Left-Handed Questions for Mandolin Players
Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2009 21:11:59 -0700
Subject: Re: Mandolin Questions
Hello,
I've read all of your Q&A about playing the mandolin left-handed and feel fortunate that so many people have already asked questions I would've also asked.
I am curious though about some of the exchanges I read; apparently I can order a new mandolin from you and you can "prep" it for my convenience so it will perform as it should and I don't have to figure it out, (at least initially). It also sounds as though you will mostly convert it over to a left-handed set-up. That would be great.
Yes ... this used to be the case. However, I've only recently reacquired the company after selling it a few years back. And, now, I've been converting the site to a music education site ... continuing with the free online lessons and other resources.
I'd like to ask if the Kentucky 150S that is mentioned is the best selection for my needs.
My needs are as follows:
I'm left-handed
I don't know how to play the mandolin
I'd like to be able to play with friends that all play the guitar.
I'd also like an instrument that I can play by itself and make music beyond just a rhythm.
Yes ... this is a great value ... and can be converted easily to left-handed ... the tone bar bracing under the top would be reversed ... and you'll have to make sure the bridge slots are adjusted for the larger gauge strings, the pickguard can be completely removed ... however, for the low 200s, it's a great value ... Maybe you can check with the below dealers about adapting it left-handed:
http://www.elderly.com/new_instruments/items/KM150S.htm
http://www.janetdavismusic.com/km150s.html
Based on what is said in the website, this sounds like a perfect choice for me. Is it reasonable to say the mandolin will begin to provide some satisfaction in a relatively short period of time during the learning process? In other words, I don't want to get frustrated and give up prematurely.
I understand ... that's why the most critical part of this purchase would be having it set up for ease of playability. This would make it far easier to learn on and lessen any frustration normally encountered when buying a low-end instrument.
Would you recommend starting with your CD's and videos before going to a personal instructor? Are there signs to look for when signing up with an instructor? What are reasonable rates?
Sure, all learning resources have their value ... whether books, videos or personal instruction. Personal instruction does top the list (as long as you've found a dedicated mandolin player well-versed in all styles as opposed to a guitar teacher that dabbles on the mandolin). Reasonable rates would be about 20.00 or so per half hour.
A comprehensive video is a great value for in one video of 2.5 hours length, you're getting information that usually equates approximately a dozen lessons given by an instructor (this is because the instructional video would be far more concentrated than a lesson ... for a lessons might just concentrate on one song or one exercise ... a comprehensive video would offer up several exercises and songs ... and if you don't understand something being taught, you can rewind a video and play it over and over until you're comfortable (kind of hard to do with a teacher).
Here's mine ... which is 2.5 hours in length and starts the student out with the very basics of basics:
https://www.mysticwestproducts.com/proddetail.php?prod=DVD001
With my video, you also receive personal e-mail instruction should you ever fall into a rut or find yourself confused by certain concepts. Hence, I'll lead you by the hand as best I can through e-mail support.
Books are the most difficult to learn from since it requires the student to first understand the language of tablature and notation before being able to practice the material presented. Usually, you'll want to start acquiring books after gaining a foundation from an instructor or video ... with visual instruction, you'll be better able to lay a proper foundation of solid habits based on good form where a book usually falls short. Books are a great reference one you have a solid foundation.
Lastly, do you normally have the KM 150S available for shipping and if not, what is the usually expected timeframe to get one? Sorry for the long winded email, but thank you for your time.
Again, check with the dealer references above ... One of them should have one in stock ready to ship ...
Eric
All my best,
Mickey Cochran
Folk of the Wood
Mystic West Products
Acoustic Music Instruction
PO Box 2810
Alto, New Mexico 88312
http://www.folkofthewood.com
http://www.mysticwestproducts.com
Date: Thu, 15 Jan 2009 08:42:20 -0700
Subject: RE: Mandolin Questions
Mickey,
Thank you so much for the quick response and for answering all of my questions so thoroughly. I'm sorry I can't buy the mandolin from you, I immediately get a good sense about doing business with you. So, once I get the instrument, I'll be in touch to purchase your instruction offerings.
Thanks again,
Eric
Date: Sun, 11 Jan 2009 01:34:47 -0700
Subject: Re: left handed mandolins?
Hi there,
I was just wondering if you carry any beginners left-handed mandolins? If not, can you order any into your shop?
My girlfriend and I both want to learn to play the mandolin but we both require a left hand model. We figure we'll get one left hand beginners mandolin and we'll both learn on it.
Thanks,
-Derek T.-
Thanks for writing Derek ...
Unfortunately, we're no longer carrying instruments and are now focused on our publishing and music educational materials for all types of acoustic instruments.
