Herschel Sizemore

**drbluegrass** · Feb-08-2012, 9:16am

Was listening to a couple of my Herschel Sizemore CDs. His mando has tone to die for. I'm sure some of his stellar tone is his playing. But the tone of his mando...my goodness! Not sure what he's playing though, likely a Gibson F-5? His tone and Adam Steffey's are my favorite recorded mandolin tones.
I've read where Herschel and his wife have been a bit under the weather. Hope they're both doing better.
Anyway, just thought I'd comment on Herschel's tone and playing. If you haven't heard his CDs, get them. You won't be sorry.

Tom

**mandobassman** · Feb-08-2012, 9:24am

Herschel, at one time, had 4 (yes, FOUR) Gibson Lloyd Loar mandolins. I think he has 3 now, but I'm not certain of that. He has had them for many years, well before they cost $200K.

**sunburst** · Feb-08-2012, 9:31am

I believe he had 5 (yes, FIVE) Loars before he sold a couple of them. I too hope he and his wife are doing well.

**AlanN** · Feb-08-2012, 9:39am

What a great mandolin ambassador Herschel is, for decades now. His Bounce Away LP - note spelling of his name! - is so very great (as are all of his recordings.)

**Wilbur James** · Feb-08-2012, 9:48am

Herschell had a 23 loar with him when I did a workshop with him, He also had an Altman F5, I am lucky enough to own the Altman now. I believe his recordings are with his loar, I do know on his latest Album he recorded one song on a Gibson old growth mandolin from first quality. I wish Herschell and his wife the best with many prayers. He is certainly a nice kind gentleman.

**mandobassman** · Feb-08-2012, 9:51am

I forgot about that. Herschel, his wife and one of their two daughters are all battling cancer. Herschel and his wife found out about each others diagnosis on the same day.

http://bluegrasstoday.com/36532/size...t-in-february/

**Big Joe** · Feb-08-2012, 10:14am

Herschel received a clean bill of health after his treatments were over. He is doing well and starting to teach again. Joyce is also doing well and nearing the end of her treatment. Their daughter is just starting treatment. Remember all of them in your prayers.

Herschel has used his Loar's as well as his Gibson Master Model and the one from First Quality. It does not matter what mandolin he plays, he is a one monster. It is in his hands and head and allows him to get the best an instrument is capable of. Truly a great player, but even more important, a great man!

**AlanN** · Feb-08-2012, 10:58am

I'm bringing the tune Bounce Away into the band. Kind of like Big Country, but different. Fine tune.

**Wilbur James** · Feb-08-2012, 6:03pm

There is a benefit called "a gathering of friends to benifit Herschell and Joyce Sizemore" in Roanoake Virginia on February 18 or 19. Looks like a perfect way to show support!

**Ivan Kelsall** · Feb-09-2012, 3:01am

"Bounce Away" was issued on the 'County' label owned by David Freeman,who began the sister business 'County Sales' as a mail order outlet for his recordings. Does County Sales still have the master tape of 'Bounce Away' i wonder,or did it end up with the 'Sugar Hill' Label,which David Freeman helped his graphic artist,Barry Poss,to set up,because if either has it,then a CD release of this stellar recording,is loooooooong overdue. I've never heard the recording as a whole,only sound bites, & 'Bounce Away'
as an instrumental is right up my street,
Ivan

**AlanN** · Feb-09-2012, 6:24am

Listened to this recording last night for the first time in a while. Really, was a groundbreaking LP at the time. Sure, there were mandolin players and tunes around back then (~1979), but this record was just perfect in its tune selection, sparse band make-up and playing, all around. Herschel penned many of the numbers himself and his playing was a departure from the Monroe-based thing going on. Chock-full of fiddle-based playing, but very mandolinistic, with clean, clear and precise execution and tone. This was a new sound back then and is still fresh and exciting today.

There is an up-coming benefit planned for Herschel and his family, info here:

http://sizemorebenefit.blogspot.com/....html?spref=fb

**Denny Gies** · Feb-09-2012, 6:52am

Yeah, Bounce Away is a fun tune to play. Herschel is one of my mandolin heros, just so damned good.

**AlanN** · Feb-09-2012, 7:05am

Another fun one to pick off Bounce Away is Fiddler's Creek, in A chord. He has a knack for writing the perfect tune.

**swampstomper** · Feb-13-2012, 11:15am

This thread got me back to listening (and trying to play along with) CO 774. Most of the "standards" are to pitch (a=440): BG Breakdown (G), Katy Hill (G), Durhams' Bull (A), E TN Blues (C) -- but -- Stoney Creek is in "almost" Bb and Bounce Away in Bb. However both of these must be in A, right? Stoney Creek definitely, and Bounce Away sure sounds like it has unison notes on A, D and E strings with the adjacent 7th-fretted. Rebecca (B) is about 1/2 step sharp. B+? So I guess he tuned to what sounded good. Or was there some speed-up in the mixing process??

About Bounce Away -- it sure sounds like Virginia Darling with a Hershel bounce instead of a Monroe funk.

Anyway just great, great music.