Octave Mandolin: Fingerpicking Fingerstyle

Subject: OCTAVE MANDO
Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2003 17:37:24 +0200

Hi Mickey,
Thank you for your wonderful website. After hearing you a lot, i want to
play octave mando.

Greetings Jonathan,

Thanks for your kind words regarding our website...and, I'm glad to hear that you're now inspired to pursue the Octave Mandolin. I'd be glad to assist you with your questions...

What is the name of the song played on the 3rd quicktime movie on the Weber
Absaroka #3 ? It's so cool !

This piece is one of my many obscure originals...I listened to it on your behalf and have to agree...it really is a cool piece. I like the counterpoint lines and it seems to befit the Octave Mando very well; for that matter, it was written on the Octave...

Another question :

How to play fingerpicking on a octave mandolin ? Is it the same thing like
a guitar or a mandolin ?

I believe fingerpicking the Octave does use the same mechanics as used on fingerstyle guitar. And, you can use the flesh of your fingers, fingernails or fingerpicks...what ever you believe would fit your own style and taste. I personally use fingerpicks for their presence and sharp attack. We've had many requests to prdouce an instructional tape/book on fingerpicking mandolin. Please stay tuned on our website for its release.

Is it easy to sing with an octave mandolin ?

Most definitely. The Octave offers more bottom end than a mandolin...and therefore, will work well to support vocals. Chording an Octave fills in very well whether as a solo support instrument or as an ensemable instrument.

Hope this helps...Mickey

Thank you for your answers

Best regards.

Jonathan TILLY

Subject: Johnson Octave
Date: Mon, 29 Jul 2002 07:50:25 -0400

Greetings once more!

I've been quiet for a few days but I noticed this morning that my Amex
card has finally been debited for the Octave.. Hooray!

I have a couple of questions. These are probably Mickey questions, but
if anyone else knows the answers, feel free to respond.

1) In the video samplers for the Octaves, it looks like Mickey is
using 3 finger picks ( I M A) . Is this true? I hope it is , because
that way I can finally apply 20 years of wasted classical guitar RH
technique to something ( Actually, the right hand technique was pretty
good. The neck of the guitar was just too big for me )

Greetings Garry,

Glad to assist if I can:
Yes...I use three fingerpicks and one thumbpick when fingerpicking mandolin.

3 Dunlop Metal Fingerpicks .018 Brass
1 Dunlop Small Plastic Thumbpick

This allows for good volume and a comfortable dynamic range for soft to loud.

I also started out playing fingerstyle guitar and felt the crossover was very easy to Octave mandolin. The possibilities of playing counterpoint lines and supporting bass lines has not been fully actualized on Octave mando. It's great to hear that you have the same interest...please stay in touch and let me know how it goes.

2) I've noticed the same piece being played in several of the
samplers. Specifically the two Johnson 550 fingerpicking samplers and
one of the Weber Hyalite samplers. What is that piece of music? I keep
going back and playing it over and over again ( sorry about that
increased traffic :) ). It's so beautiful. I'd love to learn that one!

I believe you may be referring to an old Celtic tuned named "Whiskey Before Breakfast"...one of my all-time favorites. In my "Intro to Octave Mandolin", "Whiskey Before Breakfast" is taught in the "Advanced Melodies" section.

Anyway, I'll be keeping an eye out for the UPS man and getting
increasingly excited now! I don't think I've been this cranked up in
years!

Thanks for all your help! Garry

You're most welcome Garry...let me know how I might further assist in any other way...Mickey

P.S. Thanks also to the nice lady who I talked to on the phone the
other day! She was very helpful!