how many mandolin players on the board?

[Wally]

Just wondering how many of you also play mandolin, and how you incorporate it into worship. I have been fooling with mandolin for several years but have been focusing a little more on trying to improve my playing lately. I am not a lead player (on any instrument), so my approach to mandolin is primarily as as a rhythm instrument. I play primarily simple chords and partial chords - some can be found on the chord charts, some can't :) No bluegrass chop chords for me... my fingers won't stretch that far:) I do pick some melody and hook type stuff on occasion. Tried to do some "tremolo" on one tune this past Sunday - I am sure my technique needs work....

If you know of any good instruction material, I am interested in that as well.

[TheViking]

I do

[mattd]

I play a little bit. My church will have bluegrass sunday every once in awhile, that's pretty much the only time i'll play it in church. work on making those stretches - i know they're hard at first but i think they really make the instrument sound so much better, especially if you're using it only as a rhythym instrument.
check out www.mandolincafe.com (I think that's the site). it's got some good instruction on there, plus a forum where you can ask questions and such. best resource on the net that i've found. I've also gotten a little informal training from my uncle, who plays in a bluegrass band.

do you have any favorite mandolin players? I'm always looking for new music to check out. The three that i listen to regularly are Chris Thile, Sam Bush, and Matt Mundy.

[BuckyB]

I play a little, but I don't currently own one. I used to play it on "The River is Here".

[Barry]

My maternal grandmother was one of the best mandolin players I ever heard, but then I'm kinda biased in that respect (plus it's not exactly something I go out of my way to hear). She played "Finnish" style (I guess you could call it that) with the fast melody picking. She never played in church OR in any band, but she knew her way around the neck. She used to pull it out sometimes when the family would gather for Christmas and so forth. It was always a treat.

I have her old mandolin now but, as much as I've told myself I would, I just never learned how to play more than a few chords on it. Not that it's really in good enough condition to even tune up any more. I've got a book of mandolin chords somewhere, though.

It's definitely a unique instrument, Wally. Especially when everybody else wants to play a guitar.

[Tech Player]

Super answers Wally to a good question! I really marvel at the tremolo pickin'.

I played the banjo at 16 to about 18, and a little mandolin. Normal size, ha ha!

Sorry, I gave it up for the guitar and then the bare necessities of bass which I started same time as guitar, at 15. Boy, what's with these numbers! Sorry, I'm always a precise or tech person?

Still, I have 1 good mandolin, and one very slightly collapsed, the poor 1918 Gibson "A".

When I think of it - that's a rather serious & permanent financial loss also.

I like the mandolin very much, still know some players too, enjoy!

[Strat-tastic]

I play a little, would like to learn more

[Brian]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/BrianM/Guitars/Stewmac2.jpg

Need to get the camerea out again. Just replaced the tuners with Grovers (http://www.firstqualitymusic.com/itemdetail.asp?item=GRO-308G&catid={6094A169-F6F6-4441-B684-2024D7F744FD}) after a button stripped out and the tailpiece with a gold Allen TR2 (http://www.firstqualitymusic.com/itemdetail.asp?item=AG-TR2G). Tailpiece (http://www.allenguitar.com/tpcs_tr-2.htm) gave makes a significant difference in power and sustain.

Mahogany back and sides make for a very very sweet tone.

My son & I play a little Bluegrass

[Wally]

I play a little bit. My church will have bluegrass sunday every once in awhile, that's pretty much the only time i'll play it in church.

I had to laugh as I am the complete opposite - we do a couple of bluegrass style songs and those are the ones I am least interested in playing the mandolin on (although I usually do) :) I love bluegrass and like to play bluegrass rhythm guitar, I just don't see myself ever being proficient at bluegrass mandolin - and not sure I would enjoy it that much....


work on making those stretches - i know they're hard at first but i think they really make the instrument sound so much better, especially if you're using it only as a rhythym instrument.

