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Right! That's what I'm trying to uncover. I think sometimes a mandolin at a traditionalist old-time session is looked at as not belonging--being a bluegrass instrument. Sometimes I sort of feel like...

Was there any sort of tradition or history of mandolin playing in American, Brittish, or Celtic folk music prior to Bill Monroe and bluegrass?

@darrylicshon That makes sense. I should keep my eyes open for that.

@Davey Unfortunately, that won't work. Sound holes are not necessary for sound, they just enhance it. The sound will be deader, but not not quite enough to preserve family sanity.

I would like to be able to "play" a mandolin that is virtually silent so I don't drive family crazy when I'm practicing, especially scales and exercises. I can palm mute, but then I can't hear myself...

A friend showed me a Mandobird (Epiphone) that he just bought. Would definitely do the trick. Saving up for it.

I'm going to try the c-clamp idea in the mean time.

Maybe a new design will be...

Tried it, didn't work (smirk smirk)

Across the top of the bridge...now, I hadn't thought of that. Stop transmission of the energy to the resonator. Another good idea.

I'll try the soft pick idea. It's the old funky Kay guitar I'm thinking of filling with spray foam. It's practically made of cardboard. But it is kind of a classic ###### guitar. I'll try a few...

Sprayfoam is definitely permanent.

I'm wondering if softer foam might do it. Maybe I'm just creating a stiffer top?

I'm pretty stunned. As a physicist I know that we don't hear the strings,...

1) You all are nuts
2) Prior to The Little Mermaid, Ariel was a man's name
3) I call it a "marriage saver". If my wife did like fiddle tunes on the mandolin, she still wouldn't want to hear me...

Does anyone have a suggestion on how to mute a mandolin. I want a practice mandolin that makes virtually no sound -- like an electric instrument.

I have an old Kay guitar that I just tried to...

Sounds like (1) more people guiding me to the Loar, and (2) making sure whatever mando is really well set-up is the most important thing.

Well done folks!

Great advice all around here. I've been chuckling, because Bryon's "beater" mando for his toddler's seems to be the same level as what I'm about to buy for my main instrument. Just thought I'd...

I'm getting ready to buy a new lower-mid range mando (been posting questions here), such as a Kentucky KM-254 or a Loar LM-400. Kind of leaning towards the Loar.

The question is to compare one of...

Yup, Big Joe is getting me a quote.

Yes, they would be another good place to consider. Same price as themandolinhut.com, and same extras. Interestingly, I spoke to them a couple of days ago, and they told me they are going to stop...

I'm planning to buy a Loar LM-400. I'm considering

http://www.folkmusician.com/The-Loar-A-style-Mandolin-LM-400/productinfo/LM-400/

http://www.elderly.com/new_instruments/items/LM400VS.htm
...

Thanks for all the input everyone! I hear a lot of good response for the Loar LM400. I'm leaning heavily towards that. I like the idea of a wider neck and thicker frets. I also like the idea of a...

Hey Big Joe -- I have a "Champion" tenor banjo I'm getting ready to sell. Was going to start with $250 in local Craigslist. Interested in a trade-in? If interested, I'll send pics.

Hey folks! I started a similar thread a few days ago
http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/showthread.php?67790-Mid-range-Kentucky-and-Loar-mandolins&p=862560#post862560

Sorry, the forum search...

Totally hear you. Just grasping at straws. Hopefully some knowledgeable folks will have some sage advice.

I'm looking for a 2nd mandolin, mid-range, solid wood. I'm looking at
Kentucky km-254 (I just like the finish over 250)
Kentucky km-350
Kentucky km-505
Loar LM-300
Loar LM-400

Any thoughts...