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Thread: And now for something completely different...

  1. #1
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default And now for something completely different...

    A mandolin fret board tie...

    https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/178276#178276



    NFI
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

  2. #2
    Registered User Sue Rieter's Avatar
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    Default Re: And now for something completely different...

    I would think mens' ties would be hard enough to wear without trying to wear one made of wood !

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  4. #3
    Professional Dreamer journeybear's Avatar
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    Default Re: And now for something completely different...

    Well, you don't have to tie it. But a scooped Florida? Fuhgeddaboutit!

    BTW, if you're interested in a stiff tie, get one that's functional. The drummer in my old band came from and continued with busking as The Washboard Tie Guy. That's a corrugated metal tie with a hook that hangs on your shirt and is a fully functional percussion instrument. He used it plenty in shows, especially in drum solos.

    Click image for larger version. 

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    But that's just my opinion. I could be wrong. - Dennis Miller

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  6. #4
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: And now for something completely different...

    Of course cloth guitar fret board ties have been out for years.

    This mandolin one does look to be well done.
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

  7. #5
    Registered User Pete Martin's Avatar
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    Default Re: And now for something completely different...

    I like how the tie has the Florida but the mandolin doesn’t.
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  8. #6
    Professional Dreamer journeybear's Avatar
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    Default Re: And now for something completely different...

    It's driving me nuts that the photo isn't posted here for easy viewing. Here:

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    For the record, the frets look a bit too close together at the high end.
    But that's just my opinion. I could be wrong. - Dennis Miller

    Furthering Mandolin Consciousness

    Finders Keepers, my duo with the astoundingly talented and versatile Patti Rothberg. Our EP is finally done, and available! PM me, while they last!

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  10. #7
    Registered User Steve VandeWater's Avatar
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    Default Re: And now for something completely different...

    Ha! I thought this would get some comments here!
    I made it as a lark, but liked it so decided to test the waters for potential sales. It's all wood but on a cloth backing. It's jointed at several frets so it bends. If I were to joint it more often it would be nearly as flexible as the cloth to which it is attached. This is a prototype on stiff cloth, so future ones will be a LOT more flexible. You live and learn.
    The frets may be off a bit, but it won't effect your intonation!
    Regarding the Florida...my White doesn't have one but my Pruitt does.
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    Last edited by Steve VandeWater; Nov-01-2021 at 7:14am.
    It ain't gotta be perfect, as long as it's perfect enough!

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  12. #8
    Gummy Bears and Scotch BrianWilliam's Avatar
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    Default Re: And now for something completely different...

    Can you do a radius FB?

  13. #9
    Registered User Elliot Luber's Avatar
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    Default Re: And now for something completely different...

    I like it, but not $60 worth.

  14. #10

    Default Re: And now for something completely different...

    I’ve forgotten, what’s a tie?

  15. #11
    Moderator JEStanek's Avatar
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    Default Re: And now for something completely different...

    My belly does that.
    There are two things to aim at in life: first, to get what you want; and, after that, to enjoy it. Only the wisest of mankind achieve the second. Logan Pearsall Smith, 1865 - 1946

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    Default Re: And now for something completely different...

    I used to be cheap on stuff. Like is $x worth it? Well, if I figure I'll wear it a few times a year for a few years the cost per wearing gets pretty low. When I consider no one else will have that item that improves it's value (who want's to look like everyone else is part of my style). When I think how hard an object (like a mandolin) is to make and the time spent making it the cost naturally goes up. There's a great video on Youtube and tiktok where the singer says "It costs so much because it takes me %$%$ing hours." as the chorus. Great song. Exposure doesn't pay the bills.

    I think the tie is cool with the articulation and your willingness to customize (we won't talk pricing and what not on this thread, ok).


    Jamie
    There are two things to aim at in life: first, to get what you want; and, after that, to enjoy it. Only the wisest of mankind achieve the second. Logan Pearsall Smith, 1865 - 1946

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  18. #13
    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
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    Default Re: And now for something completely different...

    With the holidays approaching, the tie looks like the almost-perfect gift for your mandolin-playing friend who has every mando gimcrack already.

    Only drawback is that it might abrade the back of your Gilchrist, if you play it up on the chest a la Big Mon. Perhaps a silk sleeve to slip it into during performances...?
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  19. #14
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: And now for something completely different...

    Great, now I can get drool on two mandolin fingerboards at the same time!
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

  20. #15
    Registered User Steve VandeWater's Avatar
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    Default Re: And now for something completely different...

    I've seen several comments about it abrading the back of your mandolin while playing. To be clear, the whole thing is made of painted basswood, even the frets. I'm pretty sure the back of almost any mandolin is made of harder stuff.
    But you don't have to wear it WHILE PLAYING!
    I think it would look snazzy with a suit.
    It ain't gotta be perfect, as long as it's perfect enough!

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  22. #16
    Registered User Steve VandeWater's Avatar
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    Default Re: And now for something completely different...

    Quote Originally Posted by Elliot Luber View Post
    I like it, but not $60 worth.
    Admins, if this question is inappropriate for the forum, please let me know.
    Elliot and everyone else, l didn't really know how to price it. What would folks be willing to pay for something like this?
    It ain't gotta be perfect, as long as it's perfect enough!

  23. #17
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: And now for something completely different...

    Steve, all kidding aside, it looks like a well made product. Good luck with your endeavor.
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

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  25. #18
    Moderator JEStanek's Avatar
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    Default Re: And now for something completely different...

    Quote Originally Posted by Steve VandeWater View Post
    Admins, if this question is inappropriate for the forum, please let me know.
    Elliot and everyone else, l didn't really know how to price it. What would folks be willing to pay for something like this?
    I'm not going to bandy about numbers but, look at various neck tie sites. Those are just fabric (a raw material) and sewing time from standard templates. You have wood, paint, stain and backing materials all to deal with. I'm willing to bet your time is significantly more and your output significantly less than even boutique tie companies.

    I pretty much ONLY wear bow ties anymore. I get mine from smaller companies that have cool designs. They cost a bit less to similar to yours.

    I overheard someone at an arts festival moaning about how they could get something similar on amazon for less. Well, why are you at an art show insulting artists, then? Because chances are, unless it's Etsy, you're not going to find the same thing on Amazon for less. Would we tell a musician I don't want to spend $x on a ticket to see you play when I have the radio for free or buy your download or CD when I can spotify for free?

    I may not expect to sell thousands of those mandolin fretboard ties as we are a tiny group of enthusiasts and may not all want to be all mando all the time but, I hope you sell a bunch and the folks who wear them dig them and enjoy the compliments.

    Price them at your materials, and time and some for coming up with the cool idea so that they are worth the effort.

    Jamie
    There are two things to aim at in life: first, to get what you want; and, after that, to enjoy it. Only the wisest of mankind achieve the second. Logan Pearsall Smith, 1865 - 1946

    + Give Blood, Save a Life +

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