Mandolin Sound Aging Discussion

[Hal Loflin]

I have read several times about how new mandolins need to age in order for the tone and overall sound quality to improve. Also how older mandolins that have not been played in a while need to go through this again. Can someone please explain what this means and how/why the wood changes characteristics to evolve into a better sound quality. I hope this isn't the dumb question of the week...I am new to mandolins and am curious how this happens.

THANKS

[Lee]

NOT a dumb question. I can't answer the best so I'll let others. I'm more curious to learn about the second part of your question concerning old un-played mandolins and why they need to re-open up.

[brandon]

If you do a little digging around on the forum you might be able to find a couple of threads on this subject.....I know I saw one the other day.

[brandon]

found a couple.

here (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=7;t=18559;hl=opening+up)

and

here (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=12;t=19621;hl=opening+up)