Mandola Questions

Date: Sun, 26 Oct 2003 17:23:34 +0000

Hi Mick,

Hi Rick,

Nice to hear from you on a Sunday...I'd be glad to personally assist you with your questions:

I've been enjoying browsing your websight, so much good stuff out there. I am interested in buying either a mandola or bouzouki and am leaning towards the mandola because of it's more compact size and voice. I already play enough big instruments: electric bass, acoustic guitar. However, mandolins are just too tiny for my fingers and I have all kinds of difficulty making the chords. I know the difference in scale is only an inch and a half or two inches, but I'm hoping that the extra room on mandola would be enough so that I could actually play it.

Yes, the mandola certainly offers more room to move than a standard mandolin. The distance between frets would be like playing past the 12th fret on guitar...where the frets progressively become narrower. Have you considered the Octave. It's scale length is substantial as compared to the mandola...and, I've known quite a few guitarists who have found it a comfortable transition. Additionally, you still have that mandolin voicing (only 1 octave lower)...you can still imitate a mandolin in first position by playing past the 12th fret on an octave. Therefore, you may have the best of all worlds in an Octave. Be sure to check out our video samplers to differentiate the voicings between these two instruments: http://www.folkofthewood.com/page319.htm

Of the mandolas on your site, I think my choices are the Trinity College or the Mid-Missouris. I like the Mid-Mo with Maple back and sides, the M15 I think. It seems the Trinity has some features the Mid-Mo doesn't - adjustable truss rod - and is more ornate. I actually prefer simpler, no-gingerbread instruments and the Mid-Mo is right up my alley in that respect. I also like the fact that it's made here at home by hand. Seems like everything I buy nowadays is made in China! Is an adjustable rod an essential feature on a mando or mandola?

I'm in agreement with you: it's a give and take. The Mid-Mo is domestically made...and, for the price, I don't know of a better value in an American made mando. The Trinity College is quite a bit heavier; meaning, it's constructed with heavier bracing, thicker woods, etc. For the money, the Trinity College is a good value...however, for myself, I would base my decision on exactly what I hoped to achieve with the instrument...such as: what styles of music I want to play, with whom will I be playing the instrument (in a larger ensemble where projection is critical), and my personal taste in tonal quality...

The Mid-Mo, being quite a bit lighter, is far more responsive than the Trinity College. It comes alive in the hands and resonates the tones with vibrancy. The Mid-Mo seems to be somewhat more fragile with the lighter build and the matte finish. The Trinity College seems to have great projection...however, it's not as responsive as the Mid-Mo. If I was looking for a more delicate, resonant sound, my choice would be the Mid-Mo. For a workhorse, that's built like a tank, the Trinity College would have the edge...the finish is also gloss and is less likely to be easily damaged. And, again, the TC also offers a truss rod...the Mid-Mo neck can still be easily adjusted by heat lamp...fortunately, it's very rare for the Mid-Mo, with its reinforced neck, to go awry.

I know on guitar I'd be sunk without it. Also, is the difference in size between mando and mandola very noticable when you yourself play them?

Yes...there is a switch of gears. However, for the most part, I can play the exact same chord inversions on mandola as I've used for many years on the mandolin. The octave requires new chord inversions. (we have chord charts for octave posted on our website)

And lastly, do you have a preference out of the two instruments? Does the Mid-Mo sound any better, or just different?

I would love to own both the TC and the Mid-Mo for different reasons...sort of like an artist with a palette of colors: each instrument can contribute to different settings in its own way. I don't believe one sounds better than the other necessarily. The Mid-Mo is far more alive and resonant; the Trinity College may have more bottom end and also offer an edge on the projection...

So all this is leading up to, if you think the mandola would suit my needs - mostly playing solo on Celtic tunes and traditional stuff (not into Bluegrass much) - can you give me a price on the Mid-Mo M15 with a hardshell case and shipping(to NJ) ?

I really appreciate your time. I woulda called but it's Sunday and I don't like people bugging me on Sunday, even if they are trying to give me some money : ) Thanks a lot. I look forward to hearing from you.

