Mando on vacation

[doublestop]

Getting ready to head to Ontar-I-o (Westport) for my annual vacation. Can't wait and always take my mando. My solitude comes early in the morning before all the other fisher-people are up. I head down to the lake with my mandolin and coffee in tow and play on the dock til my heart's content. Does anyone else vacation with their mandos or are you forced to leave them behind? My redneck vacation consists of playing mando and bass fishing. I don't think the people at camp mind too much or at least they don't protest. The only problem I have is deciding which mando to take since I am only allowed one. Let's hear about your vacations. Have you ever met someone really great to jam with and where do you do it?

[Nick Alberty]

I take my mandolin every time I go on a trip. I'd rather it be with me than be stolen at home while I'm gone. Plus, I have gotten into jams sometimes without planning them by running into some.

[Bobbie Dier]

I take it everywhere. The minute you don't take it the jam opporTUNEities seem to pop up then your stuck without one. That is a real bummer.

[frets1]

I too, had concerns about taking Thumper (my F5 Gibson) with me on vacation. My Martin Backpacker solved that problem. I would suggest you look into one. Great for vacation. MANDOLIN; NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[Mike Bullard]

Take it with you even if you have to leave something else behind. If your going to the beach go ahead and burn quickly so you can spend more time pickin.....I don't Leave Home Without It. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[MANDOLINMYSTER]

TAKE IT WITH YOU. I just returned from a vacation in Mexico, and was so glad I brought a mandolin with me. I got inspired by the beauty and sights, and came up with a few new diddy's, and met a great classical guitarist who was very intreigued by the mandolin. Great conversation piece. I always take it on vacation...if you don't you'll be JONES"N" http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[mando bandage]

I'll join the chorus. Always take the mando. Even for a weekend or overnight out of town. Mine has made journeys with me on camping trips from Ohio to Colorado and Wyoming and countless weekends to my in-laws in St. Louis. Portability is one of its attributes, right? Besides, you can play it on the way if you've got someone to share the driving. If you don't, you regard traffic jams in a whole new light.

I come by this honestly. My mother, a classically trained musician and vocalist, insisted that we take our instruments with us on vacation when young. My sister played a duet on her French horn once with a hound dog in Bucksnort, Tennessee.

My wife always regarded this tendency as somewhat fanatical until her recent foray into the bagpipe realm. This summer, the camper resonated with the sounds of her chanter as well as the mandolin.

I'll close by saying that we're indoctrinating our 10 year old son as well. We were out of town for a day trip on the day before his last piano recital. We brought the electric keyboard and he practiced to and fro. He needed a minor acclimation the following morning before the recital playing a stationary keyboard instead of one that was sliding around on his lap.

R

[solerydr]

Cram some undies in the case up were the headstock sits and go! Man, thats all you need.

[Rick Schmidlin]

Take alway,next stop for Germany( I hope to visit Augest's shop also). Backpacker NEVER AGAIN!

Also it's fun to meet outher Mando players at the airports. Met one a few weeks back in OHIO with a 1916 A Gibson.

Rick

[Fred G]

I travel a lot for work and whether it is vacation or work I always have one with me. Sitting and playing alone in the morning I have found to be my most creative time, and vacation seems to help since I don't have to be anywhere.

[odeman]

That's what my Weber Sweetpea is for. Light, small, a great conversation piece - tha perfect traveling "security blanket".

[Tennessee Jed]

If I'm driving to my vacation spot the mando goes along - in the back seat.

[mad dawg]

My wife has two rules regarding mandolins and vacations that she is passionate about:

1. I'm only allowed to take my mandolin on vacations if my wife isn't coming with me.

2. I'm not allowed to go on vacations without my wife.

[Bob A]

My late hounddog had a lovely melodious voice. I'm moved to read of the French horn duet.

Timely topic - I've been debating taking a mando on a trip to California. Most of my trips are to upstate NY to visit family. There's always a mandolin with me then.

