chance to get their hands on higher end gear, with what seems to be reasonable prices. I can't say that is a bad thing, as much as I'd like to.

.X..got interested in music first through rock. - I was a guitarist... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

.X..are Bill Monroe fans. - Yeah, I am, but his attitude towards musical expression often made me a little ill.

...would want to play like <fill in the blank> - I'd settle for Jethro Burns, Don Stiernberg, or Grisman. But since I don't neatly fall into a category, I guess I'll just be me and like it... I wish I was better, and I want to learn from everyone. I can't say I really WANT to be anyone else - but I would borrow their chops ;)

...agree that Gibson is the best - Definately not. Maybe once upon a time... Waaaaay too much a personal opinion.

...agree that Gibson is over rated - By who? I wouldn't go there. See above.

...agree that $27,000 is too much to spend on a mandolin - Depends and it's relative. If I had the resources, I would own a Monteleone or a D'Angelico... Not a Loar though - now THAT is too much - I'd be too scared to play it.

...agree that small independently produced music is better - I have heard some terrible independantly produced and some wonderful "commercially" produced music. My preference is the underground, but there is more underground than above-ground when you weigh it out.

.X..would want to compose our own songs or tunes - I do (same here). Gave the point because I do it because I WANT to.

.X..want to perform on stage - I do (when I can find musicians who stay sober enough to, and are reliable). Again, I give the point because I WANT to.


That's 12 if I'm not mistaken. I go against the grain, I guess, but there are certain truths I can't avoid (I want to get better, I take inspiration, I aspire to perform, I like nice instruments, I can appreciate icons). Is this being stereotyped? I sincerely doubt it.

Dave

[stevem]

Scored 17. I guess I'm a sheep. Baa-aaa.

[CoMando]

9 of them for me. I've only been playing about a year and a half, and didn't touch my mandolins for 4-5 months of that while opening a business. Now that I have less pressing things on my mind than supporting my family, the mandolins have taken over my soul again. It's funny how they do that. I can't play worth a #### (IMHO) yet I own 4 mandolins. I can't get enough of the mandolin....playing it, hearing it, reading about it, etc. I have no intention of buying another mandolin soon, yet I check out the classifieds and E-bay every day JUST IN CASE. That is what I love about this forum...it feeds the beast. I learn something here(usually many things) I didn't know, every day. Many of you have forgotten more than I will ever know about playing, but you are willing to answer a question from me or someone like me, without the condescending attitudes I have seen on other forums. Yep' I kinda like it here. I think I will stick around.

[Dagger Gordon]

I'm from Scotland, and I do find that your list is coming from a very American perspective, with your emphasis on bluegrass etc. #If you said 'most of us from America' it might be more accurate. #

It is obviously a US web-site, and most of the contributors ARE American, but you have a small but significant group of regulars from lots of countries.

Nonetheless,for me:

In via bluegrass: #no
Thile fan: #yes
Guitar first: #yes
Better improvising: #yes
Chop chords: #yes, but I make no effort to do them
MAS: #a bit, but I'm happy with what I've got. #Put me down as a no.
Like to own high end: #obviously
Emulate; #yes, I suppose so,but not only reason I listen.
Play F style: #no
Would like to play F: #not necessarily.
Commercial music is bad: #not necessarily
Guitar Centre is bad: #never been in one
In through rock: #yes, but also pop, folk and jazz.
Monroe fan: #yes
Want to play like: #Marshall, probably. He's good at all sorts of styles.
Gibson the best: #not in my limited experience. #(I sold a vintage A Gibson to buy a Collings, which I much prefer.)
Gibson over-rated: #don't really know
$27,000: #I wouldn't, but you can spend your money how you like
Independent is better: #not necessarily
Want to compose own tunes: #yes, I've written quite a lot
Want to perform on stage: #yes, do it all the time.

[Peter Hackman]

It is obviously a US web-site, and most of the contributors ARE American, but
You mean most of the posters ...

[Dagger Gordon]

You obviously feel not all posters are contributing much!

[uncledelphi]

I don't post much (and then it's usually in the CBOM section), but this thread has intrigued me for some reason. I will preface this post by saying that I only play Irish/Scottish/misc. Celtic tunes on the mandolin. I don't know how typical I am of Irish players, but here goes anyway.

"I would think most of us...":

...got interested in mandolin by listening to bluegrass. To me, bluegrass is all about the banjo.

No. Listening to bluegrass mandolin tires me.

...are Chris Thile fans.

I don't even know who that is.

...played the guitar first before playing mandolin.

Yes, but I started out with classical training on the piano. I got hooked on folk music at age 12 and picked up the guitar, then the banjo. Mandolin and mandolin-family instruments are a recent thing for me.

...would want to get good at improvising.

I find this to be a rather tricky subject. I generally prefer to play linear melody with slight variations. Does this count as improvisation? If so, then I would like to improve. If not, then this is a don't care condition. I already improvise quite a bit on other instruments, and am working on my improvisation skills on BG banjo.

...would want to play better chop chords.

Not really needed for Irish.

...have MAS.

I have enough mandolins to suit me, but I do crave for more zouks, octave mandolins, citterns, mandolas, etc.

...would like to own a high end mandolin.

If you count a zouk, then I already do. Most modern high end mandolins don't suit the kind of music I play.

...listen to mandolin music in order to emulate it.

No.

...play an F style

No, I don't really like them. I have only played one that I felt was appropriate for what I play, and it was an old Loar-signed F-5 (the owner told me what it was after I played it, or else I probably would have been scared to touch it).

