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Thread: What Sensation Should You Feel for "The One?"

  1. #26
    Registered User withfoam's Avatar
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    Default Re: What Sensation Should You Feel for "The One?"

    I'm similar to Kevin above. For me, the first strum was all it took. I went into the shop thinking I was about to plunk down 10k on a varnish they had and started playing the others they had. I strummed the varnish one and it really just didn't do anything for me. I picked off another and it felt better. They then paraded out the 3 of that same model they had. Of the 3, the one I walked out with, I strummed once and was like..."whoa...there is something very different here." It resonated and sounded so different and perfect to my ears.

    I would say that if you weren't blown away at first pass, you might just pass.
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  3. #27
    Innocent Bystander JeffD's Avatar
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    Default Re: What Sensation Should You Feel for "The One?"

    I am not sure I am on board with "the one" idea. I have fallen in love with specific instruments, but unlike dating, I have never seen a need to be exclusive. And I have purchased the last mandolin I will ever need several times now, and never quit the previous last one I will ever need. So I have one that excels at bluegrass and chopping, another that is wonderful for classical, that one is a rez and can be heard in the next county, and so on. They are not "assigned" in any sense, but they all have their strengths and idiosyncrasies.


    I have rarely picked up a mandolin and said, yea this one I want. A few times, but not generally. What happens is I get attracted to a certain mandolin from seeing it and especially hearing it, and then I start saving, so that I am ready to pounce if and when it becomes available.

    What makes a mandolin attractive? Mostly the sound, the look, and perhaps the history or legend or mythology surrounding it. Playability is an issue of course, but it works in its opposite - lack of playability is a deal breaker. I have not found a well made mandolin that was uncomfortable or objectionable. I don't have a preference, really, for this kind of neck or those kinds of frets.
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  5. #28
    Distressed Model John Ritchhart's Avatar
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    Default Re: What Sensation Should You Feel for "The One?"

    It's the sensation of picking a puppy and taking it home from a kill shelter.
    We few, we happy few.

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  7. #29
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    Default Re: What Sensation Should You Feel for "The One?"

    Not being able to put the dang thing down after losing track of time. This convers all the bases: tone, volume, playability, neck profile, structural integrity, staying in tune, and looks.

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  9. #30
    Registered User Eric Platt's Avatar
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    Default Re: What Sensation Should You Feel for "The One?"

    JeffD hits what I was thinking on the head. It doesn't have to be one. It could be multiple "ones". The ultimate would be one you don't want to put down and helps you translate what you are hearing in your head (music, not voices) to your hands and makes music. Don't worry about what others think. It's what you think of it that is the most important.

    And on the subject of oval hole Gibsons, my A Jr. has had numerous repairs and overspray. It's not pretty. But I knew from the first strum that it would be sticking around.
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  11. #31
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: What Sensation Should You Feel for "The One?"

    I played the entire wall at Mandolin Bros. and kept coming back to the one I bought because it just spoke to me.

    I went to Staten Island.
    To buy myself a mandolin.

    --Joni Mitchell
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
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  13. #32
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    Default Re: What Sensation Should You Feel for "The One?"

    You just know. Sometimes you will think you know and later discover that you were wrong.

    But it’s like “true love”. Asking others (if they agree) might make you feel better but you have to make up your own mind.

    You will know.

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  15. #33
    Registered User John Soper's Avatar
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    Default Re: What Sensation Should You Feel for "The One?"

    There is nothing that surpasses that dopamine rush when you first fall in love. I experienced that a couple of times with partners and mandolins. True love with another person requires constant tweaking but picking up the one (or more) musical instruments that gives you that rush is also something that may keep going every time you pick it (her or him) up. As Brad suggested, you may develop a fancy for another instrument as your taste changes, or you may have the life-time partner. My mother was a pianist and couldn't appreciate the attachment that I (guitar & mandolin), my brother (guitar), or my sister (violin) have for our favorite instruments.

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  17. #34
    Registered User Eldon Dennis's Avatar
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    Default Re: What Sensation Should You Feel for "The One?"

