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Thread: Just bought my first mandolin!

  1. #101

    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    Hi! So much wonderful information, glad I came here!!

  2. #102
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    Quote Originally Posted by J Mangio View Post
    That is the bag your new mandolin case will be wrapped in.
    Spooky! Is this a new thing, wrapping your mandolin in a hardshell case and a black body bag?
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  3. #103
    Registered User J Mangio's Avatar
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    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    That's how they're shipped, bagged then boxed.
    2021 The Loar LM700 VS

  4. #104
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    Hmmmm, they should include a photo of the packing material too!
    Jim

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  6. #105
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    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    Go with the Ratliff. The strap button is just that, and doesn’t signify any structural issues. My Silverangel Econo had a speed neck, and I really liked it. Most violin necks are finished similarly, just FYI. If you decide you don’t like the strap button, they’re easy to remove.

    Nothing against Loar, Eastman, Kentucky, and J Bovier; I’ve owned an early 2000s Kentucky 675-S and a more recent Eastman 315. The Eastman in particular was a very good mandolin with excellent workmanship. But, the Silverangel had much more depth/complexity of tone and held tone better up the neck; a true upgrade in tone and playability. It staved off MAS for about 9 years for me, and it more than held its own alongside mandolins priced into the 3000-4000 range. I haven’t played the particular Ratliff you’re looking at, but Audey’s mandolins have that kind of rep as well...

    Of course, if you just don’t want to spend that much (been there, and times are uncertain presently), Kentucky 150 and Eastman 305 are excellent values you won’t quickly outgrow...
    Chuck

  7. #106
    Registered User Eric F.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    Pull the trigger, the suspense is killin' me!

    Seriously though, that Ratliff is the mandolin you upgrade to after owning an imported scrolly mandolin. Some of them are pretty good, but there is almost always a noticeable difference in tone with something like this.

  8. #107

    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    Quote Originally Posted by Eric F. View Post
    Pull the trigger, the suspense is killin' me!

    Seriously though, that Ratliff is the mandolin you upgrade to after owning an imported scrolly mandolin. Some of them are pretty good, but there is almost always a noticeable difference in tone with something like this.
    Haha ,I am so close..................

  9. #108
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    Belle Starr: I have been playing mandolin for over 40 years. In the 1980s I was looking for a custom mandolin and there were much fewer people building mandolins. Audey Ratliff was one of the makers who was making mandolins back then. I would venture to say that he knows what he is doing after all these years. I don't know if that helps you to decide or not but it is a fact. Ah, I just checked his website and the home page says he is celebrating his 38th year of building mandolins.
    Jim

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  10. #109

    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    drum roll please...............................just bought my 2nd mandolin.................................Ratliff

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  12. #110
    harvester of clams Bill McCall's Avatar
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    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    I am sure you will not be disappointed. Congratulations!

    #1118 and #1056 will wait to hear some new music
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  13. #111
    My Florida is scooped pheffernan's Avatar
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    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    Quote Originally Posted by Belle Starr View Post
    drum roll please...............................just bought my 2nd mandolin.................................Ratliff
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  14. #112
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    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    Way to go, that was a good buy, good decision. I am sure you will be pleased. Plus it's not tempting the rest of us any more.
    THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE!

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  16. #113
    Registered User Eric F.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    Smart choice. Play it in good health. You do understand you owe us a complete report when it's arrived, right?

  17. #114
    Registered User Ranald's Avatar
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    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    Quote Originally Posted by Belle Starr View Post
    drum roll please...............................just bought my 2nd mandolin.................................Ratliff
    I think that many of us have enjoyed going shopping with you, while we're in isolation. Enjoy your mandolin.
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  18. #115

    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    You all have been such wonderful help to me, thank you! Glad to help out by buying so you all don't have to think maybe you need one more mandolin (pops1), or wanting to reach through the screen and shake me! I will give you update when it comes. Also, Charlie threw in the s&h, I am a lucky gal!!

