Electric mandolin questions
texas_gardener
http://beststudentviolins.com/guitars.html#electricmando
What other equipment would I need. I'm only familiar with acoustic
instruments.
Also, I'm not at all clear why it's a 4-string. The other
instruements look like 8-string - at least they have 8 pegs. Are
those other 4 strings, sympathetic strings?
Thanks in advance,
Connie
Greg Thomas
Connie -
As to equipment: an amp and a cord.
Acoustic mandolins are strung in 4 courses of 2 strings each. Both
strings are in each course are fretted. So the answer to your question
is no, they're not sympathetic.
Electric mandolins are commonly single strung, rather than in courses.
As with acoustics, they're generally tuned GDAE. Generally the
electric is used for jazz and swing, with a timbre similar to a jazz
style guitar (only pitched much higher.) It isn't unusual to see 5
string electrics tuned CGDAE. It also isn't unusual to see electrics
with 4 courses of two strings each (GDAE), although the preference
certainly seems to be for single string electrics.
Hope this helps.
Greg
texas_gardener
Hi Greg: Yeah, it does help. So when the 8-string mandolin is played,
you only finger the one string, I guess? Are these SAGA's any good?
texas_gardener
Oh, could you give me a link to an amp and a cord; I have no
clue. :-) I guess that's obvious....
Greg Thomas
>
> - Show quoted text -
I can't really speak to the quality of SAGA; I'm not sure I've ever
played one. In the acoustic realm, Kentucky makes a nice inexpensive
instrument.
And no, you finger both strings when playing a double course
instrument. The strings in courses are only about 3/32" apart, so your
fingers don't have any problem fretting both strings. If you haven't
yet, go down to your local music store and fool around with a few
mandos. You play violin: you already know the fingerings. Don't be put
off by double courses; initially they're a little harder on the
fingertips, but that goes away fariyl quickly.
Greg
Have you ever seen a 12 string guitar? Similar concept.
texas_gardener
> Have you ever seen a 12 string guitar? Similar concept.
No, I haven't (see a 12 string guitar). I'm a complete novice. But I
guess the notion of sympathetic strings is from the baroque era
(gamba? viols?) But I did notice, in compiling the materials list,
that there are a lot of works for I guess what would be called
classical mandolin. So I've been trying to listen to mandolin on
YouTube, but I have a slow connections (I'm out in the sticks).
Someone suggested I look at mandolin rather than guitar, and I'm
considering it. I just don't want to go into this process with
another instrument that is impractical. By that I mean, I make a good
living teaching, but to get a major orchestra job--for anyone--is a
near impossibility. I've played uncounted number of pick-up orchestra
gigs, where I was playing with music stands and sheetmusic, but with
popular singers and the group that comes along with them, consisting
of their percussion, guitars, primarily brass (in some cases),
conductor, and the artist. [ELO, Smoky Robinson, Burt Bacharach,
Marilyn McCoo (sp?), Barbara Mandress, Chat Atkins, Boots Randolf,
Sammy Davis, Frank Sinatra -- I'm showing my age now.]
In other words, they hire locals for the string section, even if it's
a tour. But I'd rather be the conductor, I just don't know enough
about popular music to do it. I've been, for the most part, holed up
in the classical world all my life, playing opera, ballet, symphony,
chamber music, and I think it's time for a change.
texas_gardener
> Kentucky makes a nice inexpensive instrument.
I was talking to the dealer rep over there, and they've got this one
for sale:
http://beststudentviolins.com/guitars.html#mandolins
and I could get it for about $200. Is it junk, or is worthwhile to
start on?
Misifus
A conventional (acoustic) mandolin gets a big part of its characteristic
sound from having the strings paired. That is, they aren't sympathetic,
there are two G, two, D, two A and two E strings, that are usually
struck together. While they're tuned to the same note, the slight
discrepancies give the characteristic sound, a bit more volume and lend
themselves to tremulo better.
For reasons I don't follow, electric mandolins often omit the second
string of each course, making it essentially a high pitched electric
guitar, tuned in fifths. To use such a mandolin, you'd have to have an
amplifier suitable for it.