    I second the idea that a good setup can make the difference between an instrument being "OK" and one that is a "joy" to play. That is certainly the case with my 2009 Weber A Fern. It was a decent sounding mandolin and the neck profile fit my hand nicely, but it wasn't anything special. Needing some fret work I took it to Gail Hester and asked her to give it a good "once over" and replace the Breke bridge with a Cumberland one. She did a fabulous job and now it's my favorite mando to play. The intonation is better, action is better and the tone is better with the Cumberland bridge. It's now a definite keeper!
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  19. #35
    Registered User sblock's Avatar
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    Default Re: What Sensation Should You Feel for "The One?"

    Lots of advice here. My own two cents are these: if, when you play it, the mandolin doesn't say something to you, i.e., doesn't brings you a more special sound sensation than when you normally play your own instrument, then don't buy it. Either you're not right for it, or it's not right for you. As we learn to play mandolin and steadily improve, our tastes change, and our ability to discriminate/appreciate subtle differences improves, too! (Tasting fine wines is not much different, and it requires time and experience.) Trust me, there will likely come a time in your mandolin journey when your budget Alvarez begins to sound utterly dull and listless to you, compared to some other -- and probably more expensive! -- mandolins that are available and in your price range. THAT IS WHEN you should consider upgrading, and no sooner. If the mandolin only sounds "a little louder and richer" than yours, as you wrote, then I doubt that you're ready to make that upgrade. Either the mandolin is not that great (very possible), or your mandolin tastes have not yet quite evolved to hear any greatness (also possible). It doesn't matter which one it is. Believe me, as you get better at playing, you will also get better at hearing the sound of a great instrument. And that sound is something very personal, for you: not everyone has the same taste, after all.

    So, unless the playability of your current instrument is an issue, and not just the tone, I would hold out for an instrument that just says "wow" to your ears when you play it. Don't settle for "okay, it's clearly a bit better than mine."

    This is sort of a reverse "Marie Kondo!" Don't acquire a new mandolin unless it "sparks joy" in you. And don't take anyone else's word about the sound. either! You must be the sole judge.

    And recognize that your musical tastes are constantly evolving, as you continue to play, along with your sonic discriminatory ability. Wait for something to speak to you.

    P.S. And ditto to what Eldon Dennis wrote. Regardless of what mandolin you play, the setup is crucial.

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  21. #36
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: What Sensation Should You Feel for "The One?"

    The clouds will part, a ray of light will illuminate the mandolin in your hands and you will hear the voices of a Hundred angels.

    OK, just kidding but two instruments stand out in my experience. The first was a 1959 Martin O-18 T tenor guitar, with the first strum, the hair on the back of my neck stood up. I bought it on the spot.

    The second was a Heiden F-5 mandolin, again same thing, three seconds into playing it the hair on the back of my neck stood up and I just thought "WOW!" Unfortunately, I could not afford it (still can't) but it haunts me to this day.
    Last edited by Charles E.; Feb-03-2021 at 6:13pm.
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    A bunch of stuff with four strings

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  23. #37
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Default Re: What Sensation Should You Feel for "The One?"

    Agree; after the 2 of my mandolins that went in for a re-fret they also got the fingerboard leveled..

    but in keeping with the title : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6913...ature=emb_logo
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  25. #38
    Registered User Sherry Cadenhead's Avatar
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    Default Re: What Sensation Should You Feel for "The One?"

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Garber View Post
    Sherry: Before you decide that the Gibson is not for you, a few questions. How old and what type of strings are in it? Are they the same strings you use on your Alvarez? If old strings I highly suggest you put new strings on it preferably ones you like, if possible. Was it just the tone you didn’t like or was it more difficult to play? Is the action higher than your Alvarez? I assume the neck is chunkier but does that bother you? Sometimes it is only a matter of getting used to in a short time. Take some time to A-B it with yours as well as to play it for an extended time. OTOH you may already have decided that this is not the one which is of course perfectly fine.
    So, to answer your questions, Jim:

    My friend Laurie changed the strings just before giving me the instrument. They look like - or very similar to - the D-Addario EJ74s I just put on my Alvarez.

    It seems louder and richer than my Alvarez, but there's some buzzing as I move toward the bridge, except the E string, which sounds good.

