Mike Marshall’s tone recipe

[MediumMando5722]

Disclaimer: this doesn’t make me play or sound like Mike. If you’re replying to say, “That won’t make you play like him!,” I’m aware.

I’ve been trying different string and pick combos with my Big Mon, and man... a Northfield with EJ75s and a Pro Plec big triangle sure does sound and feel great. To further steal from Mike’s trick bag, I’ve got the action pretty low (around .040”) and am using a foot stool.

As it turns out, copying these things from one of the best mandolin players ever yields very good results. Imagine that

[Gina Willis]

Is it this one?
D'Andrea Pro Plec 385 Large Round Mandolin (Shell 1.5mm)

[MediumMando5722]

No, the 346

https://www.stringsbymail.com/dandre...kaAuRkEALw_wcB

[Gina Willis]

Re:strings — On my Northfield F5S I tried Straight Up Strings medium gauge, and I think they sound great on it. Never went back to D’Daddario after that. So if you feel like experimenting again, they might sound good on your Big Mon.

[MediumMando5722]

I have never tried those, so I probably will. There’s a set of EJ74s to go on next, and I just brought all the records home from my dad’s house. There are a ton of Osborne Brothers albums, so maybe I’ll try Bobby’s signature GHS set after that

[Murphy Slaw]

I think we all chase the "sound in our head'.

If yours has instructions, you're one step ahead of most of us.

[MediumMando5722]

I don’t think realizing that tone is ever going to happen. Instead, I’m cool with the idea of chasing it, and enjoying all the stops along the way. It’s especially fun to try the things that are in reach, like Mike’s setup.

[Glassweb]

I don’t think realizing that tone is ever going to happen. Instead, I’m cool with the idea of chasing it, and enjoying all the stops along the way. It’s especially fun to try the things that are in reach, like Mike’s setup.

"Play it and it will come..."

[CWRoyds]

On my Engelmann topped 5bar, the ProPlec pick was too dull sounding.
I prefer the BlueChip CT55 or the Wegen TF-140.
Both are great.

I tried D'addario EXP74CMs, which were pretty great, but found I liked plain 74s better.
Then I found Straight Up Strings Mediums, which are absolutely awesome strings.
They are bright, clear, and even across the courses.

I tried the 75s once, but they seemed to restrict the resonance of my mandolin.
Could just be the 5Bar that doesn't like them.
Every mandolin is different, so you just have to try them out and see what is best.