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duuuude
Apr-14-2004, 4:29pm
Was looking at the Mandobird VIII and windering if anybody here has played one. I like the idea of the 'bird but think sound-wise I'd like to have all 8 strings. Ideas? Suggestions?

peterbc
Apr-14-2004, 4:32pm
The only thing I've seen is the thing on their website but havn't ran across them. I'm not sure if they've hit general production or what they're doing... I have one of the old (vintage http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif ) mandobirds and it's fun but I'd like 8 strings... Hopefully they'll be here soon and they'll make enough of them (there seems to be trouble getting the regular 4 stringers).

Christian McKee
Apr-14-2004, 8:00pm
Think hard about why you want to play electric and what you want your instrument to do. Those double course strings are not the way to go I think, if you're looking to break out of traditional mandolin sounds, it's going to hamper your bends/hammers blahblahblah. Plus, with an amplifier, there's no need to double the number of strings to achieve gigable volume. Having only four or five strings opens up *lots* of new possibilities that are simply not available to double-coursers. There are downsides as well, but you'll have to choose one over the other eventually... Peace.

Taboot, Taboot,

Christian, who still drools over his Ryder EM-44 every time he sees it.

duuuude
Apr-15-2004, 10:50am
I'm so weak! I broke down & ordered one last night, seems they're on back-order until at least May 6.

The 8-string sound for me is not just for volume, and I've adjusted most of my playing style since trying mando to work without bends & such, though I did give that much thought beforehand, it's just that the fuller overall sound of 8 is more what my ear is looking for.

Now, the wait ......... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

peterbc
Apr-15-2004, 6:28pm
Where'd you order it from? I'm curious to hear what you think, I'm a double courser at heart. I like bending double strings, great disonance!

duuuude
Apr-16-2004, 12:24pm
Ordered from MF, before I saw Music123 had free shipping!

Yeah, I figured that being electric I could use lighter strings which would lend better to bending if I go that route again, and to have two strings doin' it just a pinch outa tune with each other ..... heaven. Plus there's not much comparison between a mando & guitar tremelo, IMWO.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

Wando
Apr-16-2004, 12:27pm
Duuuude, Please give us a report when it comes in. They sure look cool and just the thing for the powered jam sessions.

duuuude
Apr-16-2004, 2:11pm
They sure look cool and just the thing for the powered jam sessions.
'Least that's what I'm hopin', figured if I was goin electric may as well go full tilt! Sure hope they make the May 6 back-order date, I'm jonesin' and haven't even played it yet.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

mad dawg
Apr-16-2004, 3:54pm
Those double course strings are not the way to go I think
Someone suggested in a previous thread on the VIII, that if you bought a VIII, you would have the flexibility to string it as either a 4-string or an 8-string. (I think the 4-string model's headstock looks way cooler, though.)

mandolooter
Apr-17-2004, 1:28am
Congrats on the new mando, Mike...looks like the blues are about to get a little louder in your neighborhood!http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif