Interested in learning the Mandolin

[bayAreaDude]

I live right in Wisconsin, where there really isn't much of anything. Most centers sell guitars and drums, not mandolins.

I would like an F hole but I have been listening to a lot of videos with the Big Muddies - I like the sound of them. And as much as your wouldn't be able to play bluegrass on one, there would be a lot of time for that in which I can add another mando to the collection.

Depending on where you live in WI, a day trip over to Elderly in East Lansing, MI could be an eye-opener. Best music store on the planet in my opinion, you can play plenty of great mandolins there, and it's a nice drive to see fall colors this time of year. Everything in the shop will be set up wonderfully, which is so important.

[BridalWreath]

Depending on where you live in WI, a day trip over to Elderly in East Lansing, MI could be an eye-opener. Best music store on the planet in my opinion, you can play plenty of great mandolins there, and it's a nice drive to see fall colors this time of year. Everything in the shop will be set up wonderfully, which is so important.

Thanks for the heads up! I know I messaged one of the Madison shops and they said they would be more than willing to ship to Green Bay for free. $699 for setup and case.

[Elb2000]

Manda,
Madison is a great place to try high quality Mandolins.
Spruce has a very large selection of Webers and Eastman, as well as many vintage Gibson's
Madison Music has a good selection of Breedlove & Collings and sometimes other preowned mandolins.
There are many great choices for used instruments in your price range, but it will come down to personal preferences.
My personal choice is a Flatiron A5.
Have fun!

[BridalWreath]

Manda,
Madison is a great place to try high quality Mandolins.
Spruce has a very large selection of Webers and Eastman, as well as many vintage Gibson's
Madison Music has a good selection of Breedlove & Collings and sometimes other preowned mandolins.
There are many great choices for used instruments in your price range, but it will come down to personal preferences.
My personal choice is a Flatiron A5.
Have fun!

Thank you for verifying this! I think when I am in that area I will head down there to check it out. I mean, I might have an instrument already but they might be excellent places to find books and other mandolin accessories!

What picks do people generally prefer when playing? Any suggestions?

[DataNick]

...What picks do people generally prefer when playing? Any suggestions?

Blue Chip...You might prefer a Golden Gate as a beginner, and they're cheaper. But in my experience the BC is the way to go...

[BridalWreath]

Blue Chip...You might prefer a Golden Gate as a beginner, and they're cheaper. But in my experience the BC is the way to go...

Thank you! You are very helpful! Any style that is preferred or is it really up to the user?

[DataNick]

You're Welcome!

Mandolin players (Bluegrassers at least) tend to favor the 3 sided rounded style, which is what a Golden Gate or Dawg pick is. Blue Chip offers different options for side configurations (1R, 2R, 3R or Guitar style).

I would probably try the Golden Gate or a Dawg pick first, and then look at a Blue Chip once I'm reasonably comfortable with picking.

[BridalWreath]

You're Welcome!

Mandolin players (Bluegrassers at least) tend to favor the 3 sided rounded style, which is what a Golden Gate or Dawg pick is. Blue Chip offers different options for side configurations (1R, 2R, 3R or Guitar style).

I would probably try the Golden Gate or a Dawg pick first, and then look at a Blue Chip once I'm reasonably comfortable with picking.

Sounds good! I will look into.

[John Garcia]

Question...if a male had posted this, would there be over 30 responses?

:-;

[Petrus]

Question...if a male had posted this, would there be over 30 responses? :-;

Then his name would've been Mando instead of Manda?

[BridalWreath]

Question...if a male had posted this, would there be over 30 responses?

:-;

Well, I am continuing the conversation so that helps as well.

[Timbofood]

Try a load of picks, at first you won't probably "like" any of them, they will all feel odd. I started with the only thing around back then which were old standard "Fender" heavy normal guitar style picks. Now there are so many "premium" picks you will see threads that get a little heated on that subject. Try any you can get and find one that you like. It's the last thing between you and the sound you want. Good luck.
The road trip to Elderly might be fun if you have the time!

[sgrexa]

I would recommend the Dunlop Primetone brown 1.5 mm picks over a Golden Gate or Dawg pick for a beginner. The Dawg is too round IMHO and hard to get a proper "bite" on the strings. Even with twenty some years of experience I have trouble with Dawg picks, but that might just be me. I have trouble with lots of things!

Sean

[BridalWreath]

Thank you all so much! You have been very helpful and knowledgable. Now I am going to pin down that instrument that will last me a lifetime. I can always add another one, yes?

[BridalWreath]

I feel like I ask a lot of questions: Sorry everyone!

I was wondering about a pickguard, since I am considering purchasing one for my mandolin. Where would the best place be to get one?

[sgrexa]

If you are going to get a new mandolin, why not just get one from the builder / manufacturer? Do you want a pickguard for an existing instrument?

Sean

[BridalWreath]

If you are going to get a new mandolin, why not just get one from the builder / manufacturer? Do you want a pickguard for an existing instrument?

Sean

The instrument I plan on getting if all goes through well is a used Gibson A-9 without the pickguard.

[sgrexa]

Specifically designed for an F-9, should work on an A-9:

http://www.cumberlandacoustic.com/id4.html

Sean

[BridalWreath]

Thank you!

[BridalWreath]

So I thought I should update you all: Guess who will be hopefully getting her mandolin on Friday! :D Like you guys have suggestions, I went for it and ended up purchasing the Gibson A-9, which comes with the case, arm rest and strap. I am so excited!

[DataNick]

Congrats Manda!

Solid choice on the A9; and when you upgrade, it will hold it's value reasonably well as it is a Gibson made to Loar specs.

Enjoy!

[BridalWreath]

I thought it would be the best choice for me because it allows me to actually put some pride into something. And I think the chances of me selling it will be slim to none. I plan on getting that bad boy up to par. Might even send it off to have it refinished when I have enough money. I will also be getting a pick guard as well.

[JeffD]

I am going to second the recommendation of the Big Muddy. It will do everything you want real well, except perhaps bluegrass. But bluegrass wasn't your main emphasis, and by the time you want to be good at bluegrass you will probably be purchasing a mandolin that is.

The Big Muddy is no compromise - it is extremely well made flat top mandolin, not fancy to look at, but great sound and playability. Very affordable. It will make you happy for ever. Yes it will. And you are going to get another mandolin at some point anyway. Of course you will. That carved arch top f hole bluegrasser will be there when you are ready. Until then, a flat top like the Big Muddy is a great choice, enough mandolin to get you down the road and further and even make you proud as a second mandolin.

Remember you don't have to spend the entire budget. Save some money for picks, tuner, metronome, tune books, videos, gasoline to drive to the jams, all the other parts of your new musical life.

[dezguy]

Welcome to this all consuming obsession

Cheers,
Mike

[bart mcneil]

I think what is important in this thread is that you have done an unusual amount of thinking about your first purchase and very likely have selected a nice instrument. You would be amazed how most of us have stumbled through our first purchase relying on hope and luck to get something playable. You did well. I am sure you will enjoy it.