Re: Old Hickory and Hondo
Don't let your choice to proceed or not be based on your experience with these two instruments. If they are set up well they may be ok but if not you need to try to find a decent quality instrument that is SET UP well first. It could make a big difference in your ability to play.
You don't need high priced instruments (I don't own one) but they do need to have good playability. String height comfortable (action), no buzzing, good strings, etc....
They do look good.
Re: Old Hickory and Hondo
I enjoy playing them. I like the sound of them both. My problem is I just cannot decide which instruments to make the priority! With the bluegrass group I practice with, I am sometimes on bass, sometimes on fiddle, sometimes on banjo, and sometimes strum along on the mandolin. Oh, the harmonicas. I even took a kazoo to practice one time.
Re: Old Hickory and Hondo
Welcome to the Cafe! Neither are terribly expensive instruments though they can do the job required. I hope you can get them strung up and to their best before you make the final cut. D'Addario J74 strings will work well on both of those instruments and you can see a good stringing clinic at Frets.com.
Jamie
Re: Old Hickory and Hondo
Quote:
Originally Posted by
caeman
I enjoy playing them. I like the sound of them both. My problem is I just cannot decide which instruments to make the priority! With the bluegrass group I practice with, I am sometimes on bass, sometimes on fiddle, sometimes on banjo, and sometimes strum along on the mandolin. Oh, the harmonicas. I even took a kazoo to practice one time.
Well it kind of depends on your musical goals. I would say, and others would probably back me up, that if you always want work keep at that bass.
I was thinking though, that if you are playing some fiddle, its not a stretch to do some melody on that mandolin. Thats what made it addictive for me, playing melody and tremolo with double stop harmonies. The mandolin is sooooooooo much more than a small guitar for strumming.
Re: Old Hickory and Hondo
Re: Old Hickory and Hondo
If you keep playing, and eventually form a band you already have a great band name... "Old Hickory and Hondo"! It's got a nice ring to it :-)
Re: Old Hickory and Hondo
It does have a ring to it.
Somewhat related, here is a pic of a Balalaika a friend gave me to challenge me with.
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...g/IMG_2028.jpg
It, also, is in dire need of new strings. The age of it is unknown.