-Raf
--
Misifus-
Rafael Seibert
mailto:rafse...@suddenlink.net
blog: http://rafsrincon.blogspot.com/
Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rafiii
home: http://www.rafandsioux.com
Ed Edelenbos
"Misifus" <rafse...@suddenlink.net> wrote in message
news:5ea9ruF...@mid.individual.net...
> texas_gardener wrote:
>> Hi: If I were to buy this mandolin:
>>
>> http://beststudentviolins.com/guitars.html#electricmando
>>
>> What other equipment would I need. I'm only familiar with acoustic
>> instruments.
>>
>> Also, I'm not at all clear why it's a 4-string. The other
>> instruements look like 8-string - at least they have 8 pegs. Are
>> those other 4 strings, sympathetic strings?
>>
>>
>> Thanks in advance,
>> Connie
>>
>
>
> A conventional (acoustic) mandolin gets a big part of its characteristic
> sound from having the strings paired. That is, they aren't sympathetic,
> there are two G, two, D, two A and two E strings, that are usually struck
> together. While they're tuned to the same note, the slight discrepancies
> give the characteristic sound, a bit more volume and lend themselves to
> tremulo better.
>
> For reasons I don't follow, electric mandolins often omit the second
> string of each course, making it essentially a high pitched electric
> guitar, tuned in fifths. To use such a mandolin, you'd have to have an
> amplifier suitable for it.
>
> -Raf
>
I think in general, elect. mando makers miss much of that "subtle variation"
stuff... like the whole point of the second string is volume. That volume
component is unnecessay when going through an amp so they omit it. Besides,
that's what chorus pedals do. (grin!!!!!)
OTOH, electric mandolins could be likened to electric guitars... they are
different than their acoustic cousins and therefore *should* sound
different. And then there are the acoustic/electrics, which sound different
than either the acoustic or electric counterparts... because they are.
Ed
Daniel Nestlerode
I suggested you think about the mandolin. :0)
Electrics are often, but not exclusively, 4 string beasts. The purpose (as
has been mentioned by Ed) behind a double strung course in an acoustic
mandolin is volume. Mandolins do not have the luxury of a bow for constant
agitation, so the extra string provides extra power to push the top.
Electrics, by their very nature do not need the extra help from that second
string in the course.
It is true that they sound an awful lot like the high end of an electric
guitar, but you can use a chorus unit to emulate the double string sound.
You will (as has been mentioned) need at least a small amp and a cord to get
decent volume out of an electric mandolin.
If you're interested in pursuing mandolin the folks over at the Mandolin
Café (and its message board) will be very helpful about types of mandolins,
electric and otherwise. http://www.mandolincafe.com
I would not recommend an electric for you if you're venturing out of the
classical world. I would recommend something more versatile and instantly
useful, like a Big Muddy mandolins which until very recently were called
Mid-Missouri Mandolins. In fact there's a used one for $300 on the mandolin
café's classified ads section:
http://www.mandolincafe.com/cgi-bin/classifieds/classifieds.cgi?search_and_d
isplay_db_button=on&db_id=23989&query=retrieval
These are flat top instruments which can handle pretty much any type of
music you care to try with the single exception of Bluegrass. As a rule,
flat top instruments are MUCH less expensive than arched top instruments, so
you're going to save a little money there.
HTH,
Daniel (DNestler over on the mandolin café)
On 6/25/07 8:05 AM, in article
1182783900....@k79g2000hse.googlegroups.com, "texas_gardener"
Alan D.
We all started clueless at some point <G>. Take a look at
http://www.ultrasoundamps.com/Products/Products.html
Doc sells some very nice amps and can provide the cords as well. The AG30 would
be perfect for simple around-the-house practice and could be used as an
on-stage moniter if you play out, but all the Ultrasounds are recommended.
That being said, if you get a chance to go to your nearest city, look around at
any of the music stores listed in the yellow pages for music stores. See what
they have in used amps, and any of the stores can sell you a cord
(unfortunately they don't sell chords) of just about any length you want.
