Like just about everybody else, I have a lot of time on my hands these days to stay constantly apprised of new discussions and classified listings at my favorite website in the world, namely the Mandolin Cafe. I'm wondering how The Situation is impacting people in the mandolin and acoustic music world.
I had a bunch of St. Pat's gigs canceled due to social distancing. I canceled a monthly show I produce. The theater was nice enough to credit me the time. The money I spent on Facebook advertising won't come back, nor will the event insurance, but that's OK. I'm hoping we won't have to cancel April but that remains to be seen.
On the plus side, I have been practicing A TON. And that's been a good thing. I straightened out a bunch of stuff with my right hand, including learning to not plant my palm on the bridge, which just deadens the sound plate. All these years, who would've thought? It's like I discovered old sweat socks stuffed in my mandolin, pulled them out, and voila! Viva la difference!
I took a video lesson from Lauren Price for some tips on playing that greasy Monroe way. She's a heck of a player and a super nice person.
I took a couple of mandolins that needed repair to Dale Ludwig for some TLC. One is pictured above, the Duff I bought when my father passed, which badly needed frets.
I've been watching the classifieds to see how the epidemic impacts things. I must say I'm encouraged that if anything there seem to be fewer people selling mandolins. I haven't done a statistical analysis or anything. Just judging from what I see. There has not been a proliferation of great deals, so I'm taking that as a sign that people are generally weathering the storm.
So how you doin'?
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