Page 4 of 4 FirstFirst 1234
Results 76 to 84 of 84

Thread: Playing chords alongside traditional tunes

  1. #76
    Registered User Eldon Dennis's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2002
    Location
    Sequim, WA
    Posts
    69

    Default Re: Playing chords alongside traditional tunes

    I first entered the "world of mandolin" when my good friend that played banjo was part of a group formed to play for weekly contra dances. He asked me to join and help provide rhythm for the dancers as the "band" was quite small. At that point in time I'd only played a bit of guitar and had barely learned a few two finger chords on the mandolin. I was very intimidated the first time I showed up with my mandolin at one of their tune learning sessions, but was welcomed and given a lot of encouragement. I was told "playing the wrong chord will happen, just be sure to play it on time". Based on my experience of being involved with this accepting and encouraging group, I was hooked on the mandolin and quickly developed better timing and was able to slowly progress to playing many different chord fingerings and eventually playing melodies. Personally, I think starting by playing chords and working on timing and chord progressions was very helpful for eventually playing melodies. If the jam session is accepting, I strongly urge you to join them and work hard to get some chord fingerings and rhythm experiences in your "tool kit". Do a lot of playing along with recordings on your own which will help you make progress in making quick chord changes. One more point - get the best mandolin you can possible afford - that way when you do something correct - it will sound correct! Good luck - jump in and enjoy!
    1992 Flatiron F5 Master model
    2009 Weber A model Fern
    2011 Collings MT mandola
    1985 Flatiron 2M

  2. The following members say thank you to Eldon Dennis for this post:

    maxr 

  3. #77

    Default Re: Playing chords alongside traditional tunes

    Larten, you're certainly not alone. Leo Kottke likes to muse that he plays guitar because it gives him something socially acceptable to do with his hands. Of course he uses humor a lot, but I suspect there's some truth at heart here (he says create when you're manic; edit when depressed ). One reason I like to play accordions is that it has lots of fiddly bits. My favorite instruments are ones that involve some level of complexity - harpers arrange their own tunes; accordionists can emulate samba; horns are extensions of breath with commensurate sonic capacity... I often say that I'm just a drummer/dancer (who doesn't have a kit anymore) - the instruments certainly have their character, and whatever idiomatic expression in one's lexicon, but the music is within us, between us - the mitwelt, umwelt, eigenwelt, and uberwelt.

  4. #78

    Default Re: Playing chords alongside traditional tunes

    Whoops I forgot to say mandolins are awesome

  5. #79
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Dec 2021
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    51

    Default Re: Playing chords alongside traditional tunes

    There's no model in the ad, description is just "Kentucky Mandolin, selling for a friend". Will stick with the plan I had I think

    https://imgur.com/a/MsjuZiq

  6. #80
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Feb 2018
    Location
    Guildford + Falmouth England
    Posts
    916

    Default Re: Playing chords alongside traditional tunes

    Other threads here mention that Kentucky mandolins have varied a lot over the years. Current more affordable models appear to be well thought of for value, older ones are said to be more variable. Dunno what model or age this is, any ideas?

  7. #81
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Dec 2021
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    51

    Default Re: Playing chords alongside traditional tunes

    I also found this Ozark on gumtree, sounds like it has been looked after and set up with a new bridge which is promising. £180 for everything plus paying for shipping, I'm good with that even if I need to take it to a shop for setup after.

    https://imgur.com/a/zr8sTay

  8. #82
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Feb 2018
    Location
    Guildford + Falmouth England
    Posts
    916

    Default Re: Playing chords alongside traditional tunes

    Ethan - there's an Ozark that looks similar on Ebay.co.uk (except it's also electric), used with a starting price of £80. It probably has a higher reserve.

    Eagle Music , a UK mandolin and banjo specialist (I bought from them, otherwise no connection), is selling a very similar looking Ozark for £180 new, and I bet you'll find 5 or 6 UK shops at that price for the same model. IF the Gumtree one is the same model (there are £300 Ozarks that look similar), IMO they're asking way too much money however recent it is, and 'fitted new ebony bridge' doesn't add much - you can buy a cheap new bridge for £15. There are several very hopefully priced used instruments on Ebay UK and Gumtree at the moment - it's been like that for a number of things (I know of musical instruments and bikes) since Covid started, maybe before. It may be that you could do a lot better for the money either getting a new mandolin with a guarantee (e.g. Eagle have 5 in that general price range, I bet your local shops have a choice too) or maybe a better value used one?

  9. #83
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Dec 2021
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    51

    Default Re: Playing chords alongside traditional tunes

    Quote Originally Posted by maxr View Post
    It may be that you could do a lot better for the money either getting a new mandolin with a guarantee (e.g. Eagle have 5 in that general price range, I bet your local shops have a choice too) or maybe a better value used one?
    Aye definitely I'll stick with my original plan of going to my local small music store, I think I was just tempted by the nice hard case (which I gather can cost ~£45) and strings on top of a not rubbish mando.

    At this point it's just a waiting game of how long I can resist going to the shop.

  10. #84
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Feb 2018
    Location
    Guildford + Falmouth England
    Posts
    916

    Default Re: Playing chords alongside traditional tunes

    A hard case is certainly better than a gig bag when you take it out the house, or even in the house - my son moves Marshall 4 x 12 guitar cabinets about. You occasionally also see them on Ebay in good condition, or 'open box' deals from shops. I've seen a used Gator thermoplastic mandolin case on Ebay UK at a good saving from new. That (or the Thomann thermoplastic equivalent, or an SKB, or....) should keep the rain out better than a budget plywood hard case covered in some kind of papery fake leather. It might even fit an upgrade mandolin if you catch MAS (Mandolin Acquisition Syndrome) from exposure to this forum...

    You could maybe also ask your local shop if they ever get used mandolins in - if they know you're looking for one, they'd maybe e.g. take one in p/ex for something.

    Happy New Year soon, and 'Lang may yer lum reek wi' ither folks' coal', as my granny from Coatbridge used to say. Google translation may be available for those not conversant with the language...

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
  •