Mas support group?

[lastchair]

Argh!!! Why is it that mandolins at the store sound better and play easier than the one you have at home? Or a friend's instrument sets you off on a frenzy of string upgrades, setup tweaks? Is it just that we get used to the familiar, and know every flaw of our own babies?

Okay, so I went to the local store for the first time to pluck around, they had a Mid-Mo (not violin scale). It seemed small to me and hardly believable that it is not violin scale. That one was okay, and not immediately causing MAS attack since Mike is going to mail me a demo violin scale model. And I played a bunch of Webers, wow, it's big and heavy, okay, so far so good... The Collins MT didn't wow me too much, and the Kentuckys were no problemo. But then there were three Breedloves. First of all, they look cool, and they feel cool, all satiny and none of the gloss and flashy ivoroid bindings. But it's not the looks, it's the playability. All of a sudden tremelos were easy, fretting is easier (I think it's because the frets are pointy on top), and the tone was just wonderful and full, not as bright and thin as my mandolin. They had an Eastman 805D exactly like mine so I was able to confirm that the sound was very similar. But most of all, it's the feel. I need to fret and pick harder on the Eastman. Okay, so I ran out of the store after buying the pick that the guy had me try and put some distance as quickly as possible.

Someone help me before I get a MAS attack!

[Eric F.]

Someone help me before I get a MAS attack!

Too late; you're having one.

[Mandolusional]

I play lefty so instruments on the wall have little power over me as I have no power over them, so it works out. #You could try becoming left-handed and then as far as you may ever know, your instrument is a top of the line lefty since you might never find another to compare to!

[Daniel Nestlerode]

The cure for MAS is the same as the cure for all acquisitional syndromes: The key to happiness is wanting what you have, not wanting what you do not have.

If you're longing for mandolins you do not own, then you're not happy with the one you have on a deep enough level; or you need to recognize that you are happy and start acting like it.

Best advice in all seriousness is to find out exactly what kind of mandolin you want. Determine what will make your ears really happy. Take your time. Enjoy the process of trying out mandolins, meeting builders, going to jams. Ask people about their mandolins: why the picked them, who built them, etc. Ask to play their mandolins, try to hear what they hear when they play the mandolin. Once you've made a decision, create a plan to get your mandolin. It may take years to save up the money. That's OK, it may take years for the builder to get to your spot on the list! The pleasure of meeting the goal will likely increase the pleasure of owning the instrument.

Good luck!
Daniel

[F5G WIZ]

#The key to happiness is wanting what you have, not wanting what you do not have.

If you're longing for mandolins you do not own, then you're not happy with the one you have on a deep enough level; or you need to recognize that you are happy and start acting like it.

Hey! You would't happen to be a Marriage councilor would you?

[Lee]

I find it interesting that Lastchir began first by gushing about the Breedlove's playability before mentioning the tone. #I think playability is a large part of MAS.

I was just mentioning to someone else that if it were possible graft the neck of a Collings MT2 onto the body of a Laura Ratcliff you'd create a mandolin as close to perfect as could be.

[bikebum]

But.. But... But.... ARGGHHH... There are times I only like my Eastman 514. Other times I only want to play my Gibson A-9 or my Rigel Q95. I find it difficult to imagine that there is the ONE mando for me.

[MLT]

OK, so some will find that I am being an enabler but...Run, don't walk back to the store and pickup the Breedlove. You won't be sorry.

[lastchair]

I cured my Violin Aquisition Syndrome by getting a responsive, fast playing violin, the tone was not the best. #Unfortunately it takes time, experience, playing many instruments to find out about response. #Most beginners, me included, go for tone and you only learn by struggling with the response. #It's almost a given that no one else can impart this wisdom on you, because you don't get it until you've been around the block and owned a few. #The reason I say owned is that even during trial period it is hard to tell which instrument you'll gravitate to. #You might be enamored with one and willing to ignore things. #But when you have it day by day you settle on the instrument and bow (even more unexplainable) that you will grab. #At this point, you've already acquired too much and now must divest. #Fortunately I have 3 children whom I've talked into taking my stuff after I go to my mansion in the sky. #It's hard to give up any instrument because there must have been something you liked about it. #It's only after years in the closet that you finally admit to yourself, okay, this one's not getting played, maybe it's time to find a home for it, that is if you don't have any kids you've brainwashed into taking them. #

I do have one husband though and don't have any symptoms of HAS.