There are some makers that do have left-handed mandolins available ... usually these would be in the F-Style body ... an A-Style body can be easily converted to a left-handed instrument by simply reversing the bridge, strings and making sure the nut is properly filed out for the larger gauge strings. However, the bracing will then be upside down and the tonal response will no longer be the same since things like a bass bar will be on the trable side. (depending on the manufacturer of course)
And, of course, as a beginner, you could teach yourself to play right-handed. I happen to be left-handed and taught myself to play right-handed. This really can be only accomplished, without pain, if you haven't already been playing left-handed ... as in the case of you and your girlfriend. As left-handers, we do live in a backwards world! Think about it though, your focus will be in the dexterity of your left hand on the fretboard ... of which most right-handers do not have the same advantage.
Wish you the best in your research ...
Mickey Cochran
Folk of the Wood
Mystic West Products
Acoustic Music Instruction
PO Box 2810
Alto, New Mexico 88312
For Acoustic Instructional Materials:
http://www.mysticwestproducts.com
Subject: Left handed mandolin
Date: Fri, 13 Feb 2004 19:22:47 +0000
Hello there wood folk!
Firstly Great job on the website, you have everything here, and to my suprise help for lefthanders.. wow, i dont get much info on mandolins in the UK so its been great to just log on and find so much on your site!!
You're most welcome...we're glad to be of help...I'm a lefty myself...
Well im a simple English chap who wants to learn the Mandolin, well ive got the mandolin, i thought that would be a good place to start! Lol well anyway i always had restringing it in mind, as being in the United Kingdom it isnt that easy to get left handed mandolins so i knew i would have to make do.
I also learned to play right-handed...which is still an option for us lefties...albeit, an unnatural one to start with...yet, still an option. I encourage all lefties to play what they feel intuitively is right...follow your own calling.
The problem is there is no places in the area that i can get it set for left handed play,
As a matter of fact, I do have an associate located in England...who may be of assistance to you (see below)...
so my dad is gonna do it, he is good at things like this but he has never done anything with a mandolin before. Well the main problem is i dont really know what to do about the bracing... we can string it the other way round, sort out the bridge and the nut seems do-able. But i dont really know what the brace is :o/ it is internal isnt it?
Yes, the bracing is internal...which more than likely has a bass bar on the bass end of the strings...only, it's not necessary to change this after restringing...it may still sound OK...for that matter, it would be next to impossible to change without separating the top to gain access...
Check with my friends at the Acoustic Music Shoppe located in England...and, best of luck with your mandolin journeys...Mickey
Well i was just wandering what you actually do with it and whether it is possible.
Thanks anyway
Bye!
From the little English guy with the mandolin :o)
Be sure to check with our associates for further assistance:
Trevor Moyle
The Acoustic Music Company Ltd.
39, St James's St
Brighton
BN2 1RG
England
Phone 00 44 (0) 1273 671841
Fax 00 44 (0) 1273 671862
www.theacousticmusicco.co.uk
info@theacousticmusicco.co.uk
Date: Sat, 17 Jan 2004 23:15:57 -0500
Subject: mandolin
I am planning on ordering a mandolin I am left handed so i will need to get the bridge changed.will I be able to learn to play it using books and tapes if I am unable to find a instructor to teach a left handed person,and do they have books for left handed people or will I be able to use regular books.Our ability to get material s local is limited.I enjoy your web site.Thanks for the help.
Greetings,
I happen to be a left-hander that learned to play right-handed...I do know what you're up against.
Now, on standard mando books, with some familiarization, you'll find that it becomes easier and easier to correlate to left-handed playing. I believe video is quite a bit more difficult. If you'll learn to read tab or standard notation, it still means the same when you see a D note...it's still on the same 5th fret of the A string...whether playing right or left-handed...
Be sure to check out our Free Lessons section:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page3.htm
You'll find lessons on reading tablature along with exercises and studies...with some orientation, I believe you'll quickly see that learning to apply the technique to left-handed playing is relatively the same as application in standard right-hand approach.
Mickey
Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2003 17:36:30 EST
Subject: REVERSING STRINGS
A FREIND OF MINE JUST BOUGHT ME A MANDOLINE AND I AM LEFT HANDED CAN THE STRINGS BE REVERSED OR NOT ....... THANK YOU
Yes, the strings can be reversed, however keep a few things in mind:
1. If the mandolin is an F-style...it will not feel or look right converted to lefty...
2. Bracing on many right-handed models are set up with a tone bar...that is a long brace that resides above the bass end...this bracing will be on the treble side after converting and may alter the natural tone the instrument was designed to emit.
3. Be careful with the string slots in both the nut and the bridge...some slots are larger to accommodate a large diameter string bass side...some smaller treble side...you'll have to recut these to fit the new string arrangement.
My recommendation would be not to attempt to do this yourself...to take it to a local repair person...and have it done professionally. It should cost no more than 35.00 or so...
Wishing you the best in your research efforts, Mickey
Subject: Left Hand Mandolin
Date: Tue, 25 Nov 2003 18:04:03 -0500
Looking for a Left hand Mandolin for my 15 year old daughter.
