String gauge and setup is also a factor, isn't it?
I'm just a beginner at mandolin (transitioning from guitar). I've been fooling around with some blues licks on my new mando, using T-I Medium flatwounds (actually a light gauge) while I get used to the instrument. I wanted to avoid the cheese grater effect until my calluses develop. With these fairly light (and slippery!) strings, I can do a little sideways-type vibrato across the frets, blues guitar style. Not much, but it's there.
Classical guitar-type linear vibrato doesn't work, or else my fingers just aren't strong enough. I don't think I could even pull off the easier, sideways BB King-type vibrato with heavier strings, or a higher action setup. And I'm talking really subtle vibrato here, at that... not the kind of deep, heavy vibrato King does. The instrument just doesn't seem to want to go there, so I don't think I'm going to invest much time in it.
Lebeda F-5 mandolin, redwood top
Weber Yellowstone F-5 octave mandolin
Bookmarks