So got my first mandolin in...

**teslatrain** · Apr-08-2010, 8:45pm

Had started a post in a previous thread requesting advice on my first mandolin, and landed on purchasing a Mid-Mo from the classifieds here.

Took forever to receive the little instrument, but oh man, I'm already completely in love with it.

Perfect condition, successfully seated the bridge and strung it up properly and it plays wonderfully.

My friend had a mandolin for a couple weeks. A Paris Love he purchased on ebay for about $250.

I learned a couple chords, squeezed out a couple more, and figured out a scale or something and jammed it. My very first improv mandolin jam here, literally minutes after setting it up. Hope you like!

For the first one, the first 1:35 is kinda off and on, skip ahead for when we start harmonizing.

Here is the second jam.

**JEStanek** · Apr-08-2010, 9:32pm

Congratulations and enjoy your new mandolin. I like those Big Muddy/Mid Mos. Nice to see a Paris Swing in action too.

Jamie

**fishtownmike** · Apr-09-2010, 11:42pm

Do you happen to know where these paris swing mandos are made. I have visted their site but no mention where they are made. I have been checking out the new John Jorgenson model and was just wondering.

Originally Posted by JEStanek

Congratulations and enjoy your new mandolin. I like those Big Muddy/Mid Mos. Nice to see a Paris Swing in action too.

Jamie

**8ch(pl)** · Apr-10-2010, 4:36am

To give a little advice, I would install an armrest. The Matte Finish on these mandolins gets grubby from arm contact and it is impossible to clean. I had to refinish the top of my M4 for this cause. Hill Country Stringworks or Cumberland Acoustics can provide you with an armrest. If you order, make sure you give the instrument's side measurements, Mid Missouris have a thicker soundbox than A or F style Mandolins. I have one of each on my 2 Mid Missouris, I can't say which I like better. Both are great people to deal with.

Your mandolin looks to be in really nice condition.

**teslatrain** · Apr-12-2010, 7:31pm

I read somewhere that the Paris Swings are Korean made, but my friend's has a 'Made in China' sticker. Laminate top. Good sounding though, supposed to be jazzy.

And good advice on the armrest, I never even thought about it. I have some guitar wood polish, and may regularly wipe it down until I can afford an armrest for it. The mandolin really is in amazing condition. How old are the Mid-Mos?

**EarlG** · Apr-13-2010, 2:03pm

That's what it's all about. Good going.

**8ch(pl)** · Apr-14-2010, 5:43am

I think Mid missouris went out about 2004 or so then the Big Muddy name came in. There was some difficulties and the company required a name change.

You will enjoy the instrument. I have both an M-4 and an M-1 and love them. I have plyed the M-4 in 2 different church bands and never had any volume problems, even when playing beside an amplified guitar.

What I said earlier about the armrest, the Mid Missouri needs longer attachment hardware than an A style instrument, so you have to tell them that when you order.

**Eric Hanson** · Apr-14-2010, 6:07am

Doug Edwards from here on the Cafe produces a great armrest. I have one and my thoughts on them are the same as others. Very nice product that serves its purpose well.

http://hillcountrystringworks.com/readystock.html

**Patrick Market** · Apr-14-2010, 7:10am

Good going. And FWIW...

+1 for Big Muddy
and
+1 for Hill Country Stringworks, too

Actually, in light of the above posts, I guess I should order an armrest for my MM-8...

**teslatrain** · Apr-15-2010, 4:48pm

Looks great, and that is actually within an hour of where I live. I wonder if I could just drive over there and pick one up.

**Barbara Shultz** · Apr-16-2010, 5:07pm

If I were you, I'd contact Doug first, see what he's got, it doesn't take him long to custom make one just for your instrument, THEN go pick it up... or he'll quickly ship it to you! I have several of his armrests.... the McClung style is just great!

I love my Mid-Mo too!

**Fstpicker** · Apr-16-2010, 5:36pm

Congratulations! Nice hardshell case too!

I have a 2003 Mid-Missouri M-1 and I totally love it! I used to own a pancake Flatiron (also very nice), but had to sell it a few years ago. The M-1 has everything I could want in a flattop and more in spades.

I have an armrest installed as well (McClung, I believe...got it used off here), and it freed it up to vibrate more and be a tad louder and deeper in tone. I highly recommend one.

These MM flattops are hard to put down! Enjoy!

Jeff