Alan D.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet...[repeat as above]
--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com
Ed Edelenbos
"Alan D." <SPAMN...@dunwellguitar.com> wrote in message
news:part1of1.1.1...@ue.ph...
Couple of minor comments...
Ultrasound sells nice amps (I have a 50 and a 30). Doc (unless it is
another Doc), is no longer affiliated with Ultrasound.
And, I think the US's are great for acoustic instruments with (acoustic
transducer) pickups. I don't think (purely opinion here) they are as well
suited for electric (i.e. wound pickup) instruments. I think a small
electric guitar amp is better for that.
I *could* be wrong on both of those points.
Ed
Julian Templeman
> I was talking to the dealer rep over there, and they've got this one
> for sale:
>
> http://beststudentviolins.com/guitars.html#mandolins
>
> and I could get it for about $200. Is it junk, or is worthwhile to
> start on?
I'm not a mandolin expert, but Kentucky have a reputation for pretty
reasonable instruments. And I've never played that model, but from what
I do know of Kentucky it's unlikely to be junk.
HTH,
julian
enjoying the delights of
an English "summer"
Misifus
>
>
> OTOH, electric mandolins could be likened to electric guitars... they are
> different than their acoustic cousins and therefore *should* sound
> different. And then there are the acoustic/electrics, which sound different
> than either the acoustic or electric counterparts... because they are.
>
> Ed
>
>
Excellent point, Ed. That's it entirely.
Greg Thomas
wrote:
> Connie,
> I suggested you think about the mandolin. :0)
>
> Electrics are often, but not exclusively, 4 string beasts. The purpose (as
> has been mentioned by Ed) behind a double strung course in an acoustic
> mandolin is volume. Mandolins do not have the luxury of a bow for constant
> agitation, so the extra string provides extra power to push the top.
> Electrics, by their very nature do not need the extra help from that second
> string in the course.
>
> It is true that they sound an awful lot like the high end of an electric
> guitar, but you can use a chorus unit to emulate the double string sound.
>
> You will (as has been mentioned) need at least a small amp and a cord to get
> decent volume out of an electric mandolin.
>
> If you're interested in pursuing mandolin the folks over at the Mandolin
> Café (and its message board) will be very helpful about types of mandolins,
> electric and otherwise. http://www.mandolincafe.com
>
> I would not recommend an electric for you if you're venturing out of the
> classical world. I would recommend something more versatile and instantly
> useful, like a Big Muddy mandolins which until very recently were called
> Mid-Missouri Mandolins. In fact there's a used one for $300 on the mandolin
> isplay_db_button=on&db_id=23989&query=retrieval
>
> These are flat top instruments which can handle pretty much any type of
> music you care to try with the single exception of Bluegrass. As a rule,
> flat top instruments are MUCH less expensive than arched top instruments, so
> you're going to save a little money there.
>
> HTH,
> Daniel (DNestler over on the mandolin café)
>
> On 6/25/07 8:05 AM, in article
>
>
>
> <texasgard...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > Hi: If I were to buy this mandolin:
>
> >http://beststudentviolins.com/guitars.html#electricmando
>
> > What other equipment would I need. I'm only familiar with acoustic
> > instruments.
>
> > Also, I'm not at all clear why it's a 4-string. The other
> > instruements look like 8-string - at least they have 8 pegs. Are
> > those other 4 strings, sympathetic strings?
>
> > Thanks in advance,
>
> - Show quoted text -
So, Dan'l, I see you're turning up on the group here a little more
recently. Nice to see you around. There aren't enough mandolin players
around. I like saying that guitar is my "other" instrument.
Greg
Ed Edelenbos
"Daniel Nestlerode" <dnes...@mindspring.com> wrote in message
news:C2A55E33.36E3A%dnes...@mindspring.com...
>
> It is true that they sound an awful lot like the high end of an electric
> guitar, but you can use a chorus unit to emulate the double string sound.
