One heck of a scroll

**mrmando** · Dec-24-2011, 2:44am

Yep, that's what it's gotta be. Pretty amazing. Tried one years ago when Pioneer Music in Portland had it. What's the tale here, zookster?

**JeffD** · Dec-28-2011, 10:46pm

Originally Posted by zookster

How do you guys like this one? 1925.

Thats real pretty.

**JeffD** · Dec-28-2011, 10:54pm

Gotta tell you.. The thing gives me performance anxiety.

Way back in the way back I played very unimpressive mandolin for many many years before I got the Gibson '23 A2. And the first year I clenched every time I took it out at a jam, because it felt like the eyes were on me. Well over the years I got better and I got used to it, and now I can take it out and do well enough that the instrument doesn't seem innappropriate.

Well the L&H has be back at zero again. Over the holiday I took it out to show some classical violin friends of mine, and they asked me to play it and, well the difference between what I was able to do and what they expected from such an elegant instrument has reddened my face and sent me back to my music stand and my Kreutzer and Mazas.

**JEStanek** · Dec-29-2011, 11:26am

That's probably not too uncommon of an affect a very beautiful mandolin has on the player. There might be some expectation form your audience but it certainly more comes from within. Remember, it's just a mandolin like your Gibson, there for you to play and enjoy. Easier to give advice than implement it...

Jamie

**mrmando** · Dec-29-2011, 12:34pm

I doubt your violin buddies would have done much better with it...

**zookster** · Dec-30-2011, 9:00am

yes , it is a style A mandocello which I bought for Christmas. With the carved back and top, it really has an exquisite sound and fabulous projection. Neck is a little chunky (no truss rod) but otherwise a true gem. I currently have it set up as an octave mandolin. I am used to playing a flat top bouzouki so the dynamic is taking some getting used to.

I play both Gibson ('15 F4 '27 A4) and other mandolins ('21 L&H Style A) and they are simply two different sounds each stellar in their own way. The Style A is extremely clear and focused, the Gibsons more throaty and deep. I have to scratch my head at the "classical" rap I kept reading about L&H. It's plenty loud, and cuts trhorugh well at an old time or Celtic session, even somewhat better than the Gibsons. I suppose the clarity of tone makes you think a moment toward a bowl-back sound, but it is suited to any musical situation. I have even played (GASP!) bluegrass on it, but I have to admit the F4 has got it beat in that department.

Of course, I belong to the Neanderthal Mandolin Players Assn. I have yet to buy an F hole model..........

**mrmando** · Dec-30-2011, 4:05pm

Congratulations! Where did you find it? I haven't been aware of any L&H cellos for sale for quite a while now.

**zookster** · Dec-31-2011, 9:25am

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I actually purchased it through the classfieds here on the Cafe. I had placed a "wanted" notice, not expecting that I'd get a response........but I did! Just another reason why this is the best mando site in the universe. I had only seen pictures of them, but hoping it would be a big version of my Style A I took a chance and its nothing short of marvelous. I sold a '14 K1 earlier in the year after finally giving up on the HUGE neck that I'd struggled with on and off for a good number of years. The L&H is what I've been searching for, both in terms of sound and playability. And yes, I do realize my good fortune in acquiring it.
I own a '14 Vega cylinderback mandocello which I have tuned as a true mandocello. That should be enough long necks to do me for a while.

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**Jim Garber** · Dec-31-2011, 11:16am

What is the scale length of the L&H mandocello?

**mrmando** · Dec-31-2011, 12:26pm

Ha! I remember seeing that ad and saying to myself, "Dream on, buddy." So much for my cynicism.

Had it popped a string when you took the photo, or are you going with the single-low-string setup on purpose?

**zookster** · Jan-01-2012, 9:30am

Scale length is 26", same as the Vega. I have it double strung in pairs, the same as I would a flat top. Photo was before the current set up. If I can figure out how to post a video, I'll do that too. You guys won't believe the sound.