Glad to assist...be sure to get back with me with further questions...Mickey

Rick Tarquinio

Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 03:29:09 -0700

Mickey, Your salesperson suggested I you when I called today asking
a mandola tone question. I'm looking to buy a mandola and am interested in
one with a tone that tends toward the deep and resonant as opposed to the
higher more shrill end of things. I have a 1917 Gibson A-4 and when I lay
into the top strings it kind of bothers my ears, so I thought a mandola
might be better for me. (I'm primarily a guitarplayer). Listened to many of
your audio/videos, but it's really hard to make a determination...they all
sound pretty good (wish I could play as well as you!). I did think the flat
top ones were not as full as the carved ones. Anyway, your advise would be
much appreciated. Could you could include price quotes, or should I deal
with your sales staff in this area? Thanks for your time and consideration.
Jim Mumm

Greetings Jim,

Glad to assist if I can:

I believe that the archtop mandolas have more projection overall...the flattops have a nice resonance to them and seem to work well with one or two other accompanying instruments. When playing in a full band setting, the archtop is next to essential.

We represent 3 different makers on the Mandolas:

Weber, Rigel and Mid-Mo...all three are superb...

For imports, we carry the flat style Trinity College...

Here's the take:

The Rigel has a very sweet resonant tone...they're quite expensive but worth the price...

The Mid-Mo, as a flat style, is very reasonably priced...lots of resonance...comes alive in the hands...tremendous value.

Date: Fri, 28 Jun 2002 13:00:49 -0500

Hi Mickey,

I'm thinking of getting a low-end mandola and wonder what you think of
the Mid-Mos? I've had an M1 mandolin for a year and a half and like it
pretty well, although it's obviously no match for many more expensive
mandos. Anyhow, for someone dipping a toe in the mandola waters, would
one of the Mid_mos be a good choice? Or would you recommend saving for
another kind?

Also, can you tell me anything about the Kentucky 200SC oval hole, made
in Japan but apparently no longer made. I can't find any info on woods
used or what it sold for or anything. If you know anything at all about
it, I'd sure appreciate it.

Keep up the great work for the acoustic community.

Eric Fidler

Greetings Eric,

I love the Mid-Mos...they are superb in most every way...very light and fragile...not as strongly framed as a Trinity College. The Mid-Mo is very responsive with a bright crisp tone...

As far as saving for a higher end model, your money is in the bank with us...you're more than welcome to use our 100% trade-up policy...this way you will always retain your initial investment while getting started with the mandola learning process right away.

I believe the Mid-Mo is an excellent choice...

The only other mandola, I'm recommending in this price range, is the Trinity College. It would be a matter of taste in determining which to purchase. The Trinity College would have the edge on deepness of tone...while the Mid-Mo would have the edge on brightness in tone...

Please stay in touch on the 200SC...I'm currently awaiting on some older Saga catalog material...it might show up in one of these catalogs.

At your disposal, Mickey

Date: Tue, 11 Jun 2002 16:25:45 -0400
Subject: Mandolin - Mandola

Mickey

I have recently purchased a starter Mandolin and I love it. I have concurred about 5 chords and can pick out two songs. I am just learning and this is my first instrument since the 8th grade trombone ( I'm 30 something now). In other words, not a music scholar. My question is can you tune the Mandola up to G D A E, with out causing damage to the instrument, and use mandolin chords. I hope this is not to stupid a question. I am 6' 5" and have large hands, I notice that the mandola seemed a little bigger. I really like the mandolin sound and don't want to leave it.

Thanks, David L

Greetings David,

I can understand your desire to have a mandolin sound with a mandola neck and playability...Guitarists would love this option...however, I would not recommend trying this due to the excess tension on a longer scale neck. You're probably already aware that the mandola is tuned to C G D A...which essentially is the same interval tuning of a mandolin. Therefore, mandolin chords do work on a mandola (some inversions may not be possible due to the stretch required); there's only some transposition involved. When playing a G mandolin chord on a mandola, you end up with a C chord. The mandola can sound very similar to a mandolin in many ways...and, it can take a discriminating ear to tell the difference. My suggestion would be to become a mandola player if you like the comfort of a longer scale neck. Although, if you're hoping to play bluegrass, the Mandola would be out.

There are a few mandolins available that do have a wider neck...and, you could always have a mandolin custom-built to fit your playing needs. Many independent luthiers would provide this service...

Hope this helps...Mickey

Date: Tue, 18 Dec 2001 02:21:36 -0500
Subject: Kudos from a classical performer!

Hello Mickey:

Wow, I am very impressed and fascinated with your site! As a
professional violist (and sometimes violinist) for more than 25
years, I wondered, do you get many classical musicians as visitors
and/or customers?

