Page 1 of 4 1234 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 79

Thread: How do you answer "what is that thing?", when playing a mandolin!

  1. #1
    Mandolin user MontanaMatt's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Location
    Bozeman, MT
    Posts
    1,252

    Default How do you answer "what is that thing?", when playing a mandolin!

    How are you supposed to react when people in the crowd ask what you're playing? I play a F-style mandolin, and the people who asked recently were from Madison Wisconsin, USA, were over 50, and acted like they'd never seen such a weird ukulele!
    After a few replies I'll tell how I dealt with it(not my first time with this)
    BTW, you should see my bass player freak out when people ask about the cello! LOL!(he's over six foot tall and plays a huge bull fiddle)
    2007 Weber Custom Elite "old wood"
    2017 Ratliff R5 Custom #1148
    Several nice old Fiddles
    2007 Martin 000-15S 12 fret Auditorium-slot head
    Deering Classic Open Back
    Too many microphones

    BridgerCreekBoys.com

  2. #2

    Default Re: How do you answer "what is that thing?", when playing a mando

    I once answered that question from a youngster like this, `I don`t know, I found it in a dumpster out back`.

    I`m not sure why I decided to be such a jerk.
    www.apitiusmandolins.com

    What is good Phaedrus? and what is not good?, need we ask anyone to tell us these things?

  3. #3
    The Amateur Mandolinist Mark Gunter's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    South of Cleburne, North of Hillsboro, Texas
    Posts
    5,089

    Default Re: How do you answer "what is that thing?", when playing a mando

    It's cool when people are curious about your instrument. I'm a long-time guitarist, and only recently getting out in public with the mandolin. Most of the queries about it have been when I'm carrying it in its case - or in reference to the mandolin I have tattooed on my forearm.

    Re: the case, so far, a couple of folk have recognized it as a mandolin (both were musicians) and everybody else asked either if it were a banjo, or if it were a fiddle.

    Re: the tattoo, conversations are commonly like, "You play guitar?" "Yes, I do! Are you a musician?" "Oh, no, I just noticed the tattoo." "Ah, yeah, that's actually a mandolin." Then I give them a close look at the tattoo and tell them all about the mandolin if they're interested.
    WWW.THEAMATEURMANDOLINIST.COM
    ----------------------------------
    "Life is short. Play hard." - AlanN

    ----------------------------------
    HEY! The Cafe has Social Groups, check 'em out. I'm in these groups:
    Newbies Social Group | The Song-A-Week Social
    The Woodshed Study Group | Blues Mando
    - Advice For Mandolin Beginners
    - YouTube Stuff

  4. #4
    Registered User Hendrik Ahrend's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    Leer, Northern Germany
    Posts
    1,554

    Default Re: How do you answer "what is that thing?", when playing a mando

    Bill Monroe politely answered the question (by a German) in Germany 1975, "this is a mandolin, Sir." Why not?

  5. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Hendrik Ahrend For This Useful Post:


  6. #5

    Default Re: How do you answer "what is that thing?", when playing a mando

    One must remember, not everyone is musically obcessed.
    Silverangel A
    Arches F style kit
    1913 Gibson A-1

  7. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Br1ck For This Useful Post:


  8. #6
    but that's just me Bertram Henze's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    0.8 mpc from NGC224, upstairs
    Posts
    10,054

    Default Re: How do you answer "what is that thing?", when playing a mando

    The circles both of things unknown and people unknowing are expanding. The world is getting out of hand.

    Some time ago, I picked up a batch of Icelandic cod liver oil at the local customs office. The woman in charge had never heard of cod liver oil - after some painstaking explanation from me about what is was for, she classified it as "dietary supplements".

    Last edited by Bertram Henze; Oct-25-2017 at 3:00am.
    the world is better off without bad ideas, good ideas are better off without the world

  9. #7
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    High Peak - UK
    Posts
    4,171

    Default Re: How do you answer "what is that thing?", when playing a mando

    People usually ask me "What's that instrument called?" And I usually answer "George" although there was one occasion when I walked into a venue carrying my National RM-1 case and someone asked me "What kind of banjo is that?".

  10. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Ray(T) For This Useful Post:


  11. #8
    Registered User Ivan Kelsall's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    Manchester - Lancashire - NW England
    Posts
    14,187

    Default Re: How do you answer "what is that thing?", when playing a mando

    Ray will remember a well know UK Bluegrass (sort of) musician from back in the early 1970's - Pete Sayers. I went to watch him at a club in Manchester one night (Club 43 on Shuedhill). He came on stage with his banjo & said - ''for those of you who don't know what this is - it's a trumpet !''. I thought that was fair enough - if you really don't know, one name's as good as another.

