Tremolo..

[smilnJackB]

Do heavier guage strings make doing tremolo any easier?
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif Jack

[mandodebbie]

Depends. I find it much easier to do tremallo on the A and E strings.(The thinner ones.) But that's according to my taste and experience. It is not recomended that one uses too heavy a guage of string on mandolins, anyway, as it will create too much strain on the instrument. Buy strings designed specifically for mandolins and you shouldn't go wrong.:p

[John Flynn]

Jack:

I think it depends on your technique. If you do it the way Mike Compton and others teach it, I don't think string or pick weight should make much difference at all. But I do remember the way I used to do it. I thought that I either needed light stings or a light pick. It was like one thing or another had to be flexible to permit the rapid motion, because I was bearing down for dear life and I wasn't being flexible. Now I hold the pick loosely and go for a light, but accurate, attack on the strings and it works the same regardless of strings or picks.

[Jim Garber]

From a classical point of view, we generally use pretty light gauge strings and it makes no difference either way. I do the same sort of tremelo on my Gibsons and on my bowlbacks.

Jim

[mandofiddle]

I think pick shape might have something to do with it. As well as technique...

[bluegrassjack2]

Hey mandojohnny, what kind of pic do you use?

[Jim Garber]

Jack:
Why did you need to post this twice in the same category?

Jim

[John Flynn]

Hey mandojohnny, what kind of pic do you use?
I've done a lot of pick experimenting, including trying some of the high-priced "designer" picks. I have a whole bag of the rejects in a drawer. I choose picks for the sound and playability I want from the mando I am playing and the session I am playing. I feel I get the best control and the best volume with Dunlop Ultex 1.0, but the tone can be a bit brash. So for a mellower, more "tubby" kind of tone, I generally use a Dunlop 207.

I like a moderate point. BTW, especially for tremlo. Too sharp a point seems to slow me down a little and too round a point, like a Dawg or a GG, causes me to lose the "feel" of the strings. I re-work the point/edge on my picks. Again, just MHO. This is really a personal preference area.

[peterleyenaar]

I find the 2mm Wegen mandolin picks with the beveled edges great for tremolo and clarity of tone, with the least amount of pick noice.

[bluegrassjack2]

Thanks Mando Johnny. I'm finding that picks are one of the most controvercial subject there is on mandolin playing. I've been all over the place with choosing one that I like and seem other have too. I play only BG. Right now my two favorite ones are the 207 and ASAPH. The ASAPH is pretty worn but I think it says music & technoloy underneath the ASAPH. I think the thicker picks help the tremalling thing. The first 3-4 yr of playing I used thin picks and couldnt understand how u could ever use a thick one. Now i like the thick ones. I still cant play very well but I'm working on it, ha.
Thanks for your info.

[smilnJackB]

jgarber - Jim, Sorry about the double posting. I somehow thought it did not post the first time. Jack