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I, half-jokingly, tell my mandolin students that unless you want everyone to know you’re a beginner before they hear you play, don’t take your mandolin out of it’s case and begin playing without...

Relative Humidity explains what your observation regarding temperature. Warmer air can contain more moisture than cooler air. 50% relative humidity at 75 degrees isn’t the same amount of moisture as...

I live in East Texas. On a Spring afternoon the relative humidity in my apartment is 50% but outdoors it is 65-80%.

I’ve found there are a couple of differences not related to tone or appearance. The weight of the F style headstock is heavier than an A style and has to be supported, especially when playing while...

My mandolins have always gone sharp when the relative humidity is lower. I lived in a house with ac window units and not central air so when I took them to church, where the central air produced...

Sherry, another option I think you should consider is GHS Silk and Steel strings or the GHS Silk and Bronze strings. These are a heavier gauge than the light gauge you’ve been using but I’m not sure...

I like the sound of an open back banjo with Aquila nylon strings. Have any of you heard a banjo Lin or mando-banjo strung with these strings? I think I remember Aquila having mandolin strings in...

Several instructors have recommended that I video my playing. A lot can be learned from watching yourself. It’s easy to see if you’re relaxed while playing or if you’re tense. Tension is...

We’re A-00 carved top, flat backed and oval sound hole?

We’re all A-40s carved top with flat backs?

I endured and with professional extermination eradicated a b.b infestation of 1500 sq dwelling. We threw away everything that we could afford to dispose of which some badly infested upholstered...

When you bought a J40, you bought a fine guitar!

We’re all hardwired differently. I keep a log of my practices. I can watch my improvement from regular practice or if I miss some days I excuse myself and keep after it. Chet Atkins said that if he...

I find it much easier to memorize music from notation than from tab. I think the visual of the melody and the intervals between the notes is helpful.

I have great respect for all the jazz woodwind players that can play in all of the keys and freely improvise over any of the progressions.

Think of it as a capo. If you’re playing in D major on the mandolin but a guitarist only knows how to play in C major, the guitarist will use a capo on the 2nd fret and read music written in C major...

I’ve taught a lot of guitar and mandolin students to sight read. Mel Bay and Hal Leonard have beginner books for children and adults. I would suggest learning to read be done in addition to your...

Silk & steel strings and a very heavy pick (3.0 mm) will tone down the brashness in an inexpensive mandolin.

Are the mics directly in front of the sound holes? Try positioning the mics 12 in in front of where the neck joins the body and then try 12 in in front of the tail piece. More experiments. Another...

I think the Kentucky 1050 and 1500 have different width nuts. This is a significant specification to consider.

It's my understanding that the tonal intervals are not the same as our musical intervals. If that's the case it might prove difficult playing with mandolins and guitars though it would be possible...

Humming the the tune as I play it helps me remember it. I've always found it difficult to memorize a tune from tab. I learned to music notation several years ago and I find it easier to memorize from...

Video and audio recording of my practice has been one of the recommendations of instructors at the camps I've attended. Listening to the recording while counting ymy timing revels any issues.

Sherry, I agree with bigskygirl; there's a lot to be gained by listening or even thinking about music. I'm acquainted with some of your musical tastes. You might enjoy and be inspired by Peter...

In my opinion, it would only important to memorize fiddle tune or any music for that matter if it's important to you to do so. If you plan on jamming with others playing fiddle tunes, I think it is...