I haven't given up on them, but like my guitar playing I like to hear a lot of ringing open chords when I play so I use primarily two finger chords and partial chords. I can fake a bluegrass chop a little on the bass strings, or use mute with my right hand for a similar percussive effect.


check out www.mandolincafe.com (I think that's the site). it's got some good instruction on there, plus a forum where you can ask questions and such. best resource on the net that i've found. I've also gotten a little informal training from my uncle, who plays in a bluegrass band.

I have found some goos stuff on there, especially the two finger chord chart :)


do you have any favorite mandolin players? I'm always looking for new music to check out. The three that i listen to regularly are Chris Thile, Sam Bush, and Matt Mundy.

I like Sam Bush a lot, as well as Ricky Skaggs, Tim O'brien, David Grisman (when he was playing with Garcia and/or the Dead), etc.... The playing style that I hope to become proficient at is probably more akin to guys that play guitar (or another instrument) and picked up mando as a second instrument - guys like Peter Buck (REM) and Levon Helm.

This reminds me Matt - I have been meaning to ask you if you are involved in the Reformed University Fellowship there at Belmont... the reason I ask is that a lot of the music we play in church is old hymns that have been re-arranged by the RUF's Indelible Grace Project -it is headed up by Kevin Twit, the RUF Campus Minister there at Belmont. Most of the rest of our music is standard hymns out of the Trinity Hymnal, just to give an idea of the type of music we are playing.

[mattd]

I know him, I've heard him speak a few times but I am not involved with that particular ministry. My first year here I didn't even know it existed, and now I'm so busy at my church that I haven't tried to really get involved with many of the campus ministries here.

[LesStrat]

I've never played a mandolin. That might be a good thing.

[Micter]

I play mando but not in worship, YET!

[Tech Player]

Wally, and contributors. My little story and 1922 Martin Mandolin, still new like old stock. Also the girls' violins. No hijack sought, just adding another word for Jesus on topic? I hope to have my wife and daughter's present it to Charles Martin IV this Summer, I'm not sure if I can go, but the Lord laid it on my heart that we should get in the factory door, meet the 4th generation prez, give the instrument, and testify or see if he can use any part of "The Way, The Truth and The Life" theme in his guitar designs, museum and corporate philosophy - I have no idea where he stands, sorry, am not judging, just have to send some ambassadors & witnesses to find out?

My daughter would appreciate a Martin for Ministry, 6 string guitar, D45 or one of Mr. Martins' newer A/E's if possible. The family units are already heading that way again, NY, the PA turnpike where Martin Factory is at (in Nazareth!!), and they'll repeat their ramblings through Washington and Boston again, STILL looking for souls connected w/politics and that same ol' whale that swallowed Jonah?:yikes:rofl

God bless and may angels touch your mandolin playing, they are so sweet in the mix, and with lively & musical testimonies.;)

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/bluesdlx/moved/100_0744-1.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/bluesdlx/moved/100_0748-1.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/bluesdlx/moved/100_0750-1.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/bluesdlx/moved/100_2041-1.jpg

[Wally]

I play a little, but I don't currently own one. I used to play it on "The River is Here".

Good tune, and good tune for mando. I was playing with a little group in a military chapel service a few years back... that one was on our regular rotation. I played mando on occasion back then but I don't think I ever tried it on that song...

[Wally]

It's definitely a unique instrument, Wally. Especially when everybody else wants to play a guitar.

I have always liked the sound of a mandolin, and I think it is a great fit with the kind of music we do at our church. Even for just strumming chords it is a unique voice with a guitar or two - like the idea of one guitarist playing in a different position on the neck.

We usually have two guitars even when I am not playing guitar, so I have been playing slide (on my resonator) or mandolin as much as possible. Mando doesn't work for every song of course, especially those hymns in crazy keys like Ab (I use a capo regularly on guitar, and I know there are mando capos available, but I don't see them working well on that small flat fretboard). I basically only play guitar if I can't make the mando or reso work, or if the leader asks me too.

Funny thing is I get more compliments on the mando and reso than I do my guitar playing... just something different I guess.

