Hello! New member trying to get back into mandolin here.

**Suho** · Jul-22-2014, 4:55pm

Hello all!
I found this forum after searching for info on mandolins, which is probably a common story. I started playing both guitar and bass about 25 years ago, but also began trying to learn mandolin around the same time. I would say I had two big influences in picking up the mandolin: 1- R.E.M. was starting to use it big time back in the late '80s/early '90s, and so I thought it was pretty cool, and 2- I absolutely loved the Jethro Tull songs where the mandolin was kind of playing counterpoint with the guitars and flute (mostly some of the more celtic tunes).

I even brought a mandolin to my senior-year high school photo session! That year I also saw the Modern Mandolin Quartet perform, and it really opened my mind about the mandolin. Unfortunately, I didn't play for many years and had to sell my Martin/Goya electric mandolin that I bought in high school just a few years ago.

These days I play mostly seven-string guitars, as I find the extra width and range more comfortable (I guess a result of playing bass for so many years). I have always been a fan of Irish and Celtic music (they comprise the majority of bedtime songs for my son), and lately have really itched to play mandolin again. And here I am!

**Denny Gies** · Jul-22-2014, 5:03pm

Welcome to the Cafe. There's a lot of brotherly love in mandolins.

**lflngpicker** · Jul-22-2014, 5:05pm

Welcome Suho! A great instrument played by a bunch of wonderful people. You will gain a lot. Have fun!

**Ellen T** · Jul-22-2014, 11:02pm

Hey, there's a lot of sisterly love, too!

Welcome, Suho, to the nicest forum around.

**Randi Gormley** · Jul-23-2014, 10:27am

Welcome! You'll probably spend a lot of time reading the threads on wider fretboards and nuts, I predict, but as long as you have a mandolin in your hands, it's all good.

**JEStanek** · Jul-23-2014, 10:47am

Welcome to the Cafe! Let us help or inspire you along.

Jamie

**Suho** · Jul-23-2014, 6:29pm

Originally Posted by Randi Gormley

Welcome! You'll probably spend a lot of time reading the threads on wider fretboards and nuts, I predict, but as long as you have a mandolin in your hands, it's all good.

Haha, so far you are right on the money!

Thanks to all for the welcomes.