    I don't believe the action is higher. It isn't difficult to play.

    I don't see that the neck is chunkier.

    I had planned to play the Gibson for my whole hour of practice this afternoon, but, honestly, I wasn't enjoying it, primarily due to the buzzing, so I'm switching back to the Alvarez.

    I have a lesson next Tuesday and my teacher has asked me to bring the Gibson with me. She's a professional violinist, so who knows how that will go?

    I'm thinking this Gibson is not the one for me. In addition to the other issues I mentioned, the tuning keys are difficult to turn.

  26. #39
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    Default Re: What Sensation Should You Feel for "The One?"

    The tuning keys can be replaced and the frets leveled to stop the buzz. What counts is do you like the sound, the rest is set up and upgrade. The tuners may need a lube, or replacement. If you like the neck and you like the sound the rest is not a problem. I would see if the strings are the same by measuring them, it is hard to tell the gauge by looking and lighter strings will need a higher action to not buzz as they vibrate more than heavier ones.
    THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE!

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  28. #40
    Registered User Sue Rieter's Avatar
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    Default Re: What Sensation Should You Feel for "The One?"

    I think pops1 makes a good point. If you haven't already decided against it, perhaps you could bring it over to that luthier down the street for a pre-purchase inspection, like we do with cars. Not to have him do anything, just to see what's going on with that buzz, maybe give you an estimate of what it would take to make it right. When I got my Mid-Mo, the C string buzzed like crazy in the upper frets. A brace was loose.

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  30. #41
    Registered User Marcus CA's Avatar
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    Default Re: What Sensation Should You Feel for "The One?"

    Quote Originally Posted by MikeEdgerton View Post
    I played the entire wall at Mandolin Bros. and kept coming back to the one I bought because it just spoke to me.
    Ah, Mandolin Bros. That's the only store where there was basically an entire wall of octave mandolins, bouzoukis, and mandocellos. On my only trip there, I was able to play FOUR mandocellos side-by-side! And I "kept coming back to the one I bought because it just spoke to me." Because it was more expensive than any other instrument that I owned at the time, I bought a t-shirt instead of the 'cello.

    So, what sensations did I feel for the one?

    1) Everything that dan in va said in #29.
    2) Major pangs of regret for walking out the door without it in my hands.
    3) The urge to check the Mandolin Bros. website nearly every day to see if it was still there.

    A month later, it was still there, and with my wife's blessing, I called Stan Jay and bought that five-year old Weber Gallatin F. I still have it, and I have no desire for another one, because it is THE ONE!

    Quote Originally Posted by Sherry Cadenhead View Post
    I'm thinking this Gibson is not the one for me.
    Then it isn't. Game over. If it's THE ONE, you'll have no doubt.
    still trying to turn dreams into memories

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  32. #42

    Default Re: What Sensation Should You Feel for "The One?"

    Well, a defective amp can make an electric mandolin raise the hair on your neck, and maybe see a few stars too. And, depending on the particular fault, prevent you from putting the instrument down.

  33. #43
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    Default Re: What Sensation Should You Feel for "The One?"

    For me, like when I first met my dear wife.
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  34. #44

    Default Re: What Sensation Should You Feel for "The One?"

    Sherry,
    I think SBlock's advice is good to consider. The longer we play, the more our technique changes and our ears become attuned to the nuances of mandolin sounds. It sounds like your Alvarez is satisfying you for now. As you get better at playing you'll develop a taste for what you like in a mando. Also, the genre of music you play makes a big difference in the instrument you choose. Oval holes and F holes are very different creatures. There's a whole world of different mandolins to consider and you'll likely be looking at the $2k range down the road, so take your time.

  35. #45
    Registered User Sherry Cadenhead's Avatar
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    Default Re: What Sensation Should You Feel for "The One?"

    Quote Originally Posted by Rob Roy View Post
    Sherry,
    I think SBlock's advice is good to consider. The longer we play, the more our technique changes and our ears become attuned to the nuances of mandolin sounds. It sounds like your Alvarez is satisfying you for now. As you get better at playing you'll develop a taste for what you like in a mando. Also, the genre of music you play makes a big difference in the instrument you choose. Oval holes and F holes are very different creatures. There's a whole world of different mandolins to consider and you'll likely be looking at the $2k range down the road, so take your time.
    Rob, I'm willing and able to spend $2 - 3K now - and I'm starting to be unhappy with the Alvarez sound, although changing from light to medium strings helped.

