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Another vote for continuing to use all four.

First off, take the key of Bb. If you play a two-octave Bb scale, how in the world are you going to play the second Eb—the one on the A course—without...

Find a new teacher. The first one is correct, the second is wrong.

............

I was going to leave it at that, but seriously, the little finger is not the strongest finger but hey, mandolin -...

Sometimes it is right to use a pinky so use it as needed. It will always be weaker than your ring finger. Less finger length and the same muscles doing the work means less leverage at the tip. But...

I don't see how eliminating 25% of your resources puts you at an advantage. I use my little finger all the time but I went out of my way to develop it too.

Been playing for 45 years, 27 on the road in working bands and can't read a lick of music. Tried tab once but couldn't do anything with it unless I already knew the tune.I just listen to the song i'm...

Wooden case: Superior CD-1520. Excellent fit. Only downside is there is potential to ding the back of the neck on the neck brace (had it happen in shipping). You will want to lay a polishing cloth...

Are you saying the case shuts and latches, but doesn't fully close in some areas (indicating maybe warping or deformation of the case itself)? Or does it seem like the mandolin doesn't fit correctly...

Another favorite of mine is Cluck Old hen, and I will redouble others' suggestion of St Anne's Reel, Whiskey Before Breakfast, East Tennessee Blues and Irish Washerwoman!

If you feel ready for one...

we should make a cafe top 40 list

I used this list early on and the top 20 (still not learned #7) are fairly popular

#21-24 are popular and #32 is one of my favorites
146511

Whiskey Before Breakfast , Red Haired Boy, St. Anne's Reel, Billy in the Lowground,

Angelina Baker, Darling Nellie Gray, Harvest Home

Gold Rush
Liberty

Two pretty basic tunes you can learn without being overwhelmed then, you can learn some embellishment.

Check out this jam on Shady Grove by DGQ 08/28/2009. Matt Eakle takes the 1st solo from 0:42-1:50 and just smokes it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFYrwBLVavM
Now if anybody ever tells you...

I'd agree for an archtop, you should go up in gauge. I'd agree that the gauge range is in the ilk of J-74s. You may like the difference in the monel strings (Sam Bush signature set).

f-d

You're asking the right question. Changing strings is the single best way to improve the sound of your mandolin. I also think J73 are too light for that mandolin.
I think flatwound strings give...

Sounds pretty awesome to me!
You should check out http://matteakle.com
Great flute player and has been playing with David Grisman for decades.
The David Grisman Quintet is mostly jazz, but they do...

My $.02... Every acoustic jam is different, so if everyone is having fun with what you're playing on flute, then go for it!

It might not fly at a hardcore Bluegrass jam, but there are many...

Well if your mandolin is sound and has no issues, I would move up to J74s. I a little more tone. J74s, (or EJ74s I think now) are like a very good starting place. From there lots of choices, lots of...

Properly set up, a Loar LM 600 VS is a pro-level mandolin. Sarah Church tours with her 600 VS.

Mr5150, I can't shed any light on the 'cracking' noise. Just wanted to let you know that a properly located bridge might not necessarily be located symmetrically in relation to the 'f' holes. The...

Also make sure that your intonation is still good. Is it in tune when you play at the 12th fret? That will give you a clue if the bridge needs repositioning.

Yes, that bridge looks to be in excellent condition,, so you really got me here,,,,

Depending on how you play there aren't any pros or cons. It's all cosmetics.

One of mine has a pick guard and I like it although I'm not a pinkey planter. I sort of gently brush over the top and the pick guard is a nice tactile feedback. Looks wise, I like the small elegant...

Pros: Protection, great looks (especially on an A model IMO)
Cons: Minimal purchase price