>
I bet it'd be even better if you had individual pickups for each string and
4 separate chorus pedals. (grin)
Ed
Daniel Nestlerode
I've been on a buying spree this year.
A Gary Vessel F5 mandolin in February (ordered in August 2006)
An Eric Johnson Strat for my birthday in March (from my rocker-chick wife)
A Rainsong OM1000 in April for an upcoming trip back east.
I'm unsure whether I'm a mandolin player with a guitar habit or an
unfocussed guitar player hiding behind a great mandolin! I think it depends
on what day of the week it is and which instrument is hanging out in the
family room uncased.
Thanks for the kind words.
;-)
Daniel
On 6/25/07 2:49 PM, in article
1182808173.8...@w5g2000hsg.googlegroups.com, "Greg Thomas"
David Martel
This mandolin has an electromagnetic pickup, similar to those on electric
guitars. It may be necessary to use it with an electric guitar amp. Modern
acoustic guitars have piezoelectric pickups and use a very different amp.
Check with the dealer before you buy for his amp recommendations. Are you
aware that this is instrument is a solid block of wood and will not work
without an amp?
For the first few months of learning and practice you may want a
"headphone" amp. They're inexpensive amps that drive a set of earphones, so
no one else can hear all the mistakes. Once you're playing fairly well then
head down to the store and audition some real amps. As part of the audition
pick the amp up and think about carrying it up 6 flights of stairs at 2 AM.
There are lots of good cords out there. Get 15-20 ft long. Expect to pay
$25-30, I think. Some cords come with "lifetime" guarantees. A good cord
should last at least 5 yrs.
Dave M.
Ed Edelenbos
"David Martel" <mart...@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:Ij8gi.1173$zA4...@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net...
> Connie,
>
> For the first few months of learning and practice you may want a
> "headphone" amp. They're inexpensive amps that drive a set of earphones,
> so no one else can hear all the mistakes.
Of course an amp which lets eveyone hear the mistakes might be incentive to
practice that much more. (grin)
Speaking from years of experience with electric guitar, wanting/needing an
amp is a given but there is also a lot to be said for practicing without the
amp. If where you practice is too noisy to hear an unplugged electric
instrument, it's probably too noisy to practice effectively. (IMO, YMMV,
etc.)
Ed
notably...@yahoo.com
the answer repeatedly.
Which leads one to believe that the only reason you post this stuff is
to attempt to drive people to your selling website.
She is BestStudentViolins.
Her posts are nothing more than SPAM.
yola...@gmail.com
> "Alan D." <SPAMNOTa...@dunwellguitar.com> wrote in message
>
> news:part1of1.1.1...@ue.ph...
>
>
>
>
>
> > texas_gardener <texasgard...@gmail.com> wrote:
> >>On Jun 25, 10:20 am, Greg Thomas <gjtho...@earthlink.net> wrote:
> >>> As to equipment: an amp and a cord.
>
> >>Oh, could you give me a link to an amp and a cord; I have no
> >>clue. :-) I guess that's obvious....
>
> > We all started clueless at some point <G>. Take a look at
> > http://www.ultrasoundamps.com/Products/Products.html
> > would
> > be perfect for simple around-the-house practice and could be used as an
> > on-stage moniter if you play out, but all the Ultrasounds are recommended.
>
> > That being said, if you get a chance to go to your nearest city, look
> > around at
> > any of the music stores listed in the yellow pages for music stores. See
> > what
> > (unfortunately they don't sell chords) of just about any length you want.
>
> > Alan D.
>
> > Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet...[repeat as above]
>
> Couple of minor comments...
>
> another Doc), is no longer affiliated withUltrasound.
>
> And, I think the US's are great for acoustic instruments with (acoustic
> transducer) pickups. I don't think (purely opinion here) they are as well
> suited for electric (i.e. wound pickup) instruments. I think a small
> electric guitar amp is better for that.
>
> I *could* be wrong on both of those points.
>
>
> - Show quoted text -
You are correct Dan Gore "The Doc" has not been afilliated with
Ultrasound for 2 or 3 years.