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The extra tuners screw holes are both top and bottom and you can see the indentation of the previous tuners in the paint (but maybe not in my photo). I figure that the original tuners looked...

Thanks to all for this interesting conversation. I’ve never been good at hearing tunes and getting them right (have issues with left and right, as well, much to the amusement of my family). I can,...

Well, I didn’t get there on Sunday, but did visit the store yesterday to check out the SOL. 213176 although they have 1950s on the tag, this SOL is a 1930s with the MOP fret markers instead of the...

I’ll be nearby soon and will have to check it out. Always willing to look at a Strad-O-Lin, although, this one sounds like maybe a bit overpriced. Will try and take some photos to share. On...

Just to clear up some botanical confusion, Port Orford cedar (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana) and Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) are not in the same genus, but are in the same conifer family...

So cool that we are getting so much response from our mandolin compatriots in Europe. Will be interesting to see how long Sampler #2 vacations before having to return to the US (if only we could be...

Just to add a little botany into the discussion: The tree in Lane’s question is bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), common in swampy areas across the south. A related species ranges from the Rio...

An important consideration is the type of music you would like to play. A good mandolin for bluegrass may not be what you would prefer for Celtic or folk music, however, any music can be played on...

Thanks Mark for your appreciation, and thanks for being the head librarian for this project. I get a whole lot of value from the Cafe community. It’s nice that I had the opportunity to express my...

Ditto! A real work of art and I expect it sounds as good as it looks. Just looking at it causes my MAS to flare up!

That’s really unfortunate. Once you try one, you’ll never go back!:))

Strad-O-Lins are just cool and fun mandolins shrouded in mystery. I’m very happy with mine and I also like how my late 30s Harmony Monterey mandolin sounds. Inexpensive instruments can still make...

I, ultimately, did not buy this mandolin due to my concern about the neck. It was also missing the label. Too bad because it was an interesting piece of Gibson history. Thanks to both of you for your...

Possibly a 1931 A4 (fon 9859?) but label is completely missing and headstock doesn’t appear to be correct (i.e. it’s a depression era Gibson). Action is high and bridge as low as it goes. The end of...

Yes, I used to always keep a nice guitar at my folks to play at Christmas and other visits. I currently have a nice mandolin at my daughter’s and will leave a guitar once she has a bigger place. ...

Sorry, an accidental duplicatio

Another “solution” has reared its ugly head - and for the princely sum of $850 you can get this from eBay:
212925

Here’s the current contents of the two samplers:
212920. 212921

If there are picks that you recommend, especially those that are less well-known or more expensive, they would be good to add. ...

Hi Martin - That sounds like a good idea to put you in line behind Chris because you’re “local”. Best to PM Mark so he’s sure to see your request.

My wife chose “Give me Your Hand” which was very appropriate, since we met on the dance floor. Now it’s one of the tunes I play it on mandolin. And you can’t go wrong with O’Carolan - lots of...

Phaedrus - you should get your name on the waiting list for one of the two Mandolin Cafe Pick Samplers - kind of a pick library that travels from Cafe member to cafe member. I just finished...

Yes, another wonderful mandola tune! ….. Which reminds me, I need to continue working on the three Beatles tunes for which I have Colin’s excellent tab arrangements. So little time, so much...

I’ve finally finished the culling and reorganization of the two Mandolin Café Pick Samplers. Number one is on its way, practically next door to Jesse in the Bay Area, and number two is heading...

Hi Sue - I’d like a copy of the SOL pdf! Not sure when or how I’ll use it, but got a few ideas bouncing around! Thanks for sharing!

Also note that vintage instruments from GC have only a three day return window. I don’t know if this is the same for any used instrument, but good to pay attention when you purchase from them.