Benefits of mandolins vs other instruments

[LadysSolo]

I have noticed since I started learning mandolin, that even though what I have read says mandolin strings are harder to fret than guitar, not really so. I have VERY short fingers, and my mandolins are easier to fret than my guitar. I bought a Loar LM 220 to learn on, and also two bowlbacks (MAS in effect.) The bowlbacks are even easier to fret than the Loar (although I like all of them for different reasons.) I can reach the strings! So any guitar players with short fingers, take up the mandolin!

[Denny Gies]

There are sooooooooooooo many other benefits to playing the mandolin.

[kurth83]

I too am a new player, glad you are liking mandolin. For me the jury is still out if it is easier than guitar, although 4 strings seems easier to learn patterns on than 6. I haven't bought any additional ones yet (GAS/MAS is still low).

[Explorer]

If your instrument is properly set up (assuming an instrument can be) and with the right strings, you don't have to face difficulty in fretting due to string height and high tension. There was a topic on here a few years ago where several members had tried the mandolins of well known working performers, and were shocked to discover that the action was much lower and easier than expected.

Another benefit is that it's easier to grab your case and run for it when the cops come around to crack down when you're busking in Paris.

It is definitely easier to transport. I have never had a problem carrying my hybrid oval-hold F onto a plane in its gigbag, and i normally just stuff most of it under the seat in front of me.

[DavidKOS]

: also two bowlbacks (MAS in effect.) The bowlbacks are even easier to fret than the Loar (although I like all of them for different reasons.) I can reach the strings! So any guitar players with short fingers, take up the mandolin!

The bowlbacks may have a shorter scale length. This makes it a bit easier to play wider stretches.

[DavidKOS]

For me the jury is still out if it is easier than guitar, .

I've played both since I was a kid. the jury's still out, but both need practice and effort. Neither is "easier" than the other.

[sblock]

I have noticed since I started learning mandolin, that even though what I have read says mandolin strings are harder to fret than guitar, not really so. I have VERY short fingers, and my mandolins are easier to fret than my guitar. I bought a Loar LM 220 to learn on, and also two bowlbacks (MAS in effect.) The bowlbacks are even easier to fret than the Loar (although I like all of them for different reasons.) I can reach the strings! So any guitar players with short fingers, take up the mandolin!

You might be confusing the terms "easier to fret" and "easier to reach," just a bit. They're different. I, too, have extremely small hands with short fingers. Some of the long stretches on guitar, especially out of barred positions, are hard for me. But then, some of the stretches to get notes on a 14"-scale mandolin (e.g., A or F model) are tough, too, e.g., trying to get the high B or C on the E string, out of first position. A typical bowlback has a scale length closer to 13", which makes a huge difference. It might be true that many notes on the mandolin are easier to reach than on a guitar, but that depends on the particular notes in question and type of mandolin!

The downbearing force required to fret the 8 steel strings of the mandolin is usually more than the 6 strings of a steel-string guitar, and hugely more than a nylon-string classical guitar. And that's true for both single notes and all-string chords. This is partly because of the extra strings and the double courses found on the mandolin. It is also because of the higher tension on the mandolin. That makes the notes on a mandolin harder to fret, as a rule, even when you can reach them. That is, more hand strength is called for, not less.

I play both mandolin and guitar. Overall, I am of the opinion that the guitar is a bit easier on small hands, requiring less hand strength and similar stretches. When you're still beginning, you might not be able to reach the notes you need on a guitar, esp. out of barre positions. Then again, as you get a bit better on the mandolin, and you start going for that high B or C, you may discover that the mandolin is ALSO unkind to your short fingers!! But I still love the mandolin, despite these difficulties!

[M.Marmot]

I've heard that they open up quicker than other instruments

[sblock]

I've heard that they open up quicker than other instruments

Agent provocateur! But, well played!!

[foldedpath]

As a response to the thread title, and ignoring the discussion about ease-of-play, I'll say this...

Playing a mandolin will get you many more invitations to join a local band, or do local recording projects, than if you play guitar.

When I started playing mandolin after 30+ years of guitar several years ago, I thought I was done with playing in bands. Nope... I got "drafted" into four different gigs over the last few years, with different people, just because I played a mandolin and not a guitar.

Don't spread this around too much, or we'll jinx it.