    I just wish I could go to one place and try a bunch of oval holes, rather than just this one I have on loan.

    I won't eliminate the Gibson yet. I have occasional lessons with a seasoned local mandolin teacher/player. I think I'll set up something with him and see what he thinks about the Gibson. In the meantime, I'll force myself to play it at least a few minutes each day. In the end whether to keep it or not will be my decision.

  36. #46
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    Default Re: What Sensation Should You Feel for "The One?"

    Have you considered a weekend getaway to Nashville (not a far drive from DFW - but I love road trips)? It’s pretty much mandolin heaven and you’d surely find the one if it exists.
    ...

  37. #47
    Registered User Sherry Cadenhead's Avatar
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    Default Re: What Sensation Should You Feel for "The One?"

    Quote Originally Posted by Caleb View Post
    Have you considered a weekend getaway to Nashville (not a far drive from DFW - but I love road trips)? It’s pretty much mandolin heaven and you’d surely find the one if it exists.
    I failed to mention my husband thinks I should be satisfied with what I have. He is retired and we're comfortable financially. I work part-time as a financial advisor and can use what I make as i like, which used to be major trips for the 2 of us. With part of what we haven't spent over the last year I'd like to upgrade my instrument. As a practical matter, easier said than done - but I'm working on it.

    More than you wanted to know, but it's certainly a factor.

    Regarding a road trip to Nashville, it's certainly something to work toward!
    Last edited by Sherry Cadenhead; Feb-04-2021 at 12:34pm. Reason: Afterthought

  38. #48
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    Default Re: What Sensation Should You Feel for "The One?"

    Quote Originally Posted by Frankdolin View Post
    To me it's that feeling you get when something, or someone, makes your heart rate rise, hands sweat, toes curl... And the real beauty, with mandolins, is you can be as promiscuous as you want. Or can afford.
    What he said. I got that feeling from my Pava and my Weber, and I decided I needed to try a Collings. I finally found one I could afford, paid for it, and when it arrived, it gave me the same feeling as the Pava and Weber. They are all staying. They all feel like "coming home." That's the only way I can describe the feeling.

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  40. #49

    Default Re: What Sensation Should You Feel for "The One?"

    What a great discussion!
    I think it also has to do with your life situation and your musical needs. 10 years ago I was a guitar player who needed to learn mandolin for a band with too many guitarists. It was fun buying, trading and selling. Bouzoukis, octaves, nordic mandolas, mandolins, f hole and oval, etc etc etc. Now I want to be done! I'm a good shipper but I want to be done shipping.

    I need a big strummy mando family instrument. Trillium mandola (basically a bouzouki body on a mandola neck). Check. It's the one.
    I need an oval hole mandolin. I got a good deal on an MT2-0. As long as I can get used to the wide nut, it's one-ish enough. Check.
    I need an F hole mandolin. The NF5S should be enough...but my eye is really wandering right now.

    Once I fill those roles I want to be done buying/selling/trading. It's less fun now. I want to concentrate on getting to know specific instruments over the years.
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  41. #50
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    Default Re: What Sensation Should You Feel for "The One?"

    Quote Originally Posted by Sherry Cadenhead View Post
    I failed to mention my husband thinks I should be satisfied with what I have. He is retired and we're comfortable financially. I work part-time as a financial advisor and can use what I make as i like, which used to be major trips for the 2 of us. With part of what we haven't spent over the last year I'd like to upgrade my instrument. As a practical matter, easier said than done - but I'm working on it.

    More than you wanted to know, but it's certainly a factor.

    Regarding a road trip to Nashville, it's certainly something to work toward!
    Sometimes Charley’s over in Dallas (Harry Hines and Royal) will have a few quality mandolins on the wall. It seems like last time I was in there they had some sort of old Gibson oval and a couple Collings models. Definitely keep them in mind.
    ...

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