View Full Version : Killing my mandolins sound...
Guitfiddle Mike
Jan-28-2018, 1:32pm
After deciding that I am really enjoying the mandolin I upgraded from my Fender CT-100 (assuming it's all pressed ply construction) to a Loar LM-520. The Loar came setup so much better than the Fender it's like night and day. I have practice times where I sit up and pay closer attention to posture and technique but I also like to keep an instrument handy to noodle around on while watching TV at night in my recliner. I noticed that sometimes the Loar seemed to have a lot less in volume even than my cheap Fender. I never really noticed this with the Fender even when sitting back in the recliner.
Are solid wood constructed instruments more prone to tone killing from contact with your body than ply/ pressed instruments?
Upon doing a little reading I see where even some of the highest quality instruments can suffer from this contact while being played standing up. I was worried a at first until I put together a pattern of when this was happening.
Thanks, Mike
dscullin
Jan-28-2018, 1:43pm
Hi Mike,
There is good evidence that compressing the mandolin back with your body does dampen the sound. Check out the threads on Tonegards... Many mandolin gunslingers like John Reischman and Chris Thile use them to increase the responsiveness of their instruments. One thread is here:
https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/showthread.php?136698-Arm-Rests-amp-Tone-Guards&highlight=Tonegard
Don't let Mike Marshall catch you slouching, but a toneguard should work wonders. You will have your ears further back too. Sitting up straight should have you more over than behind.
I play more than I should with my executive style office chair reclined back and my feet propped up on the desk, sometimes with two or three dogs sitting in my lap as well.
Guitfiddle Mike
Jan-28-2018, 2:47pm
Lol, I only have to deal with two dogs when my wife gets out the vacuum cleaner. They don't care what Im doing then.
I have used a toneguard for several years, these days I am not. I am thinking it makes it sound better to the player, but has much less effect for the listener.
William Smith
Jan-28-2018, 3:57pm
I have used a toneguard for several years, these days I am not. I am thinking it makes it sound better to the player, but has much less effect for the listener.
I find if a mandolin sounds great to you by use of a tone guard, keep using it because if it helps get the sound out and you like it better even though it doesn't matter to listeners you'll be a happier picker when you can hear the ancient tones! You will play better oh yes sir. If I play and can hear my sound I feel as though I play better, I'm happier anyway. Just my opinion
Otis_Spunkmeyer
Jan-28-2018, 3:58pm
Love my tonegard
I find if a mandolin sounds great to you by use of a tone guard, keep using it because if it helps get the sound out and you like it better even though it doesn't matter to listeners you'll be a happier picker when you can hear the ancient tones! You will play better oh yes sir. If I play and can hear my sound I feel as though I play better, I'm happier anyway. Just my opinion
I agree, it seems mostly I get the same sound as I don't hold it against my body anyway. I still have a couple should I have the need to use them. Sitting down when I play makes it easy to hold it away. I also had some concern about the fit in my case causing undue pressure on the top, so I took it off and found I really didn't miss it much.
Guitfiddle Mike
Jan-28-2018, 5:09pm
Great points everyone. Right now I am the player and listener but Tone Garden is now on my wish list.
Thanks
Well since this conversation wondered if to a tone guard, let me bring it back.
My km250 would do that when I got it, I don't think it was played much before me, I bought it used. The more I played it, the better it got.
I think your answer is partly the mando, partly, and more likely, your pic angle. Try it, rotate your hand forward a few strokes and then flat and then backwards.
Bet you find that's it's more you getting used to a new mandolin than the mandolin.....that's what my issue was.
Guitfiddle Mike
Jan-28-2018, 9:04pm
My pick attack is evolving for sure. I have played guitar holding my pick with the tips of my fingers for so long I slip back to that before long when playing. The thicker picks are taking some getting used to also. I'm working on that rolling pick attack(rotate forward then back). I'm so used to anchoring my arm (that kills tone too I'm sure) that it's really giving me fits.
Ivan Kelsall
Jan-29-2018, 5:00am
I'm just recovering from a severely pulled muscle in my left side. For a few days i was wandering around in my PJ's & dressing gown,even when practicing. I can tell you one thing for certain,the sleeve of a thick,fluffy dressing gown touching the top of a mandolin kills it stone dead !!!. I rolled my sleeve up & all was well - so,could your clothing be causing a problem ?. The only thing that should really touch the top,is the bridge. I like armrests for that purpose,but having had a slight accident with one in the past, which very slightly damaged the mandolin,i won't fit one - but they are a good idea.
Also,holding the mandolin at 45 deg to your body helps,as it doesn't dampen any vibrations from the back of the mandolin,
Ivan