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Thread: Mandobird VIII

  1. #1
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    Was looking at the Mandobird VIII and windering if anybody here has played one. I like the idea of the 'bird but think sound-wise I'd like to have all 8 strings. Ideas? Suggestions?
    mandollusional Mike

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    The only thing I've seen is the thing on their website but havn't ran across them. I'm not sure if they've hit general production or what they're doing... I have one of the old (vintage ) mandobirds and it's fun but I'd like 8 strings... Hopefully they'll be here soon and they'll make enough of them (there seems to be trouble getting the regular 4 stringers).

  3. #3
    Is there a "talent" knob? Christian McKee's Avatar
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    Think hard about why you want to play electric and what you want your instrument to do. Those double course strings are not the way to go I think, if you're looking to break out of traditional mandolin sounds, it's going to hamper your bends/hammers blahblahblah. Plus, with an amplifier, there's no need to double the number of strings to achieve gigable volume. Having only four or five strings opens up *lots* of new possibilities that are simply not available to double-coursers. There are downsides as well, but you'll have to choose one over the other eventually... Peace.

    Taboot, Taboot,

    Christian, who still drools over his Ryder EM-44 every time he sees it.
    Christian McKee

    Member, The Big North Duo
    Musical Director, The Oregon Mandolin Orchestra

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    I'm so weak! I broke down & ordered one last night, seems they're on back-order until at least May 6.

    The 8-string sound for me is not just for volume, and I've adjusted most of my playing style since trying mando to work without bends & such, though I did give that much thought beforehand, it's just that the fuller overall sound of 8 is more what my ear is looking for.

    Now, the wait .........
    mandollusional Mike

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    Where'd you order it from? I'm curious to hear what you think, I'm a double courser at heart. I like bending double strings, great disonance!

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    Ordered from MF, before I saw Music123 had free shipping!

    Yeah, I figured that being electric I could use lighter strings which would lend better to bending if I go that route again, and to have two strings doin' it just a pinch outa tune with each other ..... heaven. Plus there's not much comparison between a mando & guitar tremelo, IMWO.
    mandollusional Mike

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    Duuuude, Please give us a report when it comes in. They sure look cool and just the thing for the powered jam sessions.

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    Quote Originally Posted by (Wando @ April 16 2004, 13:27)
    They sure look cool and just the thing for the powered jam sessions.
    'Least that's what I'm hopin', figured if I was goin electric may as well go full tilt! Sure hope they make the May 6 back-order date, I'm jonesin' and haven't even played it yet.
    mandollusional Mike

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    Quote Originally Posted by
    Those double course strings are not the way to go I think
    Someone suggested in a previous thread on the VIII, that if you bought a VIII, you would have the flexibility to string it as either a 4-string or an 8-string. (I think the 4-string model's headstock looks way cooler, though.)
    Estne volumen in toga, an solum tibi libet me videre?

  10. #10

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    Congrats on the new mando, Mike...looks like the blues are about to get a little louder in your neighborhood!
    Look up (to see whats comin down)

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