Re: Classical Mandolin
Hi Marie,
I'd like to put a bit more emphasis on what Rob said about the orchestra's expectations:
When you play in an orchestra, it is very important that your instrument does not "cut through the mix". Being the only mandolinist in a bluegras band you sure want your intrument to stand out amongst banjos and fiddles because otherwise you wouldn't be heard at all. At the same time, everything else about the sound and tone is only a matter of taste - you can sound the way you like because you are the mandolinist.
All this is totally different in an orchestra. Here, you "team up" with others that play the same part as you, and you want to sound like one instrument. Also, a second group will play something different, and they will also try to sound like one instrument. Thus, an orchestra is a very delicate and well-balanced system, and it makes sense to us instruments that do not differ that much soundwise as this would disturb the balance. I assure you, a "Gibson-style" mandolin (A or F, whatever) will always stand out in an orchestra of bowl backs, no matter how soft you're playing. And now imagine playing some "backing" voice in second mandolin with an instrument that stands out!
So, in conclusion: Look what kind of intruments the others play and get one that fits in. And maybe this has not the sound you like when you're on your own, so "unfortunately" you need another one (Just search for the term "MAS" here on the cafe...)
Mandolins: 1920s (?) Meinel & Herold Bowlback, 2006 Furch "Redwood MA-1" A5
Octaves: 2004 Fender FMO-66 Flat-Top, 2015 A. Karperien 5 String Electric
Banjos: 2007 Gold Tone IT-250F Irish Tenor, 1963 Vega Vox No. 1 Plectrum, 2016 Recording King RK-OT25 Clawhammer
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