...would want to play an F style

No, unless you count the aforementioned Loar.

...agree that commercial music is bad.

Yes.

...agree that Guitar Center is bad.

Bad for me.

...got interested in music first through rock.

No, I dislike the genre.

...are Bill Monroe fans.

No.

...would want to play like <fill in the blank>

Not really. Well, maybe Andy Irvine.

...agree that Gibson is the best

Bluegrass banjos? Most definitely. Mandolins? Well, I don't know. They certainly aren't the best for what I play, and I don't know enough about bluegrass mando to really say.

...agree that Gibson is over rated

Again, I don't know enough about bluegrass mando to really say.

...agree that $27,000 is too much to spend on a mandolin

Yes.

...agree that small independantly produced music is better

Yes.

...would want to compose our own songs or tunes

Not really, but I have composed a bit of doggerel in my time.

...want to perform on stage

Yes, but I prefer small, cozy venues.

So there you have my two shekels. (Just to be clear, I'm not Irish myself, I just play Irish music.)

[Mark Sullivan]

Interesting list. I agree with about 1/2. Some how it all reminds me of the hometown team on rally day.

[Mark Sullivan]

What a crusty old beater huh?

GO TEAM?

[JeffD]

I'm from Scotland, and I do find that your list is coming from a very American perspective, with your emphasis on bluegrass etc. #If you said 'most of us from America' it might be more accurate. #

It is obviously a US web-site, and most of the contributors ARE American, but you have a small but significant group of regulars from lots of countries.
.
Dagger you make a gigantically great point (because it highlights my point <s>) - lots of the assumptions and summary statements folks (myself included) make about mandolin players will be from an American or North American perspective.

That is one of the wonderful things about this site, it embraces more than me and my immediate neighborhood.

Don't get me wrong, I like me, and I like my neighborhood for the most part, but I really like being exposed to what the world does with the mandolin and what I might do if I thought outside the box a bit more.

Also, its cool to see what perspectives we all have in common, how small the world is sometimes. How when we see someone carrying a mandolin, anywhere in the world, we are more likely than not to find someone we can get along with, relate too, and perhaps even befriend.

Great point.

[JeffD]

I have another item - another "I would thnk most of us.." that ain't necessarily so -

"I would think most of us..."

...learned chords first.

[JeffD]

#I generally prefer to play linear melody with slight variations. #Does this count as improvisation? #If so, then I would like to improve. #If not, then this is a don't care condition.



...want to perform on stage

Yes, but I prefer small, cozy venues.
On those two things you and I are in complete agreement.

I play a lot of Irish, and I am heartened by how the mandolin has taken off in Irish sessions.

When I was jamming in Ireland and Scotland in the middle 80s, the mandolin was a rarity, and I was always asked to play Jimmy Martin songs. Bouzouki was big, everyone lusted after a Sobell, and I don't think octave mandolins were ever seen.

I much prefer small venues, living rooms, coffeehouses, picnic tables, front or back porches, rafts, barns, greenhouses, restaurant back rooms, small bars and pubs, anywhere it feels more like playing with friends than playing for friends.

[JeffD]

I have another item - another "I would thnk most of us.." that ain't necessarily so -

"I would think most of us..."

...learned chords first.
A couple more "it ain't necessarily so" I have come across -

"I would think most of us..."

...want to keep our mandolins in pristine condition.

...want our mandolin cases to reflect the ware and tear of our musical life.

[mythicfish]

<...want our mandolin cases to reflect the ware and tear of our musical life. >

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif Huh?
I just want my case to help me safely transport the instrument from point A to point B.
Why does everything have to "make a statement"? Isn't that what the music is supposed to do?

[Brian Fortier]

Mandolin players are a lot like golfers. They are incurable optimists, they are real nitpickers always striving to improve, and they are convinced that if they only had the right equipment, they would be just great. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[allenhopkins]

I just want my case to help me safely transport the instrument from point A to point B.
Why does everything have to "make a statement"? Isn't that what the music is supposed to do?
Whaddaya tryin' to do, Curt –– make a statement?

[4and4]

Side note, reading the Martin Guitar forum the other day and some guy commented, "don't bother going to the Mandolin Cafe to discuss entry level instruments... they don't discuss anything there but really expensive high-end instruments."
Mr. Tichenor,
Some of us have come here to learn what we can in earnest from players who are genuinely interested in helping. I have only been here a month now, but already I have had the maker of my mandolin ridiculed, my dedication to learning the instrument questioned, and my choice of words corrected. I've run into some really nice people here so far, but the percentage of the Horses A _ _ES, and "Know It Alls" that lurk in here among the REAL pickers don't exactly do much to promote the "You're Welcome in Here" vibe for people such as myself. To those of you, (and you know who you are) Get A Life! Better yet, go and practice! You probably need it!

[JEStanek]

4and4,
Sorry you've had a rough start here. Don't let folks who trash your instrument or dedication keep you down. There's a lot to learn here and if you can filter through some nonsense (inevitable when folks can be anonymous) I hope you'll come to appreciate this place.

Jamie
edit: I would HOPE most of us would like to be welcoming and helpful regardless of someones skill or what their mandolin had on the headstock. Figured I should try and stay on topic for a change. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[mythicfish]

Jamie, who you callin' 'nonymous ? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[JeffD]

4and4 I am sorry for your experience. I hope your future experiences here show your past experiences to be the exception.

[JeffD]

My cases are for supporting my collection of excellent stickers! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

At least it seem that way.

[Stephanie Reiser]

I agree with 8 on the list.