After a couple of years of playing around on a McNally Strumstick I had a yearning (which I guess has always been there) to try my hand at mandolin. I have not really played anything other than the Strumstick although my folks are both retired orchestral string musicians (violin and bass). After lurking on here and looking for advice I trucked along yesterday to the Ottawa Folklore Centre intending to have a look at a couple of their Eastman's. I liked what I saw - and a lovely Breedlove too - but what caught my eye was the simplest looking of instruments - a 2008 Big Muddy M-2W. It had just been brought in to sell on commission ($500). After coming back home and checking out the reviews of the M-2W I went back today and bought it. I don't have overly large hands, but like the wider neck. I also love the more mellow sound and have an inclination towards more Celtic and folksy type music.
The one disappointment is that the sales guy sold me a couple of picks - I should have done homework on this - which are way to thick, rounded and clunky and produce a rather muddy sound. I tried the rather thin, pointed and flexible pick which I use with the Strumstick and immediately had a nicer tone - although the latter is way too flexible for strumming. So, please some advice for a beginner. I know pick selection is a personal thing, but I was almost ready to take the whole kit and kaboodle back when I heard the sound that came from it with the cheap pick. BTW I have already learned four chords this evening so starting to have some fun.
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