[Wally]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/BrianM/Guitars/Stewmac2.jpg

Need to get the camerea out again. Just replaced the tuners with Grovers (http://www.firstqualitymusic.com/itemdetail.asp?item=GRO-308G&catid={6094A169-F6F6-4441-B684-2024D7F744FD}) after a button stripped out and the tailpiece with a gold Allen TR2 (http://www.firstqualitymusic.com/itemdetail.asp?item=AG-TR2G). Tailpiece (http://www.allenguitar.com/tpcs_tr-2.htm) gave makes a significant difference in power and sustain.

Mahogany back and sides make for a very very sweet tone.

My son & I play a little Bluegrass

Did you build that one? (I saw STEWMAC in the picture title)

[Wally]

I play mando but not in worship, YET!

What are you waiting on?

[Wally]

Wally, and contributors. My little story and 1922 Martin Mandolin, still new like old stock. Also the girls' violins. No hijack sought, just adding another word for Jesus on topic? I hope to have my wife and daughter's present it to Charles Martin IV this Summer, I'm not sure if I can go, but the Lord laid it on my heart that we should get in the factory door, meet the 4th generation prez, give the instrument, and testify or see if he can use any part of "The Way, The Truth and The Life" theme in his guitar designs, museum and corporate philosophy - I have no idea where he stands, sorry, am not judging, just have to send some ambassadors & witnesses to find out?

My daughter would appreciate a Martin for Ministry, 6 string guitar, D45 or one of Mr. Martins' newer A/E's if possible. The family units are already heading that way again, NY, the PA turnpike where Martin Factory is at (in Nazareth!!), and they'll repeat their ramblings through Washington and Boston again, STILL looking for souls connected w/politics and that same ol' whale that swallowed Jonah?:yikes:rofl

God bless and may angels touch your mandolin playing, they are so sweet in the mix, and with lively & musical testimonies.;)

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/bluesdlx/moved/100_0744-1.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/bluesdlx/moved/100_0748-1.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/bluesdlx/moved/100_0750-1.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/bluesdlx/moved/100_2041-1.jpg

That 1922 Martin Mandolin is quite a treasure.... looks like it is in amazing condition.

[Wally]

So I didn't mention my gear... a lowly Fender FM53S- A style, solid top, made in Korea. I would like to have a better one, but this one gets the job done for now. I use phosphor bronze .011-.040 strings and the same Everly yellow star picks that I use for guitar. Not mine, but it looks like this...

http://img3.musiciansfriend.com/dbase/pics/products/regular/3/0/1/268301.jpg

[Brian]

Did you build that one? (I saw STEWMAC in the picture title)It was a kit built mando I found in a lttle acoustic shop in Portland, OR. It sounded better to me than anything in the shop, and they had some new and vintage high end instruments. But then I like the mellow mahogany tone more than maple sides and back, YMMV.

I was looking at the bracing with an inspection mirror at the front counter when a local artist came in to buy it and didn't see it on the wall. :) Think I paid $500 for it; you can barely buy the kit minus hardware for that.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/BrianM/Guitars/2008Nov22001-1.jpg

...I use phosphor bronze .011-.040 strings and the same Everly yellow star picks that I use for guitar. I use PB mediums too. I like the mellower voice and speed of super heavy and bevelled Dawg picks (http://www.firstqualitymusic.com/itemdetail.asp?item=PK-DAWG&keyword=dawg). They make tremolo picking easier too.

[Brian]

...Still, I have 1 good mandolin, and one very slightly collapsed, the poor 1918 Gibson "A"...My little story and 1922 Martin Mandolin, still new like old stock...Wow Tech P, that Martin flatback is a GRAND instrument. Looks like mahogony, the flatback and round sound hole too, it's got a ultra sweet voice. Great for Celtic music, not used so often for Bluegrass. The's probably why the old Martins don't get the same price as their Loar designed contemporaries. But gosh they sound nice! :clap:

[UncleMarker]

I have a Harmony mandolin that I picked up way back in the mid '70s. I don't use it much, since I'm spending most of my life on bass these days. Sweet sound - I think mando is an addictive instrument (but aren't they all?).

