Page 1 of 5 12345 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 105

Thread: How Long Did You Fight MAS Before Submitting?

  1. #1
    Troy Shellhamer 9lbShellhamer's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Conway, NH
    Posts
    896

    Default How Long Did You Fight MAS Before Submitting?

    How long did you wait to upgrade your first mandolin?

    I've been playing my Kentucky KM-160 for about 8 months now daily. It was set up well and sounds fine, but after playing an OF model I fell in "Breed"-love. It was just so much nicer to play, the radiused fretboard, the larger frets, etc...

    I'm sure playing on this Kentucky KM160 will make me better in the long run...getting it to sound good/ not buzz is more challenging than the Breedlove...

    I could pull the trigger now but the powers that be, (wife), want me to wait a few more months.

    Maybe I choose a milestone and once I reach it I have earned a nicer mandolin?

  2. #2
    Registered User dusty miller's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Pennsylvania
    Posts
    382

    Default Re: How Long Did You Fight MAS Before Submitting?

    You only fight the MAS untill you have enough money for a new/better one and get the go ahead from the spouse. Other then that, why wait.
    Jacobson #24
    Kentucky KM-620
    Michael Kelly
    Fender
    Gold Tone Banjo

  3. #3
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    Brooklyn, NY, USA
    Posts
    1,249

    Default Re: How Long Did You Fight MAS Before Submitting?

    12 years one mando. I do get the urge though. The more I visit this site the worse it gets too.

  4. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Nevin For This Useful Post:


  5. #4
    Loarcutus of MandoBorg DataNick's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    Fallbrook, CA
    Posts
    3,837

    Default Re: How Long Did You Fight MAS Before Submitting?

    Quote Originally Posted by 9lbShellhamer View Post
    How long did you wait to upgrade your first mandolin?

    I've been playing my Kentucky KM-160 for about 8 months now daily. It was set up well and sounds fine, but after playing an OF model I fell in "Breed"-love. It was just so much nicer to play, the radiused fretboard, the larger frets, etc...

    I'm sure playing on this Kentucky KM160 will make me better in the long run...getting it to sound good/ not buzz is more challenging than the Breedlove...

    I could pull the trigger now but the powers that be, (wife), want me to wait a few more months.

    Maybe I choose a milestone and once I reach it I have earned a nicer mandolin?
    My experience is a better mando does "help" your playing; still have to put in the time working on your chops, etc.

    Re:MAS...RESISTANCE IS FUTILE!
    1994 Gibson F5L - Weber signed


    "Mandolin brands are a guide, not gospel! I don't drink koolaid and that Emperor is naked!"
    "If you wanna get soul Baby, you gots to get the scroll..."
    "I would rather play music anyday for the beggar, the thief, and the fool!"
    "Perfection is not attainable; but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence" Vince Lombardi
    Playing Style: RockMonRoll Desperado Bluegrass Desperado YT Channel

  6. The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to DataNick For This Useful Post:


  7. #5
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Gainesville, FL
    Posts
    2,664

    Default Re: How Long Did You Fight MAS Before Submitting?

    Dusty Miller is right, when the money is there, and the wife or significant other agrees, it is time to submit to MAS. Good luck.

  8. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Denny Gies For This Useful Post:


  9. #6
    Middle-Aged Old-Timer Tobin's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Kerrville, TX
    Posts
    4,004

    Default Re: How Long Did You Fight MAS Before Submitting?

    From my first mandolin, I waited 4 years for an upgrade.

    But it was one hell of an upgrade.

    As for setting milestones to upgrade, I advise against it. It's a form of self-punishment based on guilt. If you want a better mandolin, buy the better mandolin and be happy with it. Don't force yourself to go through some self-imposed rigamarole in order to justify it to yourself. Buy it, enjoy it, and let it inspire you to practice more and be a better player. You'll thank yourself later when you realize the progress you're making because of it, instead of struggling away on a mandolin that isn't totally making you happy.

  10. The Following 10 Users Say Thank You to Tobin For This Useful Post:


  11. #7
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Marcellus, NY
    Posts
    245

    Default Re: How Long Did You Fight MAS Before Submitting?

    I bought a The Loar LM 220 from Craigslist in June and then bought an Eastman 615 about a month ago(brand new for $600.00). I am very happy with both but am still wondering what the next step is. I am a trumpet player/public school teacher by trade and have over 40 trumpets, so I understand MAS.

  12. #8
    Loarcutus of MandoBorg DataNick's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    Fallbrook, CA
    Posts
    3,837

    Default Re: How Long Did You Fight MAS Before Submitting?

