View Profile: allenhopkins - Mandolin Cafe Forum

Yesterday, 8:31pm

allenhopkins replied to a thread Do You Have Too Many Instruments? in Videos, Pictures & Sound Files

Yes. And I don't care.

17 replies | 703 view(s)

Feb-26-2021, 11:42am

allenhopkins replied to a thread Main difference between a mandolin and a tenormandolin in General Mandolin Discussions

Good, if somewhat complicated question. Originally, "bouzouki" referred to a long-necked Mediterranean instrument, with either three or four courses...

11 replies | 477 view(s)

Feb-26-2021, 11:18am

allenhopkins replied to a thread Does the mandolin world suffer much from fakes? in General Mandolin Discussions

Not fakes as much as re-makes, "conversions" as we call them -- e.g. F-4 bodies with new "F-5" tops, extended necks, re-made by respected and...

19 replies | 824 view(s)

Feb-25-2021, 8:38pm

allenhopkins replied to a thread Strap for a Martin Style C in Equipment

A thong that will thread through the tailpiece and tie around the headstock above the nut is what I use on my Style A. The Martin mandolins are so...

8 replies | 304 view(s)

Feb-25-2021, 8:31pm

allenhopkins replied to a thread Main difference between a mandolin and a tenormandolin in General Mandolin Discussions

Think you're right, an octave mandolin -- or "octave mandola," as it's sometimes called in Europe (dunno why). Usually tuned GDAE an octave lower...

11 replies | 477 view(s)

Feb-25-2021, 12:19pm

allenhopkins replied to a thread Main difference between a mandolin and a tenormandolin in General Mandolin Discussions

In Europe, what we on the Cafe generally call a "mandola" is often called a "tenor mandola" -- as opposed to the "octave mandola," which we call...

11 replies | 477 view(s)

Feb-24-2021, 9:26pm

allenhopkins replied to a thread Ernie Ball Earthwood? in Looking for Information About Mandolins

If so, definitely a mandola, tuned (normally) CGDA, low to high, a fourth below a mandolin.

17 replies | 1030 view(s)

Feb-23-2021, 5:13pm

allenhopkins replied to a thread Gibson mando date and model? in Looking for Information About Mandolins

I'd have moved 'em to the belfry -- assuming you have one...

26 replies | 853 view(s)

Feb-23-2021, 5:07pm

allenhopkins replied to a thread Do Martin mandolins fetch higher or lower prices than Gibsons? in General Mandolin Discussions

Martin mandolins -- the canted-top, flat-back ones -- are wonderful instruments, immaculately made, with a sweet, clear sound. The carved-top Martin...

5 replies | 563 view(s)

Feb-22-2021, 12:46pm

allenhopkins replied to a thread What do the numbers mean??? in Equipment

Well, Gibson did call its EM-200 electric mandolin, made in the 1950's, "Florentine." Some relationship to their semi-hollow "Florentine" model Les...

25 replies | 1135 view(s)

Feb-22-2021, 12:22pm

allenhopkins replied to a thread I decided to hang it on the wall: it might be safer there in Vintage Instruments

Jack, thanx for the history of your F-4. Consider yourself very fortunate to know about all those who've owned it since it was new. Most of us get...

16 replies | 1237 view(s)

Feb-21-2021, 5:12pm

allenhopkins replied to a thread 12 string banjolin in eBay, Craig's List, etc.

Deservedly rare, IMHO. Quite possibly there's no maker ID. Not sure from the pic if there's a decorative extension of the headstock (?). If you...

4 replies | 231 view(s)

Feb-18-2021, 11:43am

allenhopkins replied to a thread Mandoliin pair tuning 'either side of centre'? in General Mandolin Discussions

I believe the reason for "wet" tuning is to get the natural vibrato that's heard when the slightly different sound-wave patterns produced by the...

8 replies | 493 view(s)

Feb-17-2021, 5:20pm

allenhopkins replied to a thread Hidden D'Addario Micro Tuners.... in General Mandolin Discussions

Major discussion of minor issue, IMHO. I can remember hitting a tuning fork against my knee, then pressing it to the top of the instrument and...

36 replies | 2364 view(s)

Feb-16-2021, 8:44pm

allenhopkins replied to a thread Ernie Ball Earthwood? in Looking for Information About Mandolins

Hmm...its rarity may contribute more to its value, than its overall construction and sound -- though you can't really tell without playing it. I've...

17 replies | 1030 view(s)

Feb-16-2021, 1:49pm

allenhopkins replied to a thread If you've been envious of the one owned by Mr. Hopkins... in eBay, Craig's List, etc.

Hey, who's talkin' about me? For anyone who decides a Polk-A-Lay-Lee might be of interest, let me state that it's four feet long, it's lovingly...

6 replies | 492 view(s)

Feb-16-2021, 1:35pm

allenhopkins replied to a thread Ernie Ball Earthwood? in Looking for Information About Mandolins

The letter from Ernie Ball quoted in the Acoustic Guitar Forum thread I found also mentioned "mandolas," not mandolins. It would be interesting that...

17 replies | 1030 view(s)

Feb-16-2021, 1:26pm

allenhopkins replied to a thread It's Snowing Down in Texas in General Mandolin Discussions

Here in Rochester we average 100 inches of snow per winter. Needless to say, we get used to it (about eight inches last night, more on the way later...

33 replies | 1710 view(s)

Feb-15-2021, 1:39pm

allenhopkins replied to a thread An honest-to-goodness VULCAN HARP! in eBay, Craig's List, etc.

I assume you knew that I was aware of that... Decent joke, too.

32 replies | 1261 view(s)

Feb-14-2021, 3:22pm

allenhopkins replied to a thread An honest-to-goodness VULCAN HARP! in eBay, Craig's List, etc.

Saw a T-shirt in a catalog, with a pic of a Dalek from Dr. Who, and the caption, "Oh look, it's that cute R2D2 from Star Trek." Lotsa inaccurate...

32 replies | 1261 view(s)