Re: Is this how it starts?
[QUOTE=lucho;1791142]
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Sue Rieter
So I have a new mando in my life, a craiglist Strad-O-Lin, advertised as 50's but Mike E says it could be older. I think it's solid wood, at least the top, and even though the action is about the same height as my Kentucky, it plays easier and is really loud. I REALLY like the way it looks. The color is great, the matching pickguard and tailpiece cover are really cool, and it has a cool line down the middle of the back of the neck that I like. The guy selling it was the son of the owner, it was from his estate. Armed with just enough knowledge to be dangerous (thanks, Cafe!), I negotiated him down a fair amount. I paid $275.
I started like you from a charango to an older A kentucky ... then a Flatiron..... and now...many years later .. I have 6..... Also, I had one exactly like yours...great mando until it was stolen... Anyway, the neck of these Stradolins is chunkier than any of the more recent mandos.... so I suppose it should survive some abuse resting in storage for long time.... More trouble is if that place was affected by humidity and temperature changes.... then you might be in trouble.... Anyway, great adquisition...
It's cool to hear there is more than one out there; I'm sorry to hear yours was stolen though. I hate thieves, it's the ultimate in selfishness.
The temperature and humidity is what concerns me as the seasons change. The Stradolin spent the last bunch of years stored in a music room, so that is probably why it is so nice. The previous owner's son said he never played it. I heat with wood and we fired up the stove for the first time yesterday, so I'm working on setting up a controlled space for them in a spare bedroom.
Re: Is this how it starts?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Sue Rieter
Have you ever seen the stairstep before?
Here's how much I like the Stradolin - if I had to pare my belongings down to what fits in my car, this mandolin would make the cut.
I'm not sophisticated enough to know what the raised fretboard extension does for the sound, but I do know it looks wicked cool and the mandolin sounds excellent to my ear. It has a good amount of volume and the sound feels full and complete. I like the vibes, visual and aural.
Sue
No, I have never seen a stairstep fretboard extension like yours and there isn't one like it in any of the 438 Photos from the Strad-O-Lin Mandolins Group. That's the beauty of Stradolins. I've owned 20 or so SOLs and just when I think I've seen it all, something unusual like yours surfaces.
The raised fretboard extension does let the top vibrate more freely, so in theory it should improve the sound but for me I like being able to "attack" the strings without hitting (or beating up) the top, this gives SOLs their huge volume, when wanted/needed. Also, it lets Bluegrass players get that chop (percussive sound) they need.
Enjoy that SOL,
Michael
Re: Is this how it starts?
I like my Stradolin very much, but after years of playing flat-tops this arch-top design is a bit awkward for me, in terms of right-hand stability. I can see why people fit arm-rest attachments, the angle at which my arm rests on the edge of the body is a bit strange for me. Though I should add, I don't primarily play chords, I'm picking out melodies and ornaments/harmonies.
Re: Is this how it starts?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Cobalt
I like my Stradolin very much, but after years of playing flat-tops this arch-top design is a bit awkward for me, in terms of right-hand stability. I can see why people fit arm-rest attachments, the angle at which my arm rests on the edge of the body is a bit strange for me. Though I should add, I don't primarily play chords, I'm picking out melodies and ornaments/harmonies.
How's your bridge doing? Do you still have that shim in there?
Re: Is this how it starts?
I think this thread should be renamed "This is how it started". :))
Re: Is this how it starts?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Sue Rieter
How's your bridge doing? Do you still have that shim in there?
Thanks for asking. Yes, I still have the shim. I was intending to fit a replacement adjustable bridge, so far that is a work in progress. The bridge I bought had insufficient curvature to fit easily, I worked on the base of that new bridge to reshape it, but it wasn't satisfactory. I may ask a local luthier to take a look at it - someone with better skills and experience in that type of work.
Re: Is this how it starts?
My husband and I got together with my brother and his wife this past weekend. My brother brought his guitar, and I brought my Stradolin. It was my first time to play my mandolin with someone else. IT WAS SO MUCH FUN!! :mandosmiley:
My brother played around with the mandolin some and had a smile on his face the whole time. I told him he could borrow the Kentucky and he said he may take me up on that. He may have caught a case of MAS ;)
I tried out his guitar. It was very large.
1 Attachment(s)
Re: Is this how it starts?
Hey Ma... Look what followed me home.
Attachment 190066
Can I keep it, Ma, pleeeeeze? I promise to learn how to play it :cool:
https://jakewildwood.blogspot.com/20...uddy-m-15.html
Re: Is this how it starts?
Oh, dear! The slippery road to MAS rears its head, Sue. I can feel the effect even across here in Scotland. :mandosmiley:
Re: Is this how it starts?
Sue -- you sayin' you got a Mid-Mo mandola? OMG, I was playing mandolin for 10+ years before I bought my first 'dola. I foresee octave mandolin, mandocello, mandolin-banjo and even more in your future...
Re: Is this how it starts?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
allenhopkins
Sue -- you sayin' you got a Mid-Mo mandola? OMG, I was playing mandolin for 10+ years before I bought my first 'dola. I foresee octave mandolin, mandocello, mandolin-banjo and even more in your future...
What can I say? It followed me home ;)
They all look fun; so many instruments so little time. I've messed around with it a few times already, and it's a blast and sounds different and excellent. I've ordered a DVD and a book to help me.
But.. I will have to restrain myself for awhile because of what pheffernan said after the Morris:
Quote:
Sue, now that you have reached your third mandolin, it is probably the appropriate time to warn you that one's fifth mandolin typically costs as much as the previous four put together.
I may have mentioned before that mandolin stuff has already severely eroded my antique pickup truck fund.:mandosmiley:
Re: Is this how it starts?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Sue Rieter
How fun! I've only been at mandolin for a year and I'm not sure what a mandola is but after listening to the video I want one!
Rob
