My new mandolin teacher rocks!

[BoneDigger]

Well, I met my new mandolin teacher last night for the first time. His name is Ross and apparently he is the mandolin player for a group called Cadillac Sky. I haven't heard their music yet, but apparently they are signed on Skaggs records. He gave me some free pointers about setting up my mandolin and also some pointers on technique last night. My lessons officially start in January.

From this initial meeting it is apparent that he knows his stuff and is extremely nice to talk to. I can't wait to get started!!!

From my MelBay Beginner book I have already learned Worried Man Blues, so I'm moving right along!!!
With the ti[s ross gave me on where how to position my left and right hands, I'm ready to start making REAL progress.

Can anyone give me some tips on selecting a pick? He recommended Wegen, and I may go that route, but I know there are other good ones on the market too. Ideas?

Also, can anyone recommend a good Ebony bridge that would be a "close" fit for a Kentucky A mandolin?

Todd

[8ch(pl)]

Picks are a matter of preference. Generally the prefered pick is quite stiff, more than a millimeter in thickness. I like the Jazzmando pick and also use a large triangular Clayton pick. The Dawg pick and it's Golden Gate version are also nice.

[MikeEdgerton]

Thumb through these (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=Search&CODE=02&SID=476a97456eeeb20d) threads if you'd like to read about his band.

[Santiago]

They call them picks because everyone picks a different model.

[Doug Edwards]

He's a red hot picker. You'll do well with him.

Try a Cumberland Acoustic bridge. Steve will even slot it for you if you order from him. A Randy Wood or even a Sullivan from FQM will do you. I have a StewMac bridge fitting jig I'll loan you if you want to DIY.

Picks are a personal thing, try a lot of them.

[JeffD]

While picks are a personal choice, I can share with you that my personal choice is the Red Bear Tortis, followed closely by the Wegen.

[Barry Platnick]

I like purple

[steelbuddha]

I have instructor envy.

[Jason Holmes]

Me too.

[coletrickle]

Man it must be nice to have a player of that caliber as a teacher in your area. Nothing like that where I live...

[Daniel Wheeler]

Ross is actually the fiddle player and Bryan is the mando player

[BoneDigger]

Yes, that could be the case, I didn't ask specifically. #When I got there he was teaching a kid how to play fiddle. #However, he has a heck of a nack with the mandolin too. #I think he teaches a number of different instruments.

I do know this, his Gibson mandolin was a $25,000 instrument, which is WAAAAY beyond my comprehension.

Todd