[lastchair]

Ahh, a Breedlove afcionado. #Unfortunately I have to work the rest of the day. #Maybe I'll go back tomorrow at lunch and take it out on approval.

But.. but.. exactly, I can't just have one! #Depends on the mood I'm in... #

[Steve Davis]

I agree with Daniel. (in theory) But somehow it seems to be the human condition to want what you don't have. (The grass is always greener.....)etc. Personally I'd like to have at least one mandolin by all of our fine regulars. Unfortunately reality intrudes and so far my lottery tickets have not provided any rewards except for the enjoyment of imagining winning. In the mean time I'll play my Washburn and new Vega Little Wonder toy. However hope springs eternal.

[Doug Edwards]

I do have one husband though and don't have any symptoms of HAS. #

I'm proud to say I don't have WAS either. I thank my wife every aniversary for not stangling me in my sleep.
(I must admit I do cast a wishful eye at more than a few blonde...mandolins)

[homeslice]

I was having trouble with tendonitis so bad I thought that I may have to give up mandolin. A little Breedlove Quartz oval saved my life. I can play it for hours and hours with virtually no pain (except maybe on my fingertips). On top of that, I would have had to spend much more to get a similar tone...it just hums! I actually thought it was very ugly when I bought it, but now I look at it with much affection. Just buy the dadgum thang!

[Roydw3]

I had a Breedlove that was great to play. Playability was fantastic. The wider neck, the larger frets, and the thick rounded neck made it so comfortable to play. I understand why it felt good to you. I sold the Breedlove to get the F-5 I now have. I am very happy with my new Glenn but I did love the Breedlove, especially for the action and playability. I will say the chop and tone of the Glenn is what I was looking for so I am glad with the move. Whatever you decide to do, enjoy the music and have fun.

Have a great day
Denny

[Domhnall]

Breedloves are good mandolins, I sympathize.



Dan

[claytonstewart]

I'm having an MAS attack. I'v been making numerous trips to the same store to play a 41 Gibson A.....someone tell me that a 41 Gibson A is not the mando for an intermediate player!

[jasona]

Its a perfect mando for an intermediate player.

[Caleb]

#Why is it that mandolins at the store sound better and play easier than the one you have at home?

I normally experience just the opposite.
I tend to like my own mandolin better than
most mandolins that I play. I think it's because
I play it so much that I'm used to everything
about it. I dunno....to me most mandolins sound
pretty so-so....even the high $$$ ones.

[El Greco]

Breedlove rulezzzzz

I'm waiting for my Cascade. And I get to keep my Chinese friend, the Epiphone MM50.

Seriously, Breedloves (from FF to --of course--McKenzie and Rogue) are awesome.

[lastchair]

(I must admit I do cast a wishful eye at more than a few blonde...mandolins)

Ha ha, this reminds me. I had to uninstall my McAfee, because it was blocking pictures of blonde mandolins! Go figure.

But seriously I need to slow down and consider because I don't want to have to have a HAS attack when he finds out about all of my instruments. At least those wives with JAS (Jewelry Acquisition Syndrome) can easily hide their findings.

Oohhh, a Gibson 41 A is a perfect one for intermediate player. And a temporary reprieve, that pick I bought was a Tortis "D" medium and explains the playability of the right hand. The left hand, well, I think it's the high pointy top frets of the Breedlove that means you don't have to press down to the fretboard to get a good sound. If so, why don't other builders use those types of frets?

[MandoSquirrel]

Combination of frets, neck width, radiused fretboard & good(if not Gibson)tone, makes Breedloves great for many players. Not everyone likes the feel; many builders will accommodate the buyers preference.
Welcome to MAS & Breedlove appreciation!

[bassthumper]

would someone please clarify for me exactly what this HELP FOR MAS you elude to is....it appears some of the posters are giving advice on how to hold on to RENT/UTILITY funds...while some of you are making suggestions as to how much blood to sell and where the best price is so the acquisition is maximized.....will two quarts of "o" positive and a jar of SUSAN B. ANTHONY dollars get me another WEBER? it's a big jar!!!!!