Coming from a guitar and banjo background, I've never understood why so many mandolinists hold their instruments so high on their chests. I've considered the possibility that they started as fiddlers, so that to them it actually feels like they are holding it low (unlikely); that they couldn't find a bootlace and had to use a shoelace instead (probably not); or that there's some subtle advantage. What could be enough of an advantage to offset both making your blood flow uphill to your hands, and having the fretboard too close to focus on through your bifocals? Despite the semi-tease (some at my own expense!) I really do wonder: what am I missing? Thanks for any insight. -- Paul
Bookmarks