best set up

[rambleon02]

Hey, I am pretty new to mandolin, actually I know about it is how to tune it haha. I just got turned on to mandolin, and I was just wondering what were some good, or the best beginner mandolins/packages and what are some good books/videos to start with? Any help at all is very very appreciated, because I have no idea what to look for in a mandolin, so please stear me the right way. Thanks a bunch.

[rambleon02]

anybody?

[mandough]

The first DVD that I bought was the Sam Bush one. Some of the songs are easy and some are hard. I mostly enjoyed watching him play the mandolin (ie., how he held and picked his instrument). It was good to see how the mandolin is played.
I then bought the Chris Thile DVD. It's amazing to see that guy play but...forget about it unless your a prodigy or virtuoso.

If you're just trying to figure out how to diddle around, some of the CDs are good that have backing tracks that you're supposed to fill in the mandolin parts. I find these the best because you can come up with some of your own riffs.

[pathfinder]

Welcome to the board, rambleon02. #It's tough to answer your thread with so little to go on. #My best advice is to ask yourself some basic questions. #For example:

1) What kind of music do you want to play? #Bluegrass? Folk? #Classical? #Jazz? #Rock? #Celtic? #Each is associated with certain mandolin characteristics which sound good for that particular style of music. #When you've answered this question, you'll know whether you want to invest in a contempory acoustic, a bowlback or an electric. #There are 'F' style mandos (with scrolls and points) and there are'A' styles (shaped like a pear or a teardrop). #Some project their sound through 'F' holes and some through oval holes. #Some are bright and sharp while others are more mellow.

2) How much do you want to spend? #

3) Do you want to buy new or used? #Often 'pre-owned' mandos are a better deal, but don't necessarily have any warranty protection left.

4) What stores are close enough that you can try out as many different mandolins as possible?

5) How much do you know about music? #If you play another instrument such as the piano or guitar, there are chords and tabs available here on the Mandolin Cafe from which you can teach yourself basic chords, scales, progressions and tunes.

On the other hand, if you're not sure what style you want to play and you just want to jump into it, all I could recommend is to order yourself a good reputable 'A' style starter (like a Mid-Missouri), get it properly set up, and get yourself a MEL BAY instruction book. #

Good luck, and keep us posted on how you make out, or if you have any more questions. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[potatoe]

first thing i bought was mel bay's first lessons: mandolin. for 8 bones, it came with a little sheet music, tablature, and a cd with all the songs at 2 speeds. i went through the whole book with my instructor, it was extremely helpful

[rambleon02]

thanks for all your help guys..il try to answer all of your questions

1.With my mandolin I will probably play bluegrass and rock, maybe a little jazz if i can work up the courage haha

2.I'll spend up anywhere up to around $300

3. I'd prefer a new mandolin

4. The music stores around here don't carry very many mandolins so I'll most likely be ordering this via the internet.

5. I've played guitar and bass for 3 years, so I can read treble clef, bass clef,chord charts, and tablature.

p.s. ill check out the mid-missouri thanks a lot

[pathfinder]

Hi again, rambleon02. #Sounds like you're on your way! #And the Mid-Mo was just a suggestion, since they're such a good all-purpose mandolin (I own one). #But also check out manufacturers such as Kentucky, Michael Kelly, Fender and Epiphone, which may be a bit brighter for bluegrass in your price range. #Who knows, someday you may move up to a BRW (an inside joke on the board these days). #Good luck. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[rambleon02]

thanks a lot, hopefully if i get good enough, and i have some cash to throw around ill check out a michael kelley because i have a bass by him and i like it. . .or maybe even a gibson! hah

[twombo]

Anything by Butch Baldassari or Roland White is a great place to start. I personally would start with Rolands book and CD set then (or at the same time) the begining mandolin series by Butch Volumes 1 and 2. Both are excellent instructors and give good, well explained demos of melody and accommpniement in sol and normal speeds. 30 Fiddle Tunes for the Mandolin is a good CD set from Butch as well, if you like fiddle tunes (of course you like fiddle tunes!!!!!). Sammy and Grisman have some real good stuff too but probably down the road a piece for the beginner.