Playability?

[Big Joe]

Every instrument will vary a bit and there is no single maker that has the "best" for playability. That can be adjusted greatly by many things. Once one finds the instrument they like, it can be made to play right. Rarely have I seen an instrument that was not able to be made much better in the playability department by a great setup, the right strings, and knowing what to adjust to get the action right. It requires the right hardware, right nut, right frets/dressing, a good fingerboard surface, tailpiece, and tuners. All these issues affect playability.

Even issues like the neck size can be adjusted to a degree. Often a neck that is "too big" can be made a bit more V shaped and help the way it feels in the hand. Even the tension on the strings can be changed and that will affect the way it plays. The same model mandolin from the same builder made at the same time may well have different tensions when played. That can also be adjusted.

I appecieate everyone defending the instrument they like for playability, but I've worked on LOTS of mandolins over many years and any instrument can be improved in playability. Even Mr. Monroe did not like high action. He played it that way mostly because he did not like to change strings. When we would get his mandolin to clean and set up the action was high, but that was because he did not change strings and as they lost tone and became dirty, he would crank the bridge height to keep the volume. When he had us pick it up he would complain it did not play good. Once we reset everything he would call and tell us it plays good.

A good setup is incredibly important in playability, but please understand that a setup is not a permanent thing. Just like and oil change or tuneup on your car, it needs to be kept in good shape and that means it will need setup from time to time. How often? That is different with every player and every instrument. Let's just say that when it does not play or sound like it "used" to it may need to be setup again...or at least checked. Keeping your instrument playing its best is much like keeping your car, boat, or lawn mower going. It is, after all, a mechanical instrument and will need TLC from time to time.

[Rex Hart]

Great Post Joe. I agree whole heartedly. Did not know that Mr. Monroe didn't like to change his strings that often ! I guess my mandolin playing does resemble Mr. Monroe's in that respect. LOL.

[pager]

Joe -
THANK YOU for that wonderful story on Bill. That made my day. I hate to change strings too!
jillian

[pickloser]

Yesterday I got to try out a mando that was as playable as any I have played. It was made by Skip Kelley in Thomasville, NC. I understand that it's different strokes for different folks wrt neck shape and nut width and action, etc., but his F5 felt perfect in my hands and played so easily. (Excellent in many other ways as well.)