    I remember an episode of the Beverly Hillbillies where somebody had given Jethro an Auto-harp. Jed asked him if he could play it yet, & Jethro told him - 'I've been blowing it all day & can't get a note out of it !". Seemed about right to me - everybody knows that you hit 'em with a stick !,
    Ivan
    Weber F-5 'Fern'.
    Lebeda F-5 "Special".
    Stelling Bellflower BANJO
    Tokai - 'Tele-alike'.
    Ellis DeLuxe "A" style.

  12. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Ivan Kelsall For This Useful Post:


  13. #9
    Mandolin Botherer Shelagh Moore's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Leicestershire, UK
    Posts
    1,378

    Default Re: How do you answer "what is that thing?", when playing a mando

    Most people seem to to be able to recognise a mandolin and, if not, I always very politely tell them what it is. My National RM-1 often intrigues people though as most haven't seen anything like it, and that often necessitates a bit more of an explanation. I never feel the need for any smartarse reply...

  14. The following members say thank you to Shelagh Moore for this post:


  15. #10
    Registered User Bob Visentin's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Decatur, GA
    Posts
    254

    Default Re: How do you answer "what is that thing?", when playing a mando

    I was playing bass fiddle for a Cajun dance in Birmingham AL. I was on break and talking to a woman and told her I was the bass player. She asked "Is that the one that goes like this?" , and made an accordion in and out motion.

  16. The following members say thank you to Bob Visentin for this post:


  17. #11
    but that's just me Bertram Henze's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    0.8 mpc from NGC224, upstairs
    Posts
    10,054

    Default Re: How do you answer "what is that thing?", when playing a mando

    Quote Originally Posted by Ray(T) View Post
    ... there was one occasion when I walked into a venue carrying my National RM-1 case and someone asked me "What kind of banjo is that?".
    Be glad they didn't take you for a tennis player.

    I walked into a session (well, it was a BG jam trying to "attract more Irish music") with my OM case, and someone asked "four strings or five strings?" - at least the answer to that was easy.
    the world is better off without bad ideas, good ideas are better off without the world

  18. #12
    but that's just me Bertram Henze's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    0.8 mpc from NGC224, upstairs
    Posts
    10,054

    Default Re: How do you answer "what is that thing?", when playing a mando

    Quote Originally Posted by Bob Visentin View Post
    ...told her I was the bass player.
    She might have answered "catch it first!"
    the world is better off without bad ideas, good ideas are better off without the world

  19. #13
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Kernersville, NC
    Posts
    2,593
    Blog Entries
    3

    Default Re: How do you answer "what is that thing?", when playing a mando

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	mandolin batman.jpg 
Views:	135 
Size:	29.2 KB 
ID:	161779

  20. The Following 9 Users Say Thank You to Mark Wilson For This Useful Post:


  21. #14
    Registered User Frankdolin's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    near Boston, MA
    Posts
    859

    Default Re: How do you answer "what is that thing?", when playing a mando

    Quote Originally Posted by Henry Eagle View Post
    Bill Monroe politely answered the question (by a German) in Germany 1975, "this is a mandolin, Sir." Why not?
    This is the answer I give, seems the most correct to me...

  22. The following members say thank you to Frankdolin for this post:


  23. #15
    Scroll Lock Austin Bob's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    Austin, Tx - some call it heaven
    Posts
    1,183

    Default Re: How do you answer "what is that thing?", when playing a mando

    I play in a Catholic church with a large Hispanic population. When someone asks me, I say: "It's a mandolin, tuned like a violin, except it has double strings, and you play it with your manos - mandolin." I emphasize a vibrato motion with my right hand when I say manos.

    It's a polite answer, and people smile and get it. I walk away without feeling like a jerk.

    I'm not sure how well that would work in the heartland, where most folks think mano a mano means man to man.
    A quarter tone flat and a half a beat behind.

