What is it about the mandolin?

[ShaneJ]

I was reading the latest "What other instruments do you play?" thread and saw a lot of comments like mine about how people play many other instruments, but none seem to be as addictive as the mandolin.

I've wondered why this little 8-string wonder demands so much of my attention, and I havn't quite figured it out. I love a new challenge, so that is probably part of it - but not all. I love music, but never liked Bluegrass much until I fell in love with the mandolin early last year.

I don't really know what it is for sure, but playing the mandolin is just plain fun.

Anybody got any theories on why it's so addictive?

Oh yeah, and what's the deal with spending so much time on a website reading & "talking" about playing mandolin? And why am I stockpiling tools, books, and plans for building one? I can't wait. Have I missed the chapter in Siminoff's book where he talks about how to get the "crack" properly installed? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Scott Tichenor]

I know.

[onlyagibsonisgoodenuff]

Now disrupting my own message board.
Boy, howdy! Somebody needs to get into Scott's computer and uninstall Photoshop! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[jimini_pickit]

Exactly...it's getting where, no matter what other instruments I have played or am attempting to learn, it's nice to have the mandolin to pick up and feel soooo comfortable with!!

To paraphrase Al Batten in an email he sent me re: banjo, I'll turn it around and say of the mandolin: "It's therapeutic"

[jasona]

Perfect size, perfect tone, and really fits in every genre I like. (Well, I might have to distort it some for punk) I think I hear it calling me now...my precioussssss...I'm coming! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

[John Flynn]

I can't explain why it's so addictive, but it definitely is. I can explain why I like it:

> It's really versatile: It can play rhythm and lead equally well, it can switch between the two very easily and even do both at the same time. Also, it fits almost any style of music.

> The way the mandolin fretboard lays out based on the scale length and the way it is tuned, is just incredibly logical. There is just so much you can do with it! I have played the guitar 20 years longer than I have played the mandolin and I have never thought the guitar layout was very intuitive. You just have to learn it get used to it.

> The the mandolin has a range and a timbre that conveys emotion really well and I like that quality a lot.

[ShaneJ]

I know.
Scott, would you have to shoot us if you told us? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Unseen122]

Well, I might have to distort it some for punk
No you don't just look at Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly, and the Pogues. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif I have no idea why it is so addictive but it is.

[Rob Powell]

I've been wondering the same thing...this board is a testament. I've played guitar for 36 years. I picked up a mando for the first time in January of this year and now I'm obsessed. I keep thinking about selling all my other equipment just to get a good mando. Well, not the Tele or the Martin but I'd sell everything else http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Skip Kelley]

I don't know why it is so additive but.... Sorry I can't finish I have to go play the mandolin!

[jlb]

It's alot easier to wrestle with than a guitar or bass, you don't have to know umpteen rolls like a banjo, you don't have the horrific tuning problems of the fiddle.

The only thing I don't really like about mando is there's too much tension on the strings...a bit more tense than a guitar, MUCH more tense than a banjo or fiddle.

[fatt-dad]

I think it is the size and that you can just sit on the sofa, be comfortable, play, relax, enjoy, etc. Don't get me wrong, I like to play the guitar also, but it's too big to just sit with and noodle.

f-d

[doanepoole]

I also think the small size has alot to do with it. I like A-styles better for the "sit-on-the-couch" pickin cause the points don't dig in.

I got an L-00 recently, and I tell you, that thing is small compared to a big dread...very nice size for a guitar, and I think it weighs almost the same as my mandos.

[ourgang]

And they say that size doesn't matter!?!?!? But I'm like you all. I have been playing guitar for about 25 years and have 3 wonderful guitars, but I would give them all away if I could only master the mandolin.

[mandodebbie]

Well, gee! It's small, cute, and romantic...like me! I betcha someday scientists will study the addictive qualities of mandolin music and mandolin
playing. Not to mention, mandolin collecting. It must have something to do with special sound waves mingling with the dopamines in the brain. Now, if only we could bottle it... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[fatt-dad]

doanpoole,

Is it a '30s Gibson L-00? We will share that in common if it is. I have a similar-age Kalamazoo (flat with oval hole) and it is amazing how the Kal looks the mini-me to the L-00.

f-d