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Thread: Holding the mandolin when on the bigger size?

  1. #1

    Default Holding the mandolin when on the bigger size?

    I’ve just started playing the mandolin a few months ago and I’ve been doing my best to follow practice videos and techniques videos but one issue I’m struggling with is a comfortable hold. I’m a larger dude so I have a strap but all the beginner videos I’ve seen for proper grip and hold suggested resting the mandolin in your lap but that real estate is already occupied by a belly. So might be one of the odder questions here but any other big guys how to hold/rest the mandolin while playing?

  2. #2
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    Default Re: Holding the mandolin when on the bigger size?

    not sure if Pete is "big" enough but

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  3. #3

    Default Re: Holding the mandolin when on the bigger size?

    Use a strap and make it tight enough and at a good angle where you don’t need to use your left hand to hold it up.

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    Likes quaint instruments poul hansen's Avatar
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    Default Re: Holding the mandolin when on the bigger size?

    I'm not so big but found that my banjolele would slide to the side, even with a strap, so I placed one of those sticky mats for dashboard use on the back of it. Problem solved.

    If it gets to fuzzy, just wash it with dishwashing soap and it's as good as new.
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    Innocent Bystander JeffD's Avatar
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    Default Re: Holding the mandolin when on the bigger size?

    You might try a tone gard. I am kind of built like, well.. a bowlback. And while I do hold the instrument away from my belly I do get sloppy when tired. The tone gard allows me to even lean it against me, and get all the advantages of a perfect body free grip without having to lose weight or buy a rowing machine.
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    Default Re: Holding the mandolin when on the bigger size?

    Quote Originally Posted by DumbDonkey View Post
    all the beginner videos I’ve seen ...
    $0 lessons, you get what you pay for. more $0 advice. hands are for playing the mandolin, not for holding it in position. more $0 advice. use a strap adjusted to have your mandolin in the same position for playing sitting as for playing standing. $200 advice, play a bowl back mandolin (convex against convex), you may like it.

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