"When I heard what Socrates had done on the lyre, I wished indeed even [I had done] that...but certainly I labored hard in letters!" - Cicero, "Cato the Elder on Old Age"
Weber Gallatin Mahogany F
19th Century Ferrari(?) Bowlback
Early 20th Century British Mandoline-Banjo & Deering Goodtime Tenor
1960s Harmony Baritone Ukelele
The Magic Fluke Flea Soprano Ukelele (in 5ths!)
1910 German Stradivarius 1717 copy, unknown maker
1890(?) German Stradivarius 1725 copy, G.A. Pfreztschner, maker
Who charges $20 for their autograph ? I have almost a dozen autos on one of my mandos from Sam Bush Compton Dr Ralph etc. they were all given freely. Also although this was my 1st mando once i had it gone over by a good luthier its a nice mando. You might have another luthier look at yours before you completely condemn it ?
Old broken violins make nice lamps. Put a rod through it.
Eastman 605, Strad-o-lin, and Kentucky 300e mandolins.
Mandolinist, Stringtopia, the Long Island Mandolin and Guitar Orchestra
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I was going to ask for an assessment of Savannahs, since they seem to be in my price range, but you appear to have answered my question. I'm trying to decide whether to spend anything on an instrument that may or may not get played, but really, how bad can it be???
I will dissuade you from buying a Savannah if at all possible. And if you have to buy one, it would be best if you can play it first before buying.
There are beginners' mandolins that are $100-$200 more than the Savannah but are *significantly* better playing instruments. You will be rewarded multiple times over the difference you have to pay.
My first mandolin was an oval hole Johnson and I really wish I hadn't. I struggled with it for a few months before giving up, broke down and bought something else. The only consolation is that it cost me less than $100.
Oh well. I should have expected it, having gone through 40+ guitars in my life - I probably can't afford one I'll like. After the Lyon and Healy, I could be real tough to please. Guess I'll try some more garage sales.
art project
Ha, ha! keep time: how sour sweet music is,
When time is broke and no proportion kept!
--William Shakespeare
Don't mention it. I enjoy making people larf.
For some reason I was reminded of: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYcS1WLiIlY
I had a yard sale find, cheap, would not stay in tune. Let a friend that had moved to Canada play it when he was visiting. Asked me for a phillips screwdriver. Tightened the screws on the tuners. The mando is now in Canada. Figured if I couldn't find that simple of a cure I didn't need to keep it. Was 12 years before I bought another mandolin. Have you had a reputable dealer check it out?
Neck anywhere near straight, it can be set up by someone who does that, to be playable , and then you got the beater to carry around with you to play music on.
it is about the music, is it not?
writing about music
is like dancing,
about architecture
Last edited by Mandoviol; Jun-25-2010 at 12:09pm. Reason: Not reading my own posts....
"When I heard what Socrates had done on the lyre, I wished indeed even [I had done] that...but certainly I labored hard in letters!" - Cicero, "Cato the Elder on Old Age"
Weber Gallatin Mahogany F
19th Century Ferrari(?) Bowlback
Early 20th Century British Mandoline-Banjo & Deering Goodtime Tenor
1960s Harmony Baritone Ukelele
The Magic Fluke Flea Soprano Ukelele (in 5ths!)
1910 German Stradivarius 1717 copy, unknown maker
1890(?) German Stradivarius 1725 copy, G.A. Pfreztschner, maker
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