[kurth83]

Hah, that is the reason I started playing mandolin, less competition, more chance to contribute to a band. :-)

[JeffD]

The reason I played mandolin was because I wanted to play strings, and everyone was playing guitar and I was such a stubborn contrarian.

[MikeEdgerton]

The guitar will give you decent tone. On the mandolin you have to go in and get it. I played guitar forty some odd years before I took up the mandolin. I prefer the mandolin.

[Stainless]

Lighter than a banjo, smaller than a guitar, easier than a fiddle, and unlike a bass can be carried on a motorcycle.

[Stacey Morris]

I like the sounds a mandolin produces. Guitars are nice (I don't play one), but I prefer mandolins.

[Nashville]

It is easier to be mediocre on guitar. :-)

[F-2 Dave]

Babe magnet.

[darylcrisp]

much easier to , ahem, "hide" a new incoming mando than a guitar........................

Not that i have to do that, but if one did....................


d

[MysTiK PiKn]

Mandos are cute - ahhh, look at da litto gitarrr.

The higher freq's will cut through a roomful of guitars at a jam - making you an instant "star".

You may also appear knowledgeable and informative if no one knows what a mando is - however, the door is closing on that opportunity, as the mando is increasing in popularity - at least, we all think so.

And finally, if you just want to make some nice sounds for a little while, mandolin is the thing - always. Longer sessions, it's debatable; but a guitar has a chance there. But the guitar is big behemoth awkward by comparison. So mando will get chosen cos it's less bother. You can also hug it while watching tv, etc.

[Emmett Marshall]

There are sooooooooooooo many other benefits to playing the mandolin.

Just off the top of my head:

1) Weight loss (can't afford to eat)
2) Frequent travel (can't afford the rent/mortgage)
3) Superiority (Are you going to tune that banjo? "No need. I bought it tuned.")
4) Romance (doesn't take up the entire back seat)
5) Solitude (roommate/kids/spouse all move out at earliest opportunity)

Seriously: The mandolin fits well in many genres of music like Celtic, Bluegrass, Folk, Rock, and many more. The instrument is a versatile means of musical expression and inspires creativity. From academic classical, to rock and pop, and even fiddle tunes, it always seems to have something to offer. There are other instruments of which the same things can be said, so I think it just comes down to individual preferences and ears.

[Caleb]

The guitar will give you decent tone. On the mandolin you have to go in and get it.

This is very well said, and an excellent point. In fact, the longer I play mandolin, the more I'm convinced that consistently pulling out good tone is much harder than the technical aspect of playing (i.e. where to place your fingers on the fretboard). Mandolins are very unforgiving in this way vs guitar.

[Mark Gunter]

Mandolins are freakin' cool. Taking a little mando to work to play at lunchtime is too easy. Grabbing a mandolin around the house and learning tunes, scales and experimenting with tone is too easy and too awesome. Really, this little friend can follow you just about anywhere. Travels well. And impressive, like others said, fewer people have discovered the joy of mando, while so many people play or play around with the guitar.

Let's face it, the guitar is probably THE most popular musical instrument for most genre in the past 100 years or so, and rightfully so. Is it harder or easier to play than the mandolin? Hey, I agree with what others have said: No, not necessarily, it's just different. For most of us (at least for me) a lot of work is involved in practicing, playing, understanding theory, mastering technique, experimenting, and I think that goes for most instruments.

I love my guitars, but they've been lonesome last week because my newest mando has dominated my play time

The past two days I've worked with the mando on a couple of fiddle tunes that I play on guitar: Black Mountain Rag and Salt Creek. In the case of those two fiddle tunes, the way I play them, the fingering and runs seem easier on mando. I think I'll get these tunes up to speed in a much shorter time than it took on the guitar.

I love the mandolin, and there's no doubt about it.

[agirlandheryarn]

I'm a new mandolin player. I just loved reading all of the responses to the op's original post.😊 I'm in the new stages of love, in which want to sit and hug my Mando all day long. I only wish I didn't have to work.

[Jim Hudson]

I'm surprised no one mentioned the fact that a guitar has that bothersome 3rd interval (between G & B). Mandos are all 5ths so all patterns are moveable up down and sideways. Sooooo much easier for me at least. The broader, fatter sound of the guitar makes it perhaps more versatile but everybody plays guitar. Go to any pickers circle and count the guitars .....

[Mark Wilson]

Benefits of mandolins vs other instruments?

Sound

Looks

Size

Mandolin Café.