looking for mandolute/pancake hybrid

[jdchapman]

Hey,

A silly question: I'm in love with my new (old) pancake mandola, but I wish it had a warmer, rounder sound, kind of like a mandolute I played once, and wish I'd bought. Any suggestions for what can give me that fuller sound? (Not looking for a Florentine, sound, although I like them.) I mostly plonk out chords in first position anyway, so I don't need anything loud or choppy, just warm. I wonder how that Eastman L&H dawg replica will sound....

[sgarrity]

Do you have a Flatiron mandola?

[Steve L]

Try a set of flatwound strings like Thomastiks. They're expensive, but last much longer than phos bronze strings and the cost evens out somewhat with the longevity. They might give you just the sound you're looking for.

[journeybear]

Didn't something like that just sell on ebay? :confused: Some kind of hybrid, or gene splicing experiment ... :whistling:

[JEStanek]

Look for a flat top with a mahogany, rosewood or walnut back instead of maple/birch for a darker warmer tone. I think Walt with Gypsy has made something similar to what you're looking for as well.

Finally, consider different string/pick combinations. I like the Jazzmando JM11 strings (http://jazzmando.com/jazzmando_jm11_flatwound_strings.shtml)with a Dwag pick for a warmer sound. THe JM11s cost !/2 of the TIs and are just as good IMO. Changing strings and picks (along with your attack) are the least expensive ways to vary your sound.

Jamie

[Schlegel]

Try Jamie's suggestion first. If you are using a thin, pointy pick, a thicker, rounder pick may be quite a bit warmer and less sharp/bright. Very cheap and easy to experiment with.

[jdchapman]

Thanks. I've tried the flatwound strings, and they do make a difference. I'm also getting used to what the pancake can do, and enjoyng it more and more. Not sure I'd want a mandolin built like this, but I'm finding I prefer the flat top in the mandola voice. Plus, the thing looks a lot less ostentatious than a carved top, and I like that. Whoever had mine before juryrigged a Fender pickup into it, and I plugged it into a little Vox tube amp yesterday. It sounds great. Better than any electric mandolin I've ever played, actually. Mostly I muddle around at home, but I'm working up to playing out again with a friend who writes Jayhawksy stuff, and the pancake will be perfect I think, plugged and unplugged, for that project. Now I need to get better at stretching my fingers in first position.