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Got a chance to play a wavelength a few days ago. My impressions were, "Meh." It looked great. But the sound wasn't anything that I felt was worth that amount of money. If you got lucky to score...

The fact you started with nice people and good music is an indication it is not as grim as you might have felt. You could've shown up and meant a few unwelcoming people or music with terrible rhythm...

I have an Eastman MD814 if your looking? ��

I was really surprised. The volume is fantastic. I led an Irish session with 4 fiddlers, a flute player, pennywhistle, a banjo and two guitars, and the melodies and accompaniment cut right through.

A little while ago I was fortunate to happen upon a Northfield F2. I'm very glad I did. The sound and smoothness of playing is fantastic. One of the best mandolins I've encountered.
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I'll try again. Maybe I moved it too far. Good insight.

So... I took my mando to local luthier...about 90 minutes away...to have the bridge foot fitted better. When I got it back the string height was too low for my style of playing.

I then raised the...

I just flew from DC to Dublin and back. Carried wheeled carry on suit case and mandolin over my shoulder. Air Lingus was obliging. No problems. My fiddle/nyckelharpa player brought her fiddle and...

James is an excellent resource. I was lucky to play some music with him and visit occasionally. I regret not taking the time to have him show me how to build a mandolin, when I only lived 5 minutes...

The blonde F2 oval hole is a majestic instrument. 😉

I am happy with the tone and volume. It's not too dark. Sounds pretty balanced to me. Someone gave me a fossilized ivory bridge and was considering if it was worth having fitted. I don't think I...

How could a fossilized walrus ivory bridge affect the tone and or volume? If it makes a difference, this would be an oval hole with transverse brace.
Anyone installed one? Results? Or theories?

So your saying, get a gig bag, wear it like a back back and unless I roll a 1 on a 20 sided dice, all should be well?

Good morning! Prepping for a 1st trip to Ireland from the US. I was planning on bringing a mandolin with me. When I look at size requirements for "small instruments" to be carried on, none of my...

No! Only a few of us have this experience in the US! It's just an amazing instrument so I went all for it. https://youtube.com/@TheHurdyGurdyWizard
Don't get one unless your willing to sell all...

The luthier should have experience with this. Having ordered at least 2 hurdy gurdies from the UK, they usually know what they are doing. Customs can be a pain. You will need to stay on top of that....

I really enjoy the oval hole eastman I found. Wasn't a fan for a long time, but have been really happy with the sound and projection.
https://youtu.be/gEetP9RdE8E
There's a clip from a recent Irish...

Jill, any mandolin problem is 98% of the time a first world problem!;)

I do have an old Les Paul, that I got for cheap that had been beat to hell. It was my favorite for a long time, but one I've had since new has probably 2% of the wear this one does. So I do feel...

No not opposed I think it looks cool. But I've never pulled it off naturally! I do baby my instruments, but they do get played a lot and there is sweat.

One is a shellac finish. Others are...

I've owned guitars and mandolins for over 30 years. My oldest is 28 years old and I bought it new. I have mandolins I've played live weekly for 10+ years (daily home practice included) None of my...

I use a humidifier in winter and dehumidifier in summer here where humidity swings from less than 20% in winter to over 70% sometimes in summer. Keep it between 45- 50 percent now. Never had an issue...

Thanks Sam. Good idea. I was focusing on mandolin music primarily so I could observe the techniques specific to the mandolin, in whatever genre I am unknowingly searching for. ; )

I will check...

Irish mando player here. Been curious to explore some other styles of music. Not much an old time or bluegrass. Although I did try searching google for "weird bluegrass mandolin solos" or "Cool...

I got to try out an MD814 and I have to say I was really impressed. It was a little quieter than my flat top, but the notes were bell like and had amazing sustain.

It played super easy, and didn't...