[TheNaivePicker]

I usually take my mando on every trip, but I have to be especially careful.. It fun to take it to the ocean, thats the best place to compose a song, it relaxes you and your mando.. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif
But of corse, I never forget to bring ear plugs for everyone else, and I have my own seat in the very back. Im so Special..

[springer_spaniel]

I brought my mandolin on a 7 day Caribbean cruise and had two great experiences. The first was sitting on our balcony every night playing, while the moon and stars reflected off the water, listening to the wake of the ship and sipping a pina coloda and just RELAXING. This was how I finally learned to tremolo !! The second was playing the lead to 'Jesu, Joy of Mans Desiring' with the ships on board eastern european string ensemble. ( Two violins, cello and piano. They were very impressed that an American Mandolin player could play Bach. Man .... that was cool. I wish I had recorded it.

[Django Fret]

I usually take my Crafter beater on vacations, camping, or just when I need to plug in for some reason. I have played it in 20 degree weather camping by the fire, 90 degree heat by the beach, and when I need to be heard with guitars that are plugged in.

Great fun, and no worries since replacing it would be less than $200.

[peterbc]

I went to Canada on a short weekend field trip. At first I thought it was one night, and I was wondering if I should bring it or not, then I found out it was two, and I knew I'd go crazy if I didn't. So I brought it, and made about $1.50 (canadian) from a very drunk man who insisted that I was the coolest guy ever. Now it wouldn't even occur to me to not bring it.

[Stephanie Reiser]

I am flying to North Carolina from Maine next week, and I have a choice: The laptop or the mando. I am bringing the mando. I have heard that there should be no problem on the plane with it. I only wonder how securty will react to my electric tuner. I am only gonna be gone 4 days, but cant envision being without my mando.
Stephanie

[John Flynn]

I travel on business every week and on pleasure once or twice a year. I leave my good mando at home, but I always bring my Medieros Travelers Mandolin wherever I go. Over the years, I have put a lot of work into getting the set up just right and finding the best strings for it, so it plays and sounds very good. Recently, I found a hardshell uke case that fits it snugly with a little padding. Now instead of having the mando as a carry on, I pack the mando in its hardshell that goes inside a 24" suitcase, which goes in checked baggage. The suitcase gets pretty beat up, but the mando is usually in tune when I unpack it. That mando, and a good novel, are all that keeps me sane when I am travelling.

[John Zimm]

I can not go anywhere for more than a few days without a mandolin. In fact, in a few weeks I will be in Ocean Shores, Washington to visit my in-laws, and their neightbor is a terrific guitar player-singer. Last time we jammed I was stuck with an old guitar. I can't let that happen again.

-John.

[AZmando]

I always take either my little old backpacker (from LEO in Denver, CO) if I'm backpacking, or the Flatiron A5 if I'm in a hotel or relative's house. #I took the Flatiron to Hawaii last year, and it swelled up quite a bit due to the high humidity - I lowered the bridge and was fine until I got back home. #It went back to its normal size and I had to raise the bridge back up again.

I thought it was nice to have the arched top and back since they can poof up a bit from the humidity without too much worry.

Mandos are also easy carry-ons - I have never had a problem. #I never let the TSA hear me play, or they might confiscate it. . .my Weapon of Mandolin Destruction.

[surfnut]

Just got back from two weeks in Alaska on the Kenai Peninsula, fishing with my brothers. Played my mando every day. One of the reasons I took up mando was cause I felt I could take it anywhere.

[mcashion]

They don't care about the electronic tuner. It went right on through. I bought a '60's vintage Alvarez A-1 for $200 bucks. It looks great, plays great, and wouldn't kill me if it got a bump or two. I never check it. I carry it with me in a featherweight case.

[wannabethile]

im takin mine to hawaii with me saturday. i dont think id be able to take 10 days without my mando by my side, hehehe

[Tom C]

I'm taking mine with me on my next vacation to CA. The Mandolin Symposium. Maybe I'll be able to find some folks to pick with. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[chirorehab]

I just went away last weekend for 3 days. For the first time in 2 years I did NOT take it. Well, that was a mistake! I figured that since my schedule was packed I wouldn't have any time to play. Wrong! I sat around for a couple of hours on Saturday with nothing to do! Never again!

Take the mandolin every time!

Eric

[beachbum]

I'm headed to the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas on Saturday for a week. My Sweet Pea and my daughter's travel guitar are going with us. Makes my husband crazy! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[ira]

so, generally take my ky150s (same one i bring with me to schools/camps, etc...)on vaca,. the ky is fine to play, but not nearly as fun as my baby is. they ky doesn't have the same feel or ring to it.

anyway, taking the family (and the minivan- how suburban) up to a resort near mt.tremblant in canada. no a.c. (generally don't need it) not too humid, and though it is on a lake and there is a pool as well, i doubt i'll bring it down there with me. in the past, i have had approx 1-2 hrs of alone time (every parent/spouse's dream), and take about 1/2 hr to 1 hr on the porch of my condo overlooking the mountain and lake. do i take my baby (custom) or the beater???

heeeeelp!

[John Flynn]

do i take my baby (custom) or the beater?
My criteria is: If I am only going to be playing on my own, I would favor the beater. However, if I am going to go to some jams, I would favor the main mando. Also, if there is any danger of loss or damage on the trip, I would favor the beater.

[London Al]

I've gotta problem here: The wife and me are going to Venice in Italy for our holiday. Do I take the mandolin I usually take away with us, or do I try and buy a bowlback when I'm there?

Marraige guidance appreciated here!

Al

[ira]

mandojohnny- always has an answer for me- thanks!
well, no real risk of damage or loss- locked condo, fancy shmancy resort. prob. just by myself, though in the past i have gotten up to play blues harp with the house barband a few times, so you never know. anyone else have an opinion on this one- hop in.

btw- london al- buy the bowlback- but honey, its not just for me, it is a rememberance of our trip. other than bringing home a gondola- what is more venice? it is a keepsake for both of us to treasure for years to come!

whaddayathink?

[John Flynn]

but honey, its not just for me, it is a rememberance of our trip. other than bringing home a gondola- what is more venice? it is a keepsake for both of us to treasure for years to come!
Ira:
That is absolute genius, man! I could plan a trip for two to Australia! "Honey, what better to remind us of our trip than this Gilchrist!" My mind is in high gear now!

[WireBoy]

I took my mando to my 30th high school reuinon this last weekend. #My old pal brought his Taylor. we had a grand time, hadn't picked with him in 15 years!
it also came in handy in Portland airport when my connecting flight was delayed 5 hours!!!

[WireBoy]

say wannabethile,
while you're in hawaii, be sure to acquire an ukulele. its the perfect keepsake for your vacation (just like ira suggested) and its much easier to kick back on the beach and strum away beneath the swaying palm trees.

[ourgang]

It's always better to have it and not want it than to want it and not have it. No matter where I go I take my guitar and maybe the mandolin. Guitar player first, mandolin for enjoyment.

[Strado Len]

Always take one. My two Stradolins have been to more places than I have.

[Bill James]

I just did a week of fly fishing in Montana and left the mandolin home. I wanted to be able to fish "worry free" and not hassle with trying to keep it from cooking in the car for long periods while fishing. Also didn't want to deal with it at the airport. #It also gave my beat up hands some much needed rest.

If my wife was going I would leave it home for sure. That way, she could have a vacation too. # http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

I know it's hard to believe, but it is possible to go a whole week without a mandolin. I proved it.

[Gary S]

My reccomendation is to take your least valuable mandolin in your best case. If it has to be packed in the trunk, store it deep with lots of things packed around it for insulation. But take it if you are considering it. Enjoy your trip..Gary Silverstein

[London Al]

(Glad you're on side Ira)
I'm lookin' into checkin' out the second hand market in Northern Italy.
Anyone bought a bowlback in Italy?
The wifes working on the phrase book and the hand gestures.
Al

[ira]

ok, leavin tom. to canada- again, its a drive not a plane. 4 hours to friends in vt, overnight then on to canada (3 more hours). we have a beautiful 2 br condo. no ac but you don't need it. though if i need to would be fine with my kentucky, but the joy i get from playing my oval hole beauty is way more considerable. no probs with theft. can keep it right under my bed. kept diamond earings for my wife there a few years back and no prob, so i don't see one with the mando.

whaddayathink?http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif?

