Hand size

[JeffD]

OK so I took three measurements. Very enlightening.

I spread my fingers as far as possible, in free air, and then measured from pinky top to index tip. 6 1/4 inches

I planted my index finger on the ruler and stretched as far as I could with the pinky. 6 and 3/4 inches

I planted my pinky and stretched my index finger as far as I could. 7 and 3/8 inches


I attribute these differences to how my hand apportions out the slack. But there it is. Weird. And I am sure they would be different when curled around a mandolin neck.

[fredhicks]

I planted my index finger on the ruler and stretched as far as I could with the pinky. 6 and 3/4 inches

I planted my pinky and stretched my index finger as far as I could. 7 and 3/8 inches

That's just weird. An extra inch?(almost).....ok....3/4 or so.

[JeffD]

Yea, I knew it was true from playing mandolin, but I had never measured it. There it is.

Its the inter-dactyl slack and how it is apportioned out that seems to be the explanation.

[Jim Garber]

8-3/4" for me. I used to play bass, too (upright and electric).

[bratsche]

Its the inter-dactyl slack and how it is apportioned out that seems to be the explanation.

The Inter-Dactyl Slack - another great name for a band.

bratsche

[fredhicks]

The Inter-Dactyl Slack - another great name for a band.

bratsche

I'd rather have an 8 3/4" hand reach.........The Inter-Dactyl Slack.....TIDS for short??? Think I would go for just Dactyl Slack.....kind of catchy.

[JeffD]

The Inter-Dactyl Slack - another great name for a band.

I would go see them.

[fredhicks]

I would go see them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uvV1XkiGoU

[Beanzy]

At least from the tip of the first finger to tip of little finger......seems that is a more realistic measure of what I (or other people) can reach with their hand ON the board. About 6 inches even.

For me I have two reaches that way one as per the pic is 6 1/2" relaxed 6 3/4" with effort.
However dropping into my cello playing position the same reach is 7" relaxed and trying to stretch makes no difference. That means I get 1/2" for free just by using the proper angle of my hand and relaxing. Those old techniques are wise ones.

[fredhicks]

For me I have two reaches that way one as per the pic is 6 1/2" relaxed 6 3/4" with effort.
However dropping into my cello playing position the same reach is 7" relaxed and trying to stretch makes no difference. That means I get 1/2" for free just by using the proper angle of my hand and relaxing. Those old techniques are wise ones.

So.....I need to put the octave between my knees?? Hmmmm...if it's good enough for Yo Yo Ma....

Actually, I wanted to play the Cello...just too damn big to carry around.

[Beanzy]

I do hold my mandoloncello really upright, not too far short of the angle I hold my violoncello.
It does make a different approach with the Right hand necessary though, more across than up/down.
Portability was a big factor in my deciding to really go for the mandolin.

[Bertram Henze]

The Inter-Dactyl Slack - another great name for a band.

Sounds like some critter from Jurassic Park.

I do hold my mandoloncello really upright, not too far short of the angle I hold my violoncello.
It does make a different approach with the Right hand necessary though, more across than up/down.

That right hand aspect is what had me settle for an almost horizontal neck tilt. My whole right arm urgently needed the more relaxed attitude. I rather have my left hand dance a lot across the fretboard to reach every position just in time than invite cramp and tremor back to my right.

[fredhicks]

I do hold my mandoloncello really upright, not too far short of the angle I hold my violoncello.
It does make a different approach with the Right hand necessary though, more across than up/down.
Portability was a big factor in my deciding to really go for the mandolin.

I was kidding a good bit......I also hold both the regular mandolin and octave as high on my chest as I can get them.....within reason. I can't hold the neck in the horizontal or near it position and reach anywhere, so my neck is probably is probably half way between horizontal and vertical.