Hello, new member here.

[Dean Gray]

Hi everyone, I have come back to mandolin after many years away playing/learning jazz guitar.

I used to lurk around here a long time ago (the old archived version of the forum - my then new Eastman was a new thing in Australia and was spirit vanished.....mmmmm)

Just wanted to say hi finally, and a shout out to the classical mandolin players (I am learning classical and have joined the Sydney Mandolin Orchestra).

I would also like to get in touch with any Australian mando players here. I am moving very soon to the Bega Valley where forum member and luthier Peter Coombe lives, and am looking forward to buying one of his excellent flat top mandolins. We are both very keen to start a community mandolin orchestra, so any advice, tips and anecdotes would be most welcome.
Thanks all!

[Ranald]

Welcome aboard.
There are definitely Australians here. The good news is you even have a social group. The bad news is: it has two members, and no one leaves messages. Still, you'll have fun and find plenty of support at Mandolin Cafe.

https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/g...hp?groupid=312

[Dean Gray]

Thanks Ranald! Didn't know about the social group, alas it's not accessible via mobile. Will check it and the absence of messages from home.
The membership is about to grow by 33%!

[MikeZito]

(sigh) A 'newbie' who has joined the Sydney Mandolin Orchestra . . . and I thought I was doing okay because after 20 years I came up my own arrangement of 'Jingle Bells'.

Starting this afternoon, I am going back to playing tambourine and kazoo.

Welcome (back) Dean.

[Randi Gormley]

Glad to have you -- or have you back, depending. Welcome to the cafe!

[Dean Gray]

Thanks Mike and Randi. It's nice to be a participant here and not just a lurker....
Mike, I definitely have some serious catching up to do in the orchestra, some parts aren't too bad but other times if I only get the first note of each bar I consider that a win!
I have a tendency to try to learn a new instrument every couple of years, unfortunately that means you become a bit of a "jack of all trades, master of none"....
Anyway after 20 years I reckon your arrangement of Jingle Bells must be a cracker!