  19. #116
    Registered User Roger Adams's Avatar
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    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    Outstanding! Enjoy and play in good health. You really got a great buy on the Ratliff.
    If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you can read this in English, thank a vet.

  20. #117
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    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    Whoo Hoo! I have been following this thread with some anticipation. Well done Belle.

  21. #118
    Registered User Eric Hanson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    I have never played a Ratliff, but am so looking forward to your impressions.
    Congrats on your first small shop build!! I am confident that it will work out well for you.

    If you can afford it, make sure to take a few lessons so you can get pick-grip, and left hand technique basics under your belt. It is always better to get some good instruction from a trained hand to start with, than to have to later change because you find out something would be easier if it was done otherwise.

    I attended a mandolin camp in Bloomington, IN some years ago that was taught by Mike Compton. I also took a couple lessons from Jim Richter. I found both instructors taught me techniques that I value very highly to this day.
    FWIW (NFI) Jim Richter is holding a mandolin camp in Bloomington, IN this year also. This year he is having Don Julin as the prime teacher. I have heard VERY good things about his teaching style.
    Eric Hanson
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  22. #119

    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    Quote Originally Posted by Eric Hanson View Post
    I have never played a Ratliff, but am so looking forward to your impressions.
    Congrats on your first small shop build!! I am confident that it will work out well for you.

    If you can afford it, make sure to take a few lessons so you can get pick-grip, and left hand technique basics under your belt. It is always better to get some good instruction from a trained hand to start with, than to have to later change because you find out something would be easier if it was done otherwise.

    I attended a mandolin camp in Bloomington, IN some years ago that was taught by Mike Compton. I also took a couple lessons from Jim Richter. I found both instructors taught me techniques that I value very highly to this day.
    FWIW (NFI) Jim Richter is holding a mandolin camp in Bloomington, IN this year also. This year he is having Don Julin as the prime teacher. I have heard VERY good things about his teaching style.
    Hi, I will let you all know about my Ratliff! Now I need to name her :0) Also, since I can't take in person lessons during this craziness, any online youtube teacher suggestions?

  23. #120
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    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    There are several threads about free youtube lessons, some are totally free, some teachers appreciate donations. If you want something more structured (but also a bit more expensive, I amusing Artistworks (NFI) and am pretty happy with Mike Marshall's bluegrass class, am getting ready to switch to Caterina Lichtenberg's classical lessons (as it is more in line with my interests.)

  24. #121
    The Amateur Mandolinist Mark Gunter's Avatar
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    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    What a great choice

    Looking forward to following your mandolin journey! Please keep us posted
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  25. #122
    not a donut Kevin Winn's Avatar
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    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    Great choice, Belle. You are getting a quality instrument that will take you far (and a great deal, to boot). As you can clearly see, we all enjoy spending other people's money....

    For online lessons, you should start with mandolessons.com. It's a free service (with voluntary contributions and Patreon subscriptions available), and tons of great content for beginners. I believe Baron does online lessons, as well, and he's a contributor here. It's how I started, and many others on the Cafe. I've also taken a couple workshops from Don Julin, and he's great, too. He's the author of the Mandolin For Dummies books, and does online lessons as well.
    "Keep your hat on, we may end up miles from here..." - Kurt Vonnegut

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  27. #123

    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    I’m so glad it didn’t get away. I was fraught with anxiety. Mandolessions.com has beginner material, and Peghead Nation has more defined courses. You have something that can last a while.
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  28. #124
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    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    Clappy, clappy, clappy!
    Chuck

  29. #125

    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    Quote Originally Posted by Br1ck View Post
    I’m so glad it didn’t get away. I was fraught with anxiety. Mandolessions.com has beginner material, and Peghead Nation has more defined courses. You have something that can last a while.
    hahaha! glad I helped relieve your anxiety! Would not want that for you at this time of "crazy"

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