Are flat top A models good for playing blues?

[Blues Harp Tom]

Another newbie question. I am interested in using the mandolin for blues, mainly as a backup instrument. I've been reading some threads that talk about A model mandolins with oval holes made in the USA such as the Redline and Crystal Forest models. Some have commented that these mandolins aren't very good for bluegrass, but it seems to me that these models might be well-suited for playing blues. Any comments?

[billhay4]

Sure. All it takes is an operator.
Bill

[allenhopkins]

Blues has been played on a wide variety of instruments; the most common ones I've seen have been carved-top oval hole instruments, usually old Gibson A-models. But a flat-top, oval-hole would sound fine as well.

Nothing inherent about the blues, from my perspective, that would demand any particular instrument type. Resonator mandolins, like my old National Duolian, have an interesting funky sound that seems to suit blues playing, but I'd say you could play blues on a F-5 if you wanted to. Or a bowl-back. Just adjust your playing to the strengths of the instrument.

[mandroid]

More authentic would be a cigar box mandolin , since not everybody on the Delta Plantations
could afford a real mandolin.

or Guitar .. Bo Diddley used a Square bodied unique Guitar, as a tribute to those roots of the Music
and the musicians of that tradition.
Made it quickly recovered when some junkie stole his guitar at a gig, and tried to Pawn it.

[jaycat]

What you really need to play the blues is for your woman to leave you, have a hellhound on your trail, and to ain't got but the one thin dime. The type of mandolin is really secondary.

[OldGus]

Some of them are, resonators, ovals, ff. You decide.

[JeffD]

Another newbie question. I am interested in using the mandolin for blues, mainly as a backup instrument. I've been reading some threads that talk about A model mandolins with oval holes made in the USA such as the Redline and Crystal Forest models. Some have commented that these mandolins aren't very good for bluegrass, but it seems to me that these models might be well-suited for playing blues. Any comments?

Well its wrong to say they aren't very good for bluegrass. Less optimum perhaps, but hardly "not very good".

Blues is not as small a tent, and just about any mandolin will work well, oval hole, f hole, resonator, electric, all have had their particular blues geniuses.



Until recently I have been strictly an oval hole guy. My recent experiences with f holes lead me to the opinion that oval holes are a little better for strictly backup, in that an f hole mandolin is so darn focused it is perhaps a might harder to stay in the background. At least I am finding it to be. This would be for all genres, not just the blues. And its only my opinion.

[JeffD]

duplicate

[pheffernan]

Lil' Rev plays a Flatiron pancake as his blues mandolin and there's one just like it in the Classifieds: http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/74058.

[sgarrity]

The great thing about the blues is that it doesn't matter what kind of instrument you have. Just grab one and get after it!

[Freddyfingers]

I have been using my Loar 600. it works. However I think there is some truth in the sound inferences ion oval holes. From what I have heard, its a bit mellower, or at least it doesn't cut through as much as my 600 does. So, I am looking around for one as well. It has also been suggested a mandola , with its fuller sound, may be a good fit. Sadly, none are in my area.

[Cheryl Watson]

I like a more fundamental, drier tone for playing blues and cheaper instruments often sound great--you just need great playability--a really good setup.

[Steve Zawacki]

Blues could be played on a steel drum. Granted, some instruments may be more traditional than others, but the musician makes the difference. Get the mandolin you really like and you'll make it wail....

[Ken Olmstead]

Blues mandolin has no prescribed instrument like Shaun eluded to. The volume and "cut" of F holes is desirable when you are within 100 yards of a fiddle, banjo and a D-28 "Canon!" Flat tops and carved oval holes have more sustain and overtones that are desirable when you are not having to slice through a wall of sound or are in a more intimate setting. Flat tops like the Flatiron or the Redline Traveler do sound great for blues though, IMO!

[st_brickworks]

to ain't got but the one thin dime

Gotta love that blues grammar.

[fernmando]

I'd say yes.

[Shelagh Moore]

Both of mine sound good but the National sounds better still...