Greetings, Sure, we get a few...not too many though. It's a privilege to hear from a pro violist such as yourself...I only hope I can answer your questions satisfactorily.

I have been intrigued about possibly
expanding my horizons ever since I got "chosen" to play someone
else's beater mandolin (for about a total of 16 measures - LOL)
from my seat in the viola section during the a Palm Beach Opera
production a few years ago of The Merry Widow.

I'm familiar with this opera...hope it went well for you. I bet when you did pull out the mandolin it woke up the audience's ears.

I didn't like the
instrument much, since it was tinny and twangy sounding (like a
plucked violin!) -

Most cheaper mandolins do have that "tinny" sound...great to learn on if they're properly set up, notwithstanding that you'll outgrow the tonal range once you tune in to the instrument.

but I had heard of mandolas, and preferring
deeper resonances, always thought I would like one of those... (I
had never even heard of octave mandolins before, at that point.) And then I found your site, and I'm not sure what I want any more! So many possibilities!

I agree...that's why I delve into each and every one of them...I've even recently taken up the violin so I'm taking the opposite journey of your pursuit (which I believe is more difficult than going from viola/violin to mandola/mandolin).

I know next to nothing about bluegrass or Celtic music or tablatures,
and I don't "fiddle" at all. I downloaded that QuickTime program just
so that I could listen to and look at your mandola samples, and was
truly amazed at the type of sounds I heard! You play very well!

That's kind of you to say. As I'm sure you can attest, there are many possibilities when choosing between brands or which type of instrument to pursue.

Due to time it takes to download the samples, I have only heard
some of them so far. Enough to have learned that alas, I have
expensive tastes in the mandola department, much preferring the
mellower sounds of ones that cost well over $1000 and not being
impressed nearly as much with the cheaper models. And the
pocketbook of this free-lancer is not exactly flush! (I notice you take
trades, though, and I have this nice 98-year old German handmade
violin with a one-piece back and no repairs ever made or needed,
in excellent++ condition, that I would consider parting with...)

We most certainly can accommodate you on a trade...especially, since I'm personally looking for an older German make violin to practice on. Is it a mellow sounding violin...or, would you feel that it's bright and loud?

But then I heard those samples you played on the Johnson octave
mandolin, and they blew me away! I take it that when you use the
term 20.50" scale, that is the same as what we would refer to as the
"vibrating string length", correct?

You're most definitely correct in your surmise. The scale length is the measurement from the nut to the bridge (essentially the vibrating length of the string only).

I am wondering if this might be a
possibility to consider. That length seems to be less than that on
other octave mandolins, but is still considerably more than the 14.5"
vibrating string length on my viola. What are the complete body
dimensions of the Johnson MA-550? I notice they're not listed. What a neat sound! And pretty, too.

Yes, the Johnson is dimensionally different than the Celtic style octaves offered by both Johnson and Trinity College. The Johnson has a deeper body cavity giving it a larger, deeper tone. A very pleasant tone at that...although, because of the body depth, it won't have the projection that the Celtic styles do...

My main challenge, though, if I get any instrument from this group,
will be learning what to do with my right hand, but once I figured that
part out, I'll bet Bach solo violin sonatas would sound really cool on
something like that... and in the original keys, even! ;-)

I'm having the same problem learning to play violin. It most definitely is the right hand bowing technique that requires the most attention.

I play a couple of Bach pieces and am amazed at the naturalness of the octave and mandola for recreating the Bachesque aura.

Anyway, just sharing some of my initial thoughts... you also say you
have a larger used inventory than what's listed on the site. Maybe
that is something with possibilities to explore as well. You will likely
be hearing from me again!

Admiringly,

Susan Padgitt Schwab in South FL

Currently, we do have some beautiful high-end mandolas in stock...let me know what you're looking for in tonal range and budget limits...be aware, we also have a full trade-up policy that will allow you to trade up your mandola/octave to any instrument of your choice with a full credit of exactly what you paid for the instrument. We believe this is one of the best policies in the industry since it allows the player to grow into other high-end instruments without any loss of initial investment.

My suggestion would be start out on a mandola/octave that fits your budget, and after determining that you find the instrument to be to your liking, consider an upgrade to a serious mandola/octave...this would be a stair-step process that allows you to test the waters before committing with a larger outlay.

Hope this helps...

