John Reischman will take your questions

**Scott Tichenor** · Oct-06-2009, 7:13pm

Hey gang, I've been wanting to do something for awhile. A few years ago I did a Chris Thile interview where I posted a series of questions and he provided the answers, which ultimately turned into the online article you see there. The wheels are in motion right now to start up that series again, but I'm not going to stop with just one this time. I hope to do many.

First up, I've selected one of my all-time favorites: John Reischman. John and I have traded email and he's all for it.

Here's the catch. You get to ask the questions.

Post your question/s below, I'll coordinate and select a group of them, put this all together and get them answered. Can't promise we will get every question answered, but the ones we use should be enjoyable to all. There will be some additional surprises along with the interview but I'll save that for when it's published.

So, what's your question for John Reischman?

**chasray** · Oct-06-2009, 7:42pm

Oh wow.
I want to know what is really, really important to him when he practices. The tone he gets is awesome.

**8strings** · Oct-06-2009, 7:44pm

His favoured mandolin set-up, including fretboard design, pickguard inclusion and nut width. Thanks a lot!

**Dennis Ladd** · Oct-06-2009, 7:46pm

Could he share a few warm up exercises and/or warm up tunes that he uses?

**sgarrity** · Oct-06-2009, 7:55pm

Was the old-timey sound and feel of the Jaybirds music intentional or did it just work out that way?

How does he go about taking a simple fiddle tune and making it sound so amazing?

Reischman and the Jaybirds are some of the best acoustic music being recorded today!
I look forward to this series.

**MandolinFlyer** · Oct-06-2009, 8:02pm

What was your playing like before and how did it delvelop after your stint with the Tony Rice Unit? What was the most beneficial thing about playing with that group?

**R. Kane** · Oct-06-2009, 8:11pm

Great choice Scott!

I saw JR &the Jaybirds last winter, and their live sound was among the best I have ever heard. Presence, balance, clean, perfect. It seemed like they were all using wireless instrument mics mixed on a soundboard just off stage, with an omni mike that they sang and soloed to. I would like to know what their live setup is.

I'd also like to know when and how to order some of Trisha's blackberry jam....

**AlanN** · Oct-06-2009, 8:12pm

Hi John,

Can you share your chord voicings used on Devlin with the TRU?

**Potosimando** · Oct-06-2009, 8:36pm

John,

Your "runs" are incredibly wonderful and 'clean'. At one time, you must have practiced scales relentlessly. Was this the case, and if so, then do you still regularly practice scales? Or, at this point in your career, do you simply practice your music for the most part? Thanks much.

P.S. (Feel free to cut the following "P.S." Scott, if the above question is selected): I have the Jaybirds' albums, plus Up-in-the-Woods and two Good-Ol-Persons albums, and I've attended two Jaybirds' concerts (caught the Jaybirds playing in the background setting of a TV movie once, as well)--simply can't get enough of your mandolin playing, man...keep up the great work Thanks again, including many many thanks for your years of mandolin-playing inspiration.

**eightmoremiles** · Oct-06-2009, 9:03pm

John
Do you feel like you have perfect pitch, and do you experience any synesthesias (colors, taste, etc) when playing or listening to music?
What other music styles do you enjoy?

**goose 2** · Oct-06-2009, 9:28pm

Hi John,

My favorite bluegrass shows of all time were the ones you guys did at Winfield a few years back. Please come back again!!!!!

When you solo, tune or song, what goes through your brain? Are you trying emulate melody or is something in the rhythm driving you? Basically what is your approach to coming up with all those snappy solos that I love so much?

Thanks for doing this!

See ya next year at Winfield?

**willdawg** · Oct-06-2009, 9:51pm

What's your favorite Monroe tune to play?

When are you guys coming back to NJ again? Loved the house concert you guys did last year at the Jewell's. I heard tales of a possible mando workshop at the next one

**rnjl** · Oct-06-2009, 9:52pm

I'd like to know his thoughts on posture and hand position for maximum tone with minimal tension.

thank you, Scott, for all you do for the mandolin community.

Neal

**Kate D.** · Oct-06-2009, 10:49pm

Scott- great idea, thanks. I also have a question about John's tone. It's so distinctive. I wonder what the one or two things he feels make the most difference, in terms of his technique, that contribute to his luscious sound.

**Ivan Kelsall** · Oct-07-2009, 12:52am

1) "When will you PLEASE give us some TAB for a few of your favourite tunes ?".
2) Will you be teaching at next year's 'Sore Fingers' Summer School in the UK ?,
Ivan

**fatt-dad** · Oct-07-2009, 7:44am

Did you evern suffer from flying fingers and if so, what did (do?) you do to control them?

Love your music!

f-d

**Kevin K** · Oct-07-2009, 7:56am

What kind of strings, gauge, and pick do you like to use ?
Mic placement for live and recording?

**Dan Hoover** · Oct-07-2009, 8:12am

1)..Is there any one song,that moves you so much,one that you might or might not play in public,but in your own home? the one that get's you the most???
and
2)...any chance of taking a trade on that Loar?

**mandopete** · Oct-07-2009, 8:18am

Excellent choice Scott!

My question is this:

Are there any mandolin players that you enjoy listening to and why?

**Perry** · Oct-07-2009, 9:10am

Dear John:

As you look back on your history of learning the mandolin and music in general is there any one "break through" (equipment, practice technique, relaxation etc.) that you feel contributed the most towards elevating your playing to the next level?

Thanks
Perry

**Wesley** · Oct-07-2009, 9:51am

John - Are there any non-string instruments or players that you listen to for inspiration or that you try to emulate?

**Bob Gray** · Oct-07-2009, 10:42am

Hi John,

I've always thought that your Loar is the best sounding one I've ever heard (of course the person playing it might have something to do with that). Could you tell us the story about how you came to own this incredible instrument? Did you have any special setup work done? Who does your fret jobs? Thanks.

**Zako** · Oct-07-2009, 11:35am

I second the motion for the "flying fingers" issue. Also, I'd like to know some of his tricks for efficiency, such as his rules for when he shifts positions vs. staying put and whether he plays mainly out of a box shape (like ffcp) or moves with his hand for individual chord tones. That make sense?

**woodwizard** · Oct-07-2009, 11:41am

John,
Any plans on coming to Arkansas? Please... How bout Mt. View's folk center?

**Bluman** · Oct-07-2009, 5:15pm

Thanks Scot for this great addition.

You wrote the cut North Shore on the "Up in the Woods" album. Can you provide the background/inspiration for this wonderful tune. Thank you