Mandolin vs Fiddle

Subject: Violins
Date: Mon, 8 Dec 2003 07:00:31 -0500

Greetings John,

Glad to assist if I can:

Hi,

I'm a music hobbiest. I played professionally for a short while in the '60's.

I play the guitar (40 years), and the mandolin (started this year.)

Questions: Considering the tunings, is it reasonable to learn to play the violin/fiddle along with the mandolin?

I wouldn't suggest it...for, you may be spreading yourself thin. Yes, both of these instruments have a similar fingerboard language...however, that's where the similarity stops. My suggestion is to first reach what you feel are your goals on the mandolin, and then, after you've established your mandolin base foundation, you might want to experiment with the violin. The mechanics are completely different...I play both myself...and tool up the violin seriously after playing mandolin for many years.

If 'yes', then what instrument would you recommend? I have a Guild D-50, which I bought new in the mid '70's. I have a solid wood, used GoldTone mandolin. I'm looking for a "comparable quality" instrument. While money is not critical; it is also not 'no object'.

When deciding on a violin, your first point of reference would be: What do you hope to accomplish on the violin or fiddle? Are you interested in more celtic stylings and bluegrass or classical music. It seems to me, most violins have tones that lend themselves to one style or another. If you're looking to play bluegrass, you'll want a fiddle with lots of volume and projection...if you're leaning towards classical, a sweetness and fullness of tone is most critical.

Another question: I bought my GoldTone mandolin from a reputable local dealer (House of Musical Traditions). It's marked internally as model GM 300. They claimed it retailed for $800 new. It was a consignment instrument and is in great shape. Do you have any info on such a GoldTone model?

I have no idea...I've never heard of one...sounds quite interesting...I'd hold on to it if I were you.

Thanks for any info you can afford me.

I hope something above has helped in some way...Mickey

John Forrest

PS. This is an impressive website you have. I kinda want to buy an instrument from you, based solely on the reputation you present on your site.

Date: Mon, 21 Oct 2002 23:17:27 -0700
Subject: Considering purchasing a mandolin

I'm an old time fiddler who is considering purchasing my first mandolin.
I've heard that the Weber Bitterroot is a nice instrument for fiddlers to
transition to. Is this true? I'd mainly play old time music on the mando.

I really don't know my budget, but $2000 seems pretty steep - I guess I'll
need to step up my subway fiddle performances, as this is how I need to pay
for the mandolin!

Any guidance you can provide is much appreciated.

Jeff Teppema

p.s. the only mandolin i've ever played is my friend's 1908 Gibson, which
is a beauty, but definitely out of my price range.

Greetings Jeff,

Yes, the Weber Bitterroot is a phenomenal mando through and through...as far as it being a transitional mando for old-time fiddlers, I'm not sure...I suspect, your biggest concern coming from the fiddling world would be ease of playability. Mandolins have a stiff action, notwithstanding double the strings, whereas, a violin is probably the easiest action of all string instruments. Therefore, my suggestion would be to make sure that whomever you do purchase a Bitterroot from sets up the action as low as possible without buzzing...

There are many varieties of Webers to choose from...you might check out our video sampler page...and, just maybe, you might hear one that appeals to you in particular.

http://www.folkofthewood.com/page319.htm

Let me know if I can assis you further...Mickey

Subject: Recommended Direction?
Date: Tue, 5 Mar 2002 13:25:38 -0600

I've always had a love for both the fiddle and the mandolin...and, recently threw my poor husband for a loop when he went to buy me a mandolin for Christmas (a surprise) and ended up getting me a fiddle instead (I just couldn't decide in our conversations...although, had I known, I wouldn't of been so indecisive nor even mentioned the fiddle). But, how wonderful of him!

So, now I'm trying to learn the fiddle (won't be able to take outside lessons until after our second child is born). My husband, who practices the banjo, is helping me as much as possible as far as basic music concepts, etc. (i.e. scales, whole steps and half steps). However, the fiddle being fretless...well, you see where I'm going.
Then I happened across the message in your FAQ dated Sun, 10 Sep 2000 from Tobe R. regarding "any form of temporary marking system for the fingerboard"...and your personal opinion to avoid it becoming a crutch and to "use your ears". But, I'm finding that such a challenge in itself.

I'd also happened across a web link that mentioned: "The mandolin is, of course, a very close musical relative of the fiddle. In fact, if we took our fiddle and added frets to the fingerboard and played it with a pick, we would have the equivalent of a four-string mandolin that was shaped like a violin. I mention this relationship just to point out the fact that it can be very helpful to the beginning fiddler if they will practice and learn their tunes on a mandolin at the time they are working them out on the fiddle." (Primarily addressing being able to play fiddle tunes on the mandolin). Made me think.

Other than having sung in church/school choir as a (pre)teen, my music skills (reading, "using my ears") seem very weak...but, I'm determined to master one of these instruments (and dream of both). And, being I wasn't granted the chance to learn any instrument growing up it is a dream for my own family to be musically inclined.

So, since I was so indecisive between the two instruments, and we had discussed setting the fiddle aside for a while (or even selling it) and getting a mandolin...I figured I'd ask your opinion. From a professional standpoint (with 25+ years mentioned), which would be the most successful path to follow? Mandolin, then the fiddle or conquering the fiddle and maybe easily transitioning to the mandolin later?

Mare D.

Greetings Mare,

You're on track with the fact that mandolin would be easier to start with...and fiddle would be the instrument to graduate to. I, personally, have played mandolin for 25+ years and just recently took up the fiddle over a year ago. I've found the left hand easy to work with and the bowing as my main obstacle...

Keep in mind, as you learn to flatpick a mandolin, you're picking up the right-hand rhythm techniques that will also cross-over to fiddle...Only, the bowing technique itself can be complicated. Even so, it's easier to go to fiddle after playing mandolin so that you don't have to concentrate on your left-hand...instead, you can focus your learning on the bowing hand.

Another advantage to this process is that you will be considered a valuable player if you can second from mandolin to fiddle within a group setting.

Hope the above helps, Mickey