  24. The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to Austin Bob For This Useful Post:


  25. #16
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Howell, NJ
    Posts
    26,874

    Default Re: How do you answer "what is that thing?", when playing a mando

    After I tell folks it's a mandolin I generally tell them that mandolin is the Italian word for out of tune.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

  26. The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to MikeEdgerton For This Useful Post:


  27. #17
    Oval holes are cool David Lewis's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Sydney, Australia
    Posts
    1,466

    Default Re: How do you answer "what is that thing?", when playing a mando

    I just tell them 'it's a mandolin' and then if they ask for more information, give it to them. The solidbody gets the most interest (why is that guitar so small?' 'Well, it's not a guitar, it's a mandolin' 'Oh, really? What makes it different to a guitar' ... 'Well...'
    JBovier ELS; Epiphone MM-50 VN; Epiphone MM-40L; Gretsch New Yorker G9310; Washburn M1SDLB;

    Fender Nashville Deluxe Telecaster; Squier Modified Vintage Cabronita Telecaster; Gretsch 5420T; Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat: Washburn Banjo B9; Ibanez RB 5string; Ibanez RB 4 string bass

    Pedalboard for ELS: Morley Cry baby Miniwah - Tuner - EHX Soul Food Overdrive - EHX Memory Toy analog Delay
    Fender Blues Jr Tweed; Fender Greta;

  28. #18
    acoustically inert F-2 Dave's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Halfway, MO
    Posts
    2,128

    Default Re: How do you answer "what is that thing?", when playing a mando

    I usually tell them it's a mandolin. Anything more than that leaves them standing there politely not listening.
    "Mongo only pawn in game of life." --- Mongo

  29. The following members say thank you to F-2 Dave for this post:


  30. #19
    Still Picking and Sawing Jack Roberts's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Location
    sigmaX>=hbar/2sigmaP
    Posts
    1,701

    Default Re: How do you answer "what is that thing?", when playing a mando

    "This is a mandolin!"

    Not cute, not clever. Like me, I suppose.
    Ha, ha! keep time: how sour sweet music is,
    When time is broke and no proportion kept!
    --William Shakespeare

  31. #20
    Registered User Hendrik Ahrend's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    Leer, Northern Germany
    Posts
    1,554

    Default Re: How do you answer "what is that thing?", when playing a mando

    Seems to me the question is like a remark about the weather or sending a picture post card. People just want to chat, be nice and get close to each other. Why not over mandolins?

  32. #21
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Gainesville, FL
    Posts
    2,664

    Default Re: How do you answer "what is that thing?", when playing a mando

    I usually say it's a "non-Sanforized" guitar. The problem is that too many youngsters today do not know what Sanforized means. Do you guys remember Sanforized shirts that would not shrink when washed...........probably not.

  33. #22
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Howell, NJ
    Posts
    26,874

    Default Re: How do you answer "what is that thing?", when playing a mando

    Quote Originally Posted by Denny Gies View Post
    ....probably not.
    I haven't heard that term in a long time.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

  34. #23
    Middle-Aged Old-Timer Tobin's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Kerrville, TX
    Posts
    4,004

    Default Re: How do you answer "what is that thing?", when playing a mando

    Quote Originally Posted by Jack Roberts View Post
    "This is a mandolin!"

    Not cute, not clever. Like me, I suppose.
    Me too, I guess. If someone asks what my instrument is, I assume they're asking a genuine question and I owe them a genuine answer.

    I just wish they wouldn't ask me questions in the middle of playing a tune. That's just rude.
    Keep that skillet good and greasy all the time!

  35. #24
    Fatally Flawed Bill Kammerzell's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2015
    Location
    Annapolis, MD
    Posts
    1,663

    Default Re: How do you answer "what is that thing?", when playing a mando

    Yes. Remember the term Sanforized, but....... 1)Haven't heard it since I was a kid. 2) Never really thought of what it meant.
    Ray Dearstone #009 D1A (1999)
    Skip Kelley #063 Offset Two Point (2017)
    Arches #9 A Style (2005)
    Bourgeois M5A (2022)
    Hohner and Seydel Harmonicas (various keys)

    "Heck, Jimmy Martin don't even believe in Santy Claus!"

  36. #25
    Fatally Flawed Bill Kammerzell's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2015
    Location
    Annapolis, MD
    Posts
    1,663

    Default Re: How do you answer "what is that thing?", when playing a mando

    I just say "Mandolin". Then look at them, with that, "well, the ball's in your court" sort of look.
    Ray Dearstone #009 D1A (1999)
    Skip Kelley #063 Offset Two Point (2017)
    Arches #9 A Style (2005)
    Bourgeois M5A (2022)
    Hohner and Seydel Harmonicas (various keys)

    "Heck, Jimmy Martin don't even believe in Santy Claus!"

Tags for this Thread

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •