Search:

Wouldn't work for GDAD and would be worse for ADAD!

I know this issue has been discussed before but I'm curious about current trends.

I've been to two bouzouki workshops, one by Daori Farrell last year and one by James Fagan yesterday, in which...

I eventually came across the Thomann ABS Banjo Case which reviewers said would fit:

https://www.thomann.de/gb/thomann_abs_banjo_case.htm

It's snug to say the least. The sharp point of the body...

Thanks, Jeremy, that's a good idea. Of the two you mention, one is too small and the other a little big, but a banjo case is certainly something to look at.

Rik

Could anyone point me to a UK hard case that fits the Hora Concert Irish Bouzouki please?

Rik

Nothing to do with mandolins, but the person that diverted my interest from Prog Rock to proper Trad was Shirley Collins.

Various tunings have been suggested.

I like the idea of DAdg (Fifth, Fourth, Fourth intervals) or equivalent, because if you are playing in D every open string is a Tonic, Fourth or Fifth and...

Following the Oud, the Mediaeval Lute is played with a long pick called a Risha. The drone notes need to be on adjacent strings and, I assume, Tonics, Fourths and Fifths of the key you are in. Jo...

David

Thank you very much for all this information and the leads. I can see my best way forward will be to learn more about the Oud.

I see there is a lot of choice about tuning and I think I...

Since my original post I've attempted a lot of research and indulged in a lot of speculation, but I still have more questions than answers!

I'm very grateful for the replies but I remain confused ...

I’m entranced by the sound and craftsmanship of Jo Dusepo’s instruments (many of which have been featured on this forum) and am particularly interested in the 4c early medieval lute (presumably in...

Yes please.

That's right, thanks. While you were posting I corrected the original link.

I8-RplJt2Tg

This is part of the Orpy String Band. We are based in south-east England. We also have a banjo and ukulele player.

I do some of the vocals and play mandolin, but honours on this...

Thanks for the suggestion. I've started on the Steve James DVD and some other bits and pieces.

Guy Tortora plays mando without a pick but he is a very strong guitar player. https://youtu.be/Xw9lZCimlOA

People tell me the mandolin is too thin and/or harsh on its own unless in the hands of a virtuoso. Ken Whitely’s performance is certainly interesting, energetic and very full.

Although I’ve only...

I'm looking at the options.

I play mandolin in an Oldtime/crossover stringband but occasionally have to do something solo. I was looking at Blues guitar but I think it would take too long to...

I was after 'historical technique' rather than technique or history per se, but it's all of course of interest.

Your "Blues, Stomps, & Rags" series is inspirational.

Thanks for the responses. The Steve James material looks very helpful and I've ordered the Joe Carr book despite the strangely mixed reviews.

I'm collecting instructional material, but I'm...

Could anyone point me to a technical description (online/books) of how the mandolin was actually used in early Blues?

Yes, I could just listen to recordings, but I'd appreciate an introductory...

In the venue where I play regularly we're supposed to go outside and tune up in advance. The rule was obviously not made by a mandolin player!

I try to do a quick tune while the rest of the group...

Although I'm happy to have fixed the intonation problem, it was minor in comparison with the way in which strings can go out of tune anyway. It doesn't happen so much at home, but in a crowded...

I got it from TAMCO so it must have been set up properly! It's had a couple of accidents when the strap button came out. Maybe it got dislodged soon after I bought it, and then partly dislodged the...

I slackened off the middle strings and the end strings depending on which end I wanted to move. I found it fiddly to move one end about say 1mm without affecting the other end, but I got there...