Greetings,
Glad to assist:
What style of music does she hope to achieve on her new mandolin? This usually determines which body style and soundhole type to purchase...
We do left-handed conversions for any mandolin purchased through us...keep in mind, an F-style cannot be converted...
I'm left-handed and ultimately learned to play right handed...I still recommend that a left-hander pursue what's comfortable...and, playing left-handed certainly will not impede musicianship...
I'm looking forward to assisting you through this, Mickey
Date: Tue, 11 Nov 2003 22:13:32 -0700
Subject: Lefty Customized Weber Bitterroot
Just wanted you guys to know that if Greg the lefty, owner of the custom
Weber Black Bitterroot mando on your website, ever trades in his mando there
is another lefty Greg that will be glad to take it off your hands. What a
beauty!!
Greg another lefty LeBlanc
Greetings Greg,
Greg Rowles happens to perform at the Alabama Theatre in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina...this is part of the Carolina Opry circuit...if you ever get a chance, and you're ever in the SC area, be sure to check out their show...Greg is also a world class recording artist...he plays with a long-time partner of mine named Bob Napier.
A note of left-handed interest: I'm also left-handed....when I first started, being unaware at the time that a guitar can be re-strung, I learned to play right-handed.
We live in a backwards world...
Mickey
Subject: lefthanded
Date: Sun, 30 Nov 2003 12:37:58 +0100
dear folkofthewood,
I have some question about lefthanded mandolins. i like to purchase a morgan monroe mm-1a. but i'm left, so you have to turn the bridge around and the frettop. but i am a bit scared because i have a guitar and they dide the same, they turnded around the frettop, and it has a completly false sound. the hole origenal sound is gone. now my qeustion is, if you do the conversion on the mandolin, will the sound be the same, and not get lost or false.
greets, danny
Glad to assist:
I'm a left-hander that learned to play right handed...it was a difficult journey to say the least...I believe you're on the right track in making an effort to find a good left-handed mandolin.
In all reality, the best left-handed mandolin would be custom made by Weber...or another qualified manufacturer.
Yes, most mandolins are made with tone bar bracing...and, what happens is that the bass bar ends up on the treble side after converting to left-handed. However, this isn't so bad on a student mandolin....where you're looking to learn to play and attune your ears in the process...it would still take a discriminating ear to determine any tonal differences from before and after a lefty conversion.
It's far more critical on an expensive mandolin...fortunately, most manufacturers will convert to left-handed at a reasonable cost anyway...I especially like the Weber Bitterroot F-Style Lefty conversions I've seen to date...
Mickey
Date: Fri, 6 Sep 2002 15:12:52 -0400
Thanks for your prompt reply.
Do you think a lefty could play a F style instrument upside down or would it restrict access to the upper neck too much?
I guess it could be done...and yes, it will restrict the upper register access...I've never seen any lefty approach an F-style in this way to date. If it works out for you, let us know...we'll post it on our site.
I am interested in an affordable new or used Left handed F style Mandolin.
I currently play the guitar lefty, (upside down and backwards, No
restringing).I like the visual appeal of the F, but the configuration
doesn't lend itself to picking with the left hand and fingering right
handed which is how I have to play. I know I can get an A style and restring it,
but is a "Lefty F" gonna break me?
A true "lefty F" (with the scroll body reversed) is only available
from American manufacturers and they are pricey. Weber charges a
400.00 custom lefty charge for their f-styles. Gibson, and other
makes, charge about the same.
Currently, none of the more affordable import f-style models are
available in a lefty version.
Lefty A-styles are much more affordable, and are more popular.
More info on the lefty mando subject can be found on our website's
'frequently asked questions' pages.
Please let us know if we can be of any further assistance...
Thanks!!
Subject: RE: Left hand bridge
Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2002 12:51:26 -0500
Thanks for the reply:
If I turn the bridge around, the staggered positions of the "saddles" are
backwards, and intonation is off. Correct?
Regards
Steve
Greetings Steve,
That's a valid estimation...although, what happens is that the bridge repeats the same stagger pattern from the reverse side. So, we can still achieve the same accurate intonation in the forward or reverse positions.
Sent: Monday, February 11, 2002 12:11 PM
Subject: Re: Left hand bridge
Hello;
I recently bought a Kentucky KM-180S from a friend. I am left handed and
would like to get a bridge for this thatis left handed. Can you help?
Hello Steve,
We do lefty conversions here on Kentucky mandos all the time. With
the bridge, we just turn it 180 degrees (so that the larger G string
notches are at the bottom). To my knowledge, there is no lefty
Kentucky mando bridge available.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance - Thanks!!
--
---
Be sure to check out our newest "Forums" section:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/tforum/index.php
You can pose further questions and meet with others who have your
same interest.
Also, be sure to read our unbeatable upgrade policy below!
---
Please let me know if I can assist you further . . .
Visit Our Online Store