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Russ - Very Nice! Thanks for the link - there are two other videos from the same performance:

https://www.cbsnews.com/video/saturday-sessions-mandolin-orange-performs-wildfire/
...

I think Ranald's #1 sounds like a good suggestion for something good to do while driving - you want to develop some independence in the fingers. One of the best things I've found to help with both...

The points made here about condition and possible refinish are important to consider, but no-one seems to be answering your question about the value. I am by no means an expert, but some searches can...

I got one from Dan Voight of Voight Mandolins, when I was at Swannanoa a couple of years ago. He's got a nice design that covers the top part of the hardware.

Huh - another knucklehead mando player. ;)

If you don't want to modify the strap it seems like the thing to do is tie something else around the mando and tie that the the loop on the strap. Maybe the Souldier folks have a more appropriate...

David, Great job on the Russian Rag! Mandolin Mondays are an amazing gift to all of us. Humble thanks to you and all those who help you to make it so.

I have had good success with Fedex ground, especially when the end points are urban areas, there are have been no worrisome delays. Make sure that signature is required. Put a humidifier in it. I...

These amazing recordings were re-issued on a single CD a few years back, and Elderly Instruments has been carrying them since then.

Buying used can get you a great instrument for a reasonable price, if you know more or less what you want and what they're worth. Sounds like you're looking to take your time, so that will be to your...

Holy Smokes! I hope those are being kept in a ventilated container and away from open flames, or that could become a hot mess o' picks! Thanks for sharing that Bratsche - very impressive.

Congrats on your 10th! That is a very nice sounding rendition of one of my favorite tunes. I thought the whole presentation was quite well done. Did you do the guitar and the recording as well?

Oh my, that is tantalizingly bizarre...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-4-STRING-BASS-MANDOCELLO-EXCELLENT-TONE-LOW-ACTION/254376657664?hash=item3b3a07c300:g:uV0AAOSwWNNdlD63

Dude - congrats! Where are the sound clips? How old is that thing? If I remember correctly those cases with the aluminum bands are '70's or 80's? It looks like the back of the neck has a more...

Most excellent, and glad to hear of it! Too bad Chicago is not on the tour. Thanks as always to Scott and the Cafe for continuing to expand my musical horizons.

Jim, That reverse scroll is way cool - thanks for posting pix! I've been lusting after one of these for a while.

That is a beauty - congrats! For some reason I keep thinking I'd like to try one of his two-points. I will second the request for sound clips!

Congrats! I wish I had gotten down there to play that one while they had it. Down Home are good people and have a beautiful store. They are also the prime movers behind the Frankfort Bluegrass...

There was a used M4 here for a while and I played it a number of times while I was in the store. I was pleasantly surprised at what a nice instrument it was. It had a somewhat unassuming but I...

WDCB Jazz in Chicago has a folk show that occasionally has mando content. Also in-studio performances (which you can attend), and artist interviews.
https://wdcb.org/program/folk-festival
You can...

Bummer. My sympathies. My .02 - have a pro reattach it, or leave it off - I hate the way a bad scroll repair looks.

Wait - do banjo players read?

I've had similar experience when switching to instruments with lighter strings, like the tenor banjo or an antique mando with extra lights. I can't really speak to your suggestions about...

Eastman++
My two most recent favorites of mandolins that I didn't need were a used Eastman MD305 and a new Eastman MD515 varnish. They both played and sounded really great. That 305 was a great deal.

I too like the flat tops, and they're even better at this price point! :grin: