I previously posted something to the general discussion, but I'm still trying to figure out what type of instrument to buy, so I could use a little more advice.
I'm a 60-year old musician, but I'm new to mandolin. I have a piano and violin background. I've been borrowing a friend's 8-string acoustic mandolin, which I restrung with just 4 light-gauge strings. I like the feel of it. The 4 strings and lower tension are easy on my left hand grip and my fingertips, and having single strings doesn't diminish the volume too much. (While I was at it, I also re-strung my ukulele with some Aquila 30U strings so it's now tuned GDAE, and I like the feel of that, too.)
Anyway, I now think I'd like to have something with a low C string, as well, so I'm leaning toward buying a 5-string mandolin, CGDAE -- perhaps a hollow body with pick-ups.
I'm in rural Japan, by the way, so I'm not able to just dash over to a big music store and try out lots of instruments. If I can make a trip to Tokyo or Osaka over the winter holidays, I may be lucky and find something here in Japan, assuming there's a store that sells 5-string mandolins.
I'm thinking of also making a short trip back home to Michigan to see family next spring, so I could aim to get something then, assuming I can find a dealer with 5-string mandolins in Michigan.
Online I've looked at pictures of instruments by Jonathan Mann and they look real nice. Unfortunately for me, he's in Tennessee, so it would mean ordering something without trying it out. I may do that.
I know it's a rather general question, but does anyone have advice on buying a 5-string mandolin (what's good, what's bad, where to buy, where to avoid)? I'd like something nice, and I'm willing to spend what it takes to get something that sounds great and is also easy on my left hand.
Bookmarks