    Quote Originally Posted by Sterling View Post
    ...I am a trumpet player/public school teacher by trade and have over 40 trumpets, so I understand MAS.
    You're my hero! 40!...DUDE!

    How many Bachs in your stable?

    Nick
    1994 Gibson F5L - Weber signed


    "Mandolin brands are a guide, not gospel! I don't drink koolaid and that Emperor is naked!"
    "If you wanna get soul Baby, you gots to get the scroll..."
    "I would rather play music anyday for the beggar, the thief, and the fool!"
    "Perfection is not attainable; but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence" Vince Lombardi
    Playing Style: RockMonRoll Desperado Bluegrass Desperado YT Channel

  13. #9
    formerly Philphool Phil Goodson's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Statesville, NC
    Posts
    3,256

    Default Re: How Long Did You Fight MAS Before Submitting?

    Maybe she wants you to wait a few months 'cause she's planning to get it for you for Christmas!
    Phil

    “Sharps/Flats” “Accidentals”

  14. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Phil Goodson For This Useful Post:


  15. #10
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Marcellus, NY
    Posts
    245

    Default Re: How Long Did You Fight MAS Before Submitting?

    Quote Originally Posted by DataNick View Post
    You're my hero! 40!...DUDE!

    How many Bachs in your stable?

    Nick
    Right now I have a Bach C trumpet, a 43 Sterling Bflat, an 37 Bflat and a large bore Shepherd's crook cornet. Don't ask me how many Conns, Olds, and Kings I have! Then there's the Civil War Brass instruments. Check out excelsiorcornetband.com. I'm Lee
    Turner

  16. The following members say thank you to Sterling for this post:


  17. #11

    Default Re: How Long Did You Fight MAS Before Submitting?

    I fought the MAS and the MAS won.

  18. The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to shortymack For This Useful Post:


  19. #12
    working for the mando.... Bluetickhound's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2013
    Location
    Peachtree City, Ga (aka, the bubble)
    Posts
    682

    Default Re: How Long Did You Fight MAS Before Submitting?

    I'm going on about three weeks now... I found a slightly damaged Ibanez at a second hand store for (get this...) $35 and now that I've joined MC some wisenheimer turned me on to Bruce Clark... As soon as he returns my call I feel pretty sure I'm about to wind up with a Nichols Road F5 here shortly...

  20. The following members say thank you to Bluetickhound for this post:


  21. #13
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    Las Vegas, Nevada
    Posts
    687

    Default Re: How Long Did You Fight MAS Before Submitting?

    Well, I went to see a mandolin player, a month ago, I think, and he let me play his mando. It was set up properly and it played like a breeze, was a beautiful mandolin. The very next day my Mom said: "Maybe you could find a mandolin like that in the 500 dollar range...?" and I went looking. Found an MD305 and asked some questions before buying.
    As long as you have the money to buy and you know what you're getting is properly set up, why not?

  22. #14
    Innocent Bystander JeffD's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Upstate New York
    Posts
    24,807
    Blog Entries
    56

    Default Re: How Long Did You Fight MAS Before Submitting?

    I practice coffee can economics. I have a budget "coffee can" for everything. (Its just sub-accounts within my savings account.) So when I find a mandolin I want I start a budget for it and throw money in there. When ever MAS strikes I toss some money in the account as a way of "doing something".

    I was doing this for many years as I lusted after a Lyon & Healy model A (asymmetrical two point with a fiddle scroll on the peg head.) A bunch of years. Finally one came along and the MAS budget was within striking distance of the asking price. I borrowed a little from my new tires account to make up the difference and went for it.

    You can see it here. It is one of the most beautiful mandolins in the world.
    A talent for trivializin' the momentous and complicatin' the obvious.

    The entire staff
    funny....

  23. The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to JeffD For This Useful Post:


  24. #15
    Registered User aphillips's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Santa Barbara, CA
    Posts
    297

    Default Re: How Long Did You Fight MAS Before Submitting?

    Well, unfortunately adulthood has set in. More specifically I should say the recognition of adulthood. I have a decent mandolin in my Breedlove, but after playing a couple Collings, I know I want a little more mando.

    I was saving up for a Collings MF, and had a couple grand, but then realized that I needed to grow up and pay my student loans off first..... so it'll be a couple years. C'est la vie.
    Adam

    www.santabarbarasessions.com
    www.adamphillipsmusic.com
    http://www.facebook.com/santabarbarasessions
    Collings MT2
    Big Muddy M2
    Collings MT Mandola
    Weber Gallitan Octave
    Picotte Mandocello

  25. #16
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Idaho Falls, ID
    Posts
    1,278

    Default Re: How Long Did You Fight MAS Before Submitting?

