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In November 1970,I saw,for the first time,a mandolin being played.The players were Rose Simpson and Robin Williamson.The ISB were performing at the Armadillo World Headquarters in AustinTexas.My love...

Fair comment, but there will be occasions outwith an actual session when you might feel like playing - perhaps sitting in the sun learning a great tune you heard at a session the night before. I...

Hi Bren, I was reading and about to say 'you didn;t tell me about your Gilchrist' until I kept on reading. I too had a mandolin built by Marshall Dow. I was sitting in my office around 1990 I think...

The advice above is good, just a few more thoughts here. As a preamble, I'll note that fiddlers have a technical advantage over our flatpicked instruments, because they can slur a run of notes. I...

Thanks Sue and Chuck! Here's my 1st attempt to cover anything by John Reischman. I mean, the man is a monster. I'd give most anything to be that cool behind the controls... Thanks for the Listen!!...

The last two digits of my serial numbers signify the year while the first three relate to the number of the instrument.
So your mandolin is the 46th mandolin I have built and it was completed in...

Any input from those with fuller figured heads? Many "one-size fits all" hats are too small for my noggin.

Bren, yes mate I posted after a "bad" night in the local pub back room with just myself and a concertina player. Felt a bit depressed until I got back home, a few more drinks on a Winter's night sat...

Again, I don't know how much you know about the blues, but I agree with Bob's comment (above). Often in blues, you don't have a "tune" (melody) so much as a chord pattern that you can improvise...

Hey Aidan,

I just made a video of those jigs I did for you all those years ago.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjWxcbB-QBU

As some will know, Aidan Crossey has had some major health issues recently. Today he was taken into hospital for tests and possible surgery. (Not confidential information - he announced it on the...

I am a big fan of the tremolo, a great defender of the tremolo, I love the tremolo...with time I have learned that its use depends on our taste, on what we want to express when we play a particular...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oq0Kr40f2M&lc=UgzpYuqNhXq5tsTOozF4AaABAg

Well, it's about a year and a half later. I did get to that museum, and it is absolutely amazing. Traditional instruments, particularly from Central Asia, but from all over the world. Loved it.

Think about it in terms of arch tops. Arch top guitars, because of the additional carving/voicing required, tend to be 2-3 times the price of a comparable flat top, though admittedly not always....

I recently went to an old time party at a friend's house. There were maybe half a dozen fiddles, plus banjos, etc. Big jam. I was playing my Duff. I played a few tunes and thought, well, this is...

Another vote for tenor banjo, though of course I'm biased as I'm a banjo player! Maybe your mandolin playing friend is listening to the wrong banjo players - lots of wonderful players out there who...

Beautiful Graham.

I wish more people understood and accepted the zero fret!

Great

That song has been on my mind non-stop ever since I heard his passing. In particular the lyrics from the chorus feels particularly poignant to me:

Take my hand and dry your tears, babe
Take my...

To this day, anytime I drive over a bridge crossing the Shannon I say "The Broad Majestic Shannon..." out loud, it's always the first thing that comes to mind when I see that expanse of water!

Yes and no. I wouldn’t go into any instrument purchase with a desire for, expectation of or plan for monetary gain, however high end the instrument and however much time may pass.

Mankind has an...

I agree that this type of situation isn't unique to bluegrass, and I hope you find some like minded people to pick with Swampy :)



Personally, I'm very happy if someone turns up to an acoustic...

Hey thanks John! yes, what you see is what it is :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0wogOQuzyk