Wishing you the best,

Mickey

Subject: FAQ Mandola
Date: Wed, 28 Nov 2001 14:44:16 -0500

Mickey
As you remember, I tried the Johnson OM on my way back from the Arctic
and found the scale length too long for an easy transition from my
KM-630. I've been looking at the mandola and see it's not that much
longer than the standard mandolin. What is your opinion on it's
playability using mandolin techniques? Also, do you think the TC mandola
has a place in bluegrass music both as chop chords and melody.
Arctic Ed

Greetings Arctic Ed,

Great to hear from you!

The Mandola is most definitely a shorter scale length. Even so, it still requires some stretch as compared to the mandolin. I believe that most mandolin techniques can be easier applied to a mandola than an octave. I just recently finished an introduction to the mandola video which covers in detail the techniques as compared mandolin. The standard G chord inversion would be the most difficult chord inversion to crossover from mandolin to mandola. Most all other mandolin chords are easy to accomplish on mandola.

Traditionally, the mandola would not be considered a bluegrass instrument. Even so, I personally could see how it would fill a mid-range tonality that no other bluegrass instrument covers. The mandola is most definitely a versatile instrument that can be played effectively within most any genre of music. The mandola really shines within a celtic setting...and, I truly believe works well within both traditional and non-traditional acoustic settings. Just be aware, bluegrass has a purist standpoint which ensures its longevity. The bluegrass silhouette consists of fiddle, banjo, dobro, mandolin, string bass and acoustic guitar. I've seen many bluegrass bands introduce other instruments such as keyboards, electric bass, acoustic/electric guitar, and even drums. Just the same, these unorthodox bluegrass bands would no longer be holding to the true classification of what Bill Monroe introduced as a "Pure Bluegrass Setting". I have nothing but dire respect for the purists who do not want bluegrass to change. I would rather see bluegrass freeze in time than to go through the evolution (devolution?) that "country music" has undergone.

Hope this helps out, Mickey

Date: Fri, 09 Nov 2001 17:12:43 -0500
From: Paul Kiehl
Subject: Mandolin chords to Mandola chords.

Mickey..I have a 1917 "The Gibson" mandolin and have recently purchased
a Flatiron mandola. Can mandolin music be read correctly for the mandola
since it is tuned 1/5 lower. I don't quite understand this either. Is
there any chord books that show how to convert mandolin chords to
mandola chords. I hope this makes a little sense. I enjoy playing both
instruments but feel that I am not getting the best out of the mandola.
Thanks Mickey.

Greetings Paul,

I'm glad to assist...

Mandolin music can be read while playing mandola...only, all the tunes would be 1/5 lower in pitch. So, if you're playing a written piece in the key of "E", it will come out in the key of "A" on the mandola. If you want to play music to pitch, imagine that you do not have an "E" string on your mandola, and start with the high "A" string, you can play all the standard mando music within pitch...unfortunately, higher registers within the music that require the "E" string will leave a void. With practice, you can learn to play the "E" string notes on your mandola's "A" string by studying the upper regions of your mandola neck.

There aren't any books I know of that convert mandolin to mandola chords. I'm finishing up an Octave Mando book with chord inversions...and, hope to start on a mandola book that will have a chord section. The mandola video is due to be out within 30-45 days. Please stay tuned with us for updates...

Mickey

Date: Tue, 14 Aug 2001 01:27:22 -0600
Subject: Re: mandola questions

Hello. I have been playing mandolin for about a year and am thinking
about getting a mandola. I like the somewhat deeper tone and the fact
that the scale is shorter than an octave mandolin. However, I have not
been able to find any instructional material for the mandola. Even Mel
Bay doesn't list such a book. I can figure out easily enough how an
octave mandolin should be played since the tuning is simply an octave
lower than a mandolin. But what about the mandola? How would I know how
to make various chords? Any help at all would be much appreciated.

Thanks, Eric Fidler

Greetings Eric,

This is true...Weber mandolins and ourselves have come to the conclusion that there isn't a book or video available today that covers mandola technique. This was also true of Octave mandolin...the first video on Octave mandolin has been completed (available now off the FOTW website) and the Octave book is nearing completion.

In association with Weber, I'm currently working on a Mandola video that covers every aspect of playing...I will also be finishing up a Mandola book that will cover chords, scales, exercises and songs from different genres.