    Agree that there my be a Christmas mandolin in the future. My poor wife she hears me talk about getting something and commits it to memory. But usually have it before she gets a chance to buy it. She did surprised me once with Daytona 500 tickets.

  26. #17
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    atlanta ga
    Posts
    485

    Default Re: How Long Did You Fight MAS Before Submitting?

    About 16 hours.

    My first mandolin was an Epiphone MM-30 purchased on a whim after work on a Friday. I played it all evening and decided I like playing mandolin.....just not THAT mandolin.
    I was at the music store at 10:00 the next morning and bought a 30's Gibson A1. That kept me happy for at least a few months longer.....then the real madness set in.

  27. The following members say thank you to barry for this post:


  28. #18
    Gibson F5L Gibson A5L
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    2,526
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default Re: How Long Did You Fight MAS Before Submitting?

    Fight MAS .... Why?
    I love hanging out with mandolin nerds . . . . . Thanks peeps ...

  29. The following members say thank you to UsuallyPickin for this post:


  30. #19
    Registered User mtucker's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Los Angeles CA
    Posts
    1,500

    Default Re: How Long Did You Fight MAS Before Submitting?

    Quote Originally Posted by barry View Post
    About 16 hours. I played it all evening and decided I like playing mandolin.....just not THAT mandolin.
    I think you made the right decision ... caught you on Music City the other night, don't know when it was shot but you sounded great man!

  31. #20
    Martin Stillion mrmando's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Seattle
    Posts
    13,103

    Default Re: How Long Did You Fight MAS Before Submitting?

    For me the average bout with MAS lasts about 12 minutes. I don't think I should even bother stepping into the ring any more.
    Emando.com: More than you wanted to know about electric mandolins.

    Notorious: My Celtic CD--listen & buy!

    Lyon & Healy • Wood • Thormahlen • Andersen • Bacorn • Yanuziello • Fender • National • Gibson • Franke • Fuchs • Aceto • Three Hungry Pit Bulls

  32. The following members say thank you to mrmando for this post:


  33. #21

    Default Re: How Long Did You Fight MAS Before Submitting?

    I been fighting MAS the first day I discovered mandolins, so far I have bought 3 middle of the road Mandos, when I'm worthy I'll get me a good one......Best..Joe

  34. #22
    Registered User Russ Donahue's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    Maine
    Posts
    869

    Default Re: How Long Did You Fight MAS Before Submitting?

    Quote Originally Posted by shortymack View Post
    I fought the MAS and the MAS won.
    I know that song....play it a lot!
    Make America Grateful Again!

    2013 Collings MF, 2017 Northfield NF2S, 2019 Northfield Big Mon F
    1968 Martin D12-20, 2008 Martin HD28, 2022 Martin CEO 7
    1978 Ibanez Artist "Flying Eagle" Masterclone Banjo

  35. #23

    Default Re: How Long Did You Fight MAS Before Submitting?

    For me there's the undeniable dissatisfaction with my progress as a musician that pressures me to take this out on my still not yet fully appreciated 1990 Flatiron F-5 Festival I bought new 23 yrs ago.

  36. #24
    Registered User Dave LaBoone's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Columbia, SC
    Posts
    265

    Default Re: How Long Did You Fight MAS Before Submitting?

    I agree that you shouldn't create a certain "milestone" that must be reached before upgrading. If you're serious about the mando, and you'll stick with it, then your upgrade will be well worth it, and your playing will improve more and more as you are inspired to pick up your new instrument more than ever before.

    My wife was really sweet when I wanted to buy a better guitar a few years back, saying, "you should buy one you'll be happy with for the rest of your life, or else you'll just want a new one in a few years." True. I ended up with a beautiful Martin HD-16 RLSH that is a delight. Shortly after that, however, I was bitten by the mando bug, and my guitar hardly gets any attention any more....

  37. The following members say thank you to Dave LaBoone for this post:


  38. #25
    Registered User Ultra Turtle's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    Columbus, Ohio
    Posts
    61

    Default Re: How Long Did You Fight MAS Before Submitting?

    I lasted a few months. I've been playing an Epiphone A model. Flat fingerboard, tiny frets. It's set up pretty good, but plays terrible. I just bought a Weber Gallatin F wide nut, arrives on Monday. Can't wait!

    I like what "Tobin" said. When you can afford it, buy it. That's exactly what I did. I wasn't going to torture myself by trying to play a mandolin that was pretty much unplayable.

  39. The following members say thank you to Ultra Turtle for this post:


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
  •