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In the not too far future I foresee going to Afghanistan for a few months living in “hut” where temperatures will be very inconsistent. I play Mandolin and ukulele and plan on bringing both. But under these conditions should I buy a beater Mandolin to have with me to not worry about damaging a good one?
Thanks guys!
Keep it from direct sunlight and wet, not humid, and it should weather (pun intended) the experience just fine. Temperature changes will not be quick or dramatic enough to cause problems. I play mine in humid conditions on river cruises here, driving there in a convertible and keep it from sun contact in the case and have been doing this for at least a decade with no problems. I have also played in 30+ degree temperatures. On one gig it started snowing and we had to move inside a parking ramp to finish the dance. Not fun for us, but the instruments survived just fine.
I'd buy a beater and plan on leaving it there with whomever seems to be most captivated by it, regardless of whether or not a nice mandolin could withstand the conditions.
I have done that several times, but I hate the sound of the beater and don't seem to play it. While I wouldn't take and expensive mandolin, I would take something that makes me want to play it and enjoy myself while playing.Quote:
Originally Posted by HonketyHank
Do you know where one could buy a beater that comes with a set up? Bringing it to and from with me is not going to be hard (on planes)
Buy the KM-150 starter package from Elderly (or jsut the instrument).Quote:
Originally Posted by jarednye
I like the idea of a beater. You may not like the sound compared to your better instrument(s) but when you've been away from the good one(s), I'll bet you start to appreciate having SOMETHING to play.
Try to learn some local music while you're there and post some sound clips when you get back.
take your best mandolin. If it survives, you'll just have more stories to share about your favorite mandolin! You'll also save a few hundred bucks on the beater!
f-d
And if it's damaged, you could spend a thousand on the repair. What instrument are we talking about?
If it were me, I'd definitely bring a beater of both the uke and mandolin. And as has been mentioned, I'd be prepared to leave them to whomever might be interested in them. And I'd be prepared with a supply of strings.
I'd think the weather and conditions will have an affect, as there's clearly no AC or forced air heating in a hut. But more, I'd want to be prepared for theft or travel damage both on the way and possibly in Afghanistan.
I'd also be concerned that having such a nice sounding and looking possession -- even of a beater -- might prove to be an unnecessary stumbling block for a local child or even an adult. It would at least attract attention.
Normally, I'm a "take your good mandolin everywhere you go -- that's what you got it for" kinda person. Living in a hut in Afghanistan, however, would be an exception, IMHO.
I'd get a cheap plywood Rogue mandolin, a gig bag, extra strings and a tuner, a copy of Rob Meldrum's e-book on how to set it up (free to Cafe members), and do the minimum required to get it decently playable. (I'd follow a similar path for the ukulele.)
It's not just the weather/temperature/humidity that determines the recommendation. It's the fact that it's Afghanistan, where, I understand, there's a war going on, right? And "living in a hut" sorta suggests you won't be in Kabul in a secure foreigners' compound, either. If you're working for an NGO, or reporting, or whatever, there's a significant possibility of serious risk -- perhaps of leaving personal possessions behind while you relocate on short notice.
Summing it up, were I in your shoes, I wouldn't take anything I wasn't prepared to lose, if circumstances dictated. A plywood instrument is marginally less sensitive to temperature and humidity changes than a solid-wood one, so it makes some sense for "field conditions." And, as suggested above, you can leave it behind when you return, to provide some happiness for a musician who's not able to fly back to a safer situation, as we would be.
Great suggestion. Maybe take over as many Rogues as you can pack in your luggage, teach a few locals how to play and set-up an instrument.Quote:
Originally Posted by HonketyHank
Buy local, learn a new and different instrument. It will be an interesting souvenir of your time there, and also extend your musical horizon.
Bring the good one !!Quote:
Originally Posted by fatt-dad
If the Talban gets you play em a tune 🤙
I like this idea, maybe take a mandolin and trade for a rubab?Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob A
this!Quote:
Originally Posted by fatt-dad
Yeah, what's the worst that could happen....Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Franey
Don't take anything there you can't afford to lose.
I agree with other posters above:
Buy something "cheaper" (than your "good ones"), and take that along.
Seagull S-8. Doesnt need setup, and the slim profile makes it easy to keep it inside your luggage for inconspicuous local travel or storage. Plus, if you do find someone to give it to, its a decent instrument, not just the cheapest playable thing you could find.