[Wally]

I use PB mediums too. I like the mellower voice and speed of super heavy and bevelled Dawg picks (http://www.firstqualitymusic.com/itemdetail.asp?item=PK-DAWG&keyword=dawg). They make tremolo picking easier too.

I was glad you mentioned the heavy picks when you did..... I was working on some tremolo stuff at the time and it hadn't really occurred to me to use a heavier pick. I switched to a brass pick that I had and then one of the other guitar players in our church band gave me a 2.0 mm Jim Dunlop "Big Stubby". Much easier for tremolo but I still prefer the thinner picks for strumming.

[Brian]

I was glad you mentioned the heavy picks when you did..... I was working on some tremolo stuff at the time and it hadn't really occurred to me to use a heavier pick. I switched to a brass pick that I had and then one of the other guitar players in our church band gave me a 2.0 mm Jim Dunlop "Big Stubby". Much easier for tremolo but I still prefer the thinner picks for strumming.Cool! It took awhile for me to appreciate the thicker picks for all my mandolin and archtop playing. I thought there was a tradeoff in accuracy for speed. Now that I'm used to the very heavy picks, the accuracy is there and I'm enjoying the strong fundamental tone in addition to the speed.

[AaronG]

I play a Weber Galliton. I use it to record much more than play live. And I can play it in bed.

[Micter]

I have a Fender A style acoustic electric that I pretty much only use for recording. lol

[elk]

I have a Mid-Missouri with a Mcintyre p/u I use sometimes.

[scooteraz]

Weber Bitterroot with a bunch of upgrades that basically make it almost a Fern without the extra binding. Much nicer instrument than I am a player.

[JakeLeon]

This is an old thread but I play mandolin a lot for worship but usually running it through my pedal chain with lots of verb and echo then tremolo pick melodies and harmonies to add warmth to the mix. Does anyone have good recourses to learn bluegrass picking scales and patterns?

[SAguitar]

I don't have one, and can't play one, but I do appreciate a nice mandolin part now and then! I'm not a big bluegrass fan, but I like how it can fit in with other styles of music, the mandolin adds a nice high-end texture that can be real pretty. :clap: :clap: :clap:

[Wally]

Funny to see this thread pop up again after so long. Some months ago I pulled my Fender mandolin out of the case and noticed immediately it was about a 1/2 step out of tune, unusual. After I got it tuned up I noticed that the middle pairs of strings were nearly laying on the neck... and then I finally looked at the bridge, broken and caved in in the middle. I loosened the strings and put it back in the case where it has remained to this day.

I have been wanting a "Big Muddy" mandolin for a few years, can't seem to find many in stock anywhere online.

I continue to play in church nearly every Sunday, mainly 6 string banjo and lately primarily on bass (not that I lay any claim to being a bass player). My routines and habits have changed and I find it hard to play much through the week these days....

[scooteraz]

I have been wanting a "Big Muddy" mandolin for a few years, can't seem to find many in stock anywhere online.


Never heard of these. But now that I look them up, interesting. Mandos built like a flat top guitar. You ever hear one? How do they sound?

When I was looking for my mandolin, I was in one of their dealers, but never saw one.

[elk]

Funny to see this thread pop up again after so long. Some months ago I pulled my Fender mandolin out of the case and noticed immediately it was about a 1/2 step out of tune, unusual. After I got it tuned up I noticed that the middle pairs of strings were nearly laying on the neck... and then I finally looked at the bridge, broken and caved in in the middle. I loosened the strings and put it back in the case where it has remained to this day.

I have been wanting a "Big Muddy" mandolin for a few years, can't seem to find many in stock anywhere online.

I continue to play in church nearly every Sunday, mainly 6 string banjo and lately primarily on bass (not that I lay any claim to being a bass player). My routines and habits have changed and I find it hard to play much through the week these days....

Big Muddy is the company that came from the ashes of Mid-Missouri, (literally). They are great folks. Check out Fazio's in St. louis (online). You can also e-mail them direct.