Please stay tuned for these to be released soon. Mickey

Date: Tue, 7 Aug 2001 00:32:18 -0600
Subject: Re: Trading for Trinity used Mandola FAQs

Dear Mickey, I have a question for you, how does a Mandola differn
from a Mandolin ? I guess it can be used the same way a Mandolin can for the
same styles of music. And what is the tuning for the Mandola ? If I think of
any more questions,concerning the Mandola, I will E-mail you. Thank you
Andy

Greetings Andy,

Yeah...the used TC Mandola disappeared on us...even so, I'm glad to assist you in getting into a new one for the same price...and, I also was told that TC Mandolas are due in this week.

We don't charge cards until the instrument ships...

How does the mandola differ from the mandolin?
1. They are tuned differently:
Mandola: CGDA
Mandolin: GDAE

2. The mandola has a longer scale neck allowing for the lower tuning without string rattle.

3. The mandola usually always has a larger body than a mandolin...which is contributory to a deeper tonal quality.

4. Because of the scale length, there is far more stretch, on the mandola, in the fretting hand required for both chords and scales as compared to mandolin.

Watch for one of my latest mandola video releases, (scheduled for December 2001) which includes a full basic instruction from stark beginning to intermediate level.

Be sure to me further mandola questions...I'll post them on our Mandola FAQ page. Mickey

From: "Stephen Duncan"
Subject: mandola advice
Date: Sun, 29 Jul 2001 17:31:38

I have been seriously considering the purchase of a mandolin but recently started thinking I might prefer a mandola since I am already familiar with the CGDA tuning. However, I would like to find out more about the mandola. Could you recommend any recordings that prominently feature the mandola? Are there any websites specifically dedicated to the mandola?
Thanks for all of your help!
Sincerely,
Stephen

Greetings Stephen,

Your best resource on mandolas would be the Mandolin Cafe www.mandolincafe.com ... Check with the newslists for other mandola players who will be further able to assist. They will also be able to assist you further with mandola recordings...

And, stay tuned at Folk of the Wood for future updates on mandola info...we're currently working on an instructional video that covers the mandola from beginning to advanced. Scheduled to be released by December, 2001.

Our Octave Mandolin video is now shipping.

Mickey

Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2001 16:04:04 -0600

Hi...
Thanks for the prompt reply. I guess what I'm after is the overall sound.
A mandolin is has a much higher pitch than a guitar or bouzouki.
I would say that a Bouzouki's pitch is in the same range as a guitar. A
Mandolin's picth can be likened to a fiddle. I am assuming that a mandola
is somewhere in between a mandolin and guitar.

If one were to strum a G chord on a Mandolin, and a G chord on a Bouzouki,
The Bouzouki would have a lower pitch.

If I were to strum a G Chord on this mandola, How would it relate to a
Mondolin and bouzouki?

I hope that's not too confusing. I have a Mandolin and a bouzouki. I love
them both. I was wondering where the mandola fit in and what different
sound I would get.

Chad

Greetings Chad,

The mandola does fall between a mandolin and octave mandolin or bouzouki. The mandola still has enough highs in it that it can sound very similar to a mandolin...yet with a deeper voice. It's similar to the difference between a violin and a viola.

Since the mandola is tuned CGDA (in fifths similar to mandolin but a fifth lower), you'll find the tonality quite different...even though it has the mandolin quality of tone, it sounds deeper mainly because of the tuning...in spite of the fact that the body is also larger.

Lots of fun to play...check out our video samplers of the Weber Alder #1 for further reference at: www.folkofthewood.com

Mickey

Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2001 22:00:14 -0600

I have my father's 1919 Gibson mandola (plain type for Ohio folk) which I
am wondering what to do with, given that I am not financially needy and am
more interested in honoring him. It was a "play quietly at home" situation. Do you have any suggestions or links that might be helpful?

Larry Atherton, Ph.D.

-
Greetings Larry,

Mandola is one of those rare instruments that has no support literature or instructional material available. We, ourselves, are attempting to correct this situation by offering both video and books on how to play the mandola. In the meantime, you can utilize most current mandolin learning materials as reference sources; you only have to keep in mind that the mandola is tuned: C/G/D/A...the mandola is tuned in fifths as is the mandolin (and the same as the viola)...so all mandolin chord inversions will fit mandola. All positions on a mandolin would be exactly a fifth above mandola. For instance, a G chord on mandolin would be a C chord on mandola.

Hope this helps...