First Post from a Newbie

[meado]

I've played guitar for over 40 years and mandolin for over 3 months.

Why did I wait so long?

My big breakthrough for the day...It helps to practice with a metronome!

[Jesse Harmon]

Welcome to the cafe. I'm also a guitar player and found the mandolin a year or so ago and it has re energized my music life abundantly. There's a lot to learn here and I had a lot to learn about mandolin.

[Astro]

Welcome and I have the same story as do many here. I've been at it about 8 months now and still loving it.

The best things I've done to shorten my learning curve so far--

1. Just joined online MANDOLIN SCHOOL with Mike Marshall (or whatever its called by artists works. This is not a gimmick. Its a first class course done right. Highly recommended).

2. Got my Mando set up tweaked (twice) to assure best playability. (a must for all).

3. Got a Wegen TF 140 pick (opinions on picks differ but helped me a bunch)

4. Got a Mclure armrest for my A style (not everyone needs one but I do)

I also watched all the "free mando lessons" on utube by the various teachers.

Of course without doubt the single most important thing I ever did that propelled me into Mando mania was what you have just done--to join The Mandolin Cafe. This is an incredible never ending resource powered by the similarly afflicted.

Good luck and pace yourself. Its a long and interesting road.

[californiajed]

Why did I wait so long?

I feel the same way. I've always loved the sound. I wish I would have given it a try many years ago.

[JeffD]

Welcome. Enjoy the journey. I hope you post more breakthroughs and "ah haaaa" moments. I look forward to it.

I think it helps everyone to see what we each go through.

[meado]

Well, I 've taken care of some of your suggestions.

1. Purchased the Wegen. I like it a lot. I use it as a first choice, but I use others as well. It's incredible how much difference pick choice makes for mandolin versus guitar.
2. I had a proper set up done on my mandolin. I bought a Loar 500. The original setup from the online store was very poor. Big improvement.
3. I took a look at the Mandolin School. I'm having some issues with video playback on my computer, so I'll get that fixed and will most likely become a member.

For now, I'm going through some DVD lessons and working through the "dummies" book.

I've also found that working on the mandolin has improved my guitar playing. It's all good!

[eastman_315]

1. Purchased the Wegen. I like it a lot. I use it as a first choice, but I use others as well. It's incredible how much difference pick choice makes for mandolin versus guitar.

I came to mando after many years of acoustic guitar, too. Its funny but I've started to use my lighter-weight Wegens with guitar & I'm amazed at the difference. I kinda like it.

2. I had a proper set up done on my mandolin. I bought a Loar 500. The original setup from the online store was very poor. Big improvement.

The Loar LM500 looks like a great mando! I'm sure a good setup makes it sing & play great!

3. I took a look at the Mandolin School. I'm having some issues with video playback on my computer, so I'll get that fixed and will most likely become a member.

I'm about to pull the trigger on signing up myself. I can't believe how accessible a world-class teacher like Mike Marshall is via the internet! I'm excited!

I've also found that working on the mandolin has improved my guitar playing. It's all good!

Crazy, isn't it! I'm finding the same thing & I've only been playing mando for about a month!

Enjoy!

Frank

[shortymack]

My poor guitars dont get touched at all anymore it seems. Its all your fault Mandolin Cafe!

BTW, welcome to the mando family and enjoy!

[OU1]

Welcome...I think most of us started the way you did...enjoy, have some fun, watch some you tube of some "mandolinin" and go to town!

GO SOONERS!

[JEStanek]

Welcome to the Family!

Jamie

[Austin Bob]

Welcome here. Lots of great folks and information on this site.

If you're not familiar with it, you might check out the TablEdit section. Easy way to learn new tunes.