[mandonewbie]

Take the Kentucky....then you have no stress.....that's what it's about there anyway.....right?

[Bob A]

With great trepidation, decided to take a bowlback with me to California. (The trepidation came after reading about America West Airlines hereabouts)>

No problem getting on the plane out of DC, but when I switched planes in Phoenix, one of the attendants started giving me a hard time about it (even as folks had bulkier stuff under their seats). A more senior attendant just popped it into the overhead. The fact that I'd gotten it most of the way across the country already no doubt influenced the outcome, but I was a little worried. Now I just have to convince them to let me bring it back home!)

[Brad Weiss]

It's a vacation, isn't it? I've never been hassled on planes with my mandolin, and I've taken in on puddle jumpers and jumbo jets, across country, and last month to Holland for a 5 day (work related- but still vacation!) trip. ALWAYS as carry on, even when I've got another carry on bag.#I thought the whole point of these things is they go anywhere!!

[ira]

again, for me, not worried about plane as i'm driving, just don't know if i should take my good mando or my p.o.s.

[TommyK]

My late hounddog had a lovely melodious voice. I'm moved to read of the French horn duet.

Timely topic - I've been debating taking a mando on a trip to California. Most of my trips are to upstate NY to visit family. There's always a mandolin with me then.
If you're going anywheres near 'Frisco, stop in at Gryphon instrument repair in Palo Alto and say heidi to Frank Ford @Frets.com. He's a mando picker too. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif

[TommyK]

There seems to be a recurring theme here. #Mandos and Fishin'. #I think I heard somwhere that Mando picking calls fish. #I 'spect a little mando pickin' and coffee in the wee hours of the morning is music to other fishermen's hears. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif

[jim_n_virginia]

I always take it! AND my guitar too! Never know who you will run into and also most of the time I vacation I visit my Granny down in Miss and they alway make me sing for my dinner! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[TommyK]

I always take it! AND my guitar too! Never know who you will run into and also most of the time I vacation I visit my Granny down in Miss and they alway make me sing for my dinner! #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
You're a good grandson Jimmy. I wish I could play for my granny! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif

[ira]

decision made- bring my beauty with me. with a car trip and a safe room, no reason not to. can't wait to strum from my porch overlooking mt. tremblant and lac tremblant..........

ps- wish i had my grandma to play for her...:(

[Emmiemando]

I can't love a day without my mando. It's like water to me. I just went to Texas for 8 days and couldn't leave it behind. So I brought is as my carry-on on the plane.:;):

[Stephanie Reiser]

I was recently delayed at Boston-Logan for several hours waiting for a connecting flight. Sure glad that I had the mando with me as carry-on. I had told the airline rep that if the flight didnt get off the ground soon, I would take my instrument out and play it. The flight became further delayed, so I played some tunes. A few people came over to watch, including someone with a guitar. He didnt play it, though. The mando is perfect for carry-on, and I have never been hassled about it. I do not have a retangular case, like some of you. I have the smaller case from Stew-Mac, and it fits in the over-head perfectly.
Stephanie http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif

[Stephanie Reiser]

How do guitar players take their instruments on a plane as carry-on? they dont fit over head or under the seat.
Stephanie

You cant kust leave your mandolin!

[ira]

took my good mando, and it was worth it. picked alot on the balcony overlooking lac and mount tremblant in canada- spectacular. one night there was a solo guitar player at the bistro there, and between sets spoke with him about music and mentioned what i play- he asked if i had it, and said he had a patch chord. plugged in and played a few on mando and on harmonica, and even sang one (and it stoned me) . lots of fun.