Mando VIrus

[TommyK]

My eyes water, my nose runs, my throat scratchy and I feel feverish, all when I get within spittin' distance of a Mandolin. #My momma always tol' me to feed a cold... or was that a fever? #I'd better feed this, whatever it is. #I currently play Guitar, but as soon as I talk the missus into it, I'm going to buy a baby.
Can anyone tell me the difference between an "A" and an "F" model. #Other than the obvious extra thingies on the "F"?
Is there a difference in tone?
Can all mandolins referred to as 'flat irons' or just certain ones.
I'm waiting with baited breath... anyone got a Tic-Tac? #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif

[fatt-dad]

Dear TommyK,

Welcome to the mandolin cafe. My first suggestion is to plan on buying more than one mandolin 'cause that's what we all do. So, you will need both A and F models one each with an oval hole and another with F-holes. Try to buy some Japanese mandolins along with the larger U. S. makers and some custom builders too.

Between building your collection, you will want to practice some. Oh yeah, Flatiron is no longer making mandolins, but they used to make both A and F models along with their classic line of "flation" or "pancake" mandolins.

Most important - have fun. Oh, and for the breath, I take cigars - ha.

fatt-dad

[Mandodoc]

Please don't spit on the Mandolins, it's not good for them. And baby buying is illegal in most places.
But a warning, once you buy a Mandolin you will want more and you will put away your guitars and hardly ever play them again. A's and F's are just basically different shapes. Both can have round sound holes or "F" holes. The sound of the two has and will be debated forever. Round sound holes tendto be used for Americana, Irish, Old Time type music and F holes tend to be used for Bluegrass. Both can be used for either. X bracing and Parallel bracing can make a sound differance as well. "Flat Irons" are flat mandolins without arching carved tops and bottoms. Every mandolin has it's own sound, that's why you need so many, every person likes a different sound when they play and that is why you need to go out and try mandolins out and find the one that "speaks" to you. Mandolins are the most expressive and fun instrument and you will have fun on your journey. Here, have a "Sqyntz".

jon

[TommyK]

Fatt-dad,
I've gotta talk the missus in to the first one first. #After that, I can keep em all in a different room and tell her it's the same one. #Kind of like all the kids we had running around the house. #She kept 'em in seperate rooms and tol' me they were just one kid. Our oldest was 15 before I knew he had 3 siblings. #Thank goodness for that, we have a couple girls and I thought he was dressing a little funny from time to time. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

Time for Pay back.

Okay, mando doc. what's a "Sqyntz"?

[Mandodoc]

It's a sour breath mint, sugar free, tropical fruit flavored. They are good. You should try them.

[TommyK]

Woops I called Fatt Dadd, Mando Dad... Sorry about that. #I have a hard time keep in my own kids straight! #Mebee it had somethin' to do with thinkin' I only had 1 kid for 15 odd years.
Land a goshen this is a jumpin' little message board. #On the Guit box boards I post to, I usually come back in a couple days to see something new.
Mando pickers must be A.D.H.D. (hyper!) #I've seen Mandopickers pickin' and it makes some kinda sense. #When do you guys find time to flail???
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[flairbzzt]

What geographical area do you live in? I can highly recommend a dealer in the NY metro area if your anywhere near here..

[fatt-dad]

TommyK from northern Illinois,

Yeh, I hyperfocus and obsess. Of course when I was in school, ADHD may have stood for a rebellion. I can offer you several choices on buying an inexpensive mandolin, but you wont get a further sell from me. I just have had lots of fun, buying $200 to $300 mandolins, restringing them, weaving straps and having them around to play. Maybe I've sold five or six - probably broke even and continue to confuse the misses. I found my kids but am know loosing them to the streets, church, and pool. Playing the mandolin often keeps them in the other room - ha.

You will find great information at this board. Even stupid questions, get prompt replies - very little bashing and very well moderated (careful on colorful language).

I also like the site www.mandozine.com where you can find a link to download a softwere probram called tabedit viewer (there is a commercial tabedit program that you can buy). When you install the tabedit viewer, you can then download tabedit files, many of which are stored at mandozine.com. The interesting thing about the tabedit files is that you can have the computer play them and get the gist of the tune (reminded of it). Once you learn about tab (maybe you already know), you can just print, hit the sofa and noodle. I have been working on some the exercizes, but have also learned cool tunes like ragtime annie using tabedit files.

Good luck.

fatt-dad
www.fatt-dad.com
fatt-dad@richmond.com

[TommyK]

Fatt-dad,
how'd you figure out I'm in Northern Illinois?
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif

[madog99]

At the top of the screen you hit members and then can look up all the sensitve stuff you put in your profile . A bit more active here then at the other spot eh? And the folks here are very helpful none of the "dude are you crazy , my model b1727 will eat the other one alive " stuff. Good luck with the search.

[TommyK]

SO,
For my first Mando, should I start out with a Rogue, ala musiciansfriend.com?? or opt for something with a little more pinache? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif

[madog99]

Maybe I'm too picky but I would really want to try a mando before buying , I tried some cheap ones that you couldn't play unless you were the Hulk . Unless you are getting it from someone who can give you the straight goods on how it plays.It's a hassle to have to send stuff back. None of your local stores carry anything ? or check your local classified maybe. I saw one going here for $20 the other day.

[Darryl Wolfe]

There's a Kentucky KM380S that is "A-model" "F-hole" and solid wood that is supposed to be quite good for the $$

[TommyK]

If you ask a instrument (guitar) shop dealer around here about a Mandolin, the reply,"Man-o-what?http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif #Do they still make those?http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif?http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif #How 'bout a nice strat-o-copy??"
The only mandos in the local shop are museum pieces. #They're the old world kind with a crease in the sound board just aft of the bridge. #None are strung up and would probably fold under the pressure. They're great for the museum tho.

[madog99]

maybe some board members could offer up a few names of good on-line purchasing contacts ?I know Elderly gets raves for service as does guitaradoptions and Folk of the woods.You may even find someone in your neck of the woods.Get ready for the rush !!

[fatt-dad]

TommyK,

The earlier post asked if you were near to NY or something, so I just looked at your posting profile and figured you are somewhere near Gary, Indiana, my home sweet home! (yes I was actually born there.)

You should buy something with at least a solid top and will probably find your best bet in a Kentucky (the KM-250 isn't bad).

gotta go

f-d