Mandolin: 4-String Electric Acoustic

Date: Sun, 11 Jan 2004 18:32:12 -0800 (PST)
Subject: 4-string versus 8-string mandolin

Hello Mickey,

I have a few questions on mandolins.

What is the difference between 4 and 8-string mandolins?
I have seen 4 strings on smaller models, like Mid-Missouri's Kid-Mo, and especially on electrics. You made mention in one faq answer that 8-strings provide greater volume, and I assume that's why they are the standard, as opposed to 4-strings. Can you give me a list of pros and cons on 4-string versus 8-string models?

I'm not too sure...the 4-string of course, has been the standard for solid-body electrics...the 4-string will not have the chorus effect that the the 8-string does...the characteristic sound of the mandolin itself is dependent on the 8-strings...what has set the criteria for mandolin has been the 8-string mandolin...when playing a tremolo, the effect is completely different on a single string as compared to the pair of strings offered by the traditional mandolin. Again, this is a characteristic that's difficult to emulate on a 4-string mandolin.

Pros for 8-String:
More Traditional in Tonal Quality
When heard, cannot be mistaken as any other instrument.
Offers more volume acoustically due to the chorus of strings...more of an orchestra sound.
Cons: Probably not as easy to play as a 4-string...for slides, bends, chording, etc.

Cons for 4-String:
Sounds more like a guitar...only an octave higher.
Not as much volume acoustically...
Pros: Might be somewhat easier to play...especially if you're accustomed to guitar and other single string instruments like violin...
It's easier to bend a string...
Probably easier to chord too...

Can you comment on the Mid-Missouri electric models, especially the 4-string they have?

Nope...I've never had the opportunity to play one...I am thrilled that Mid-Mo offers such great quality at a great value...

Also, can you tell me anything about the Epiphone Mandobird?

Sorry, I've never seen one...

If you like electric 4-string, or 5-string, mandolin, you might check out some earlier recordings of Tiny Moore.

The reason for all the questions is that I have played the mandolin for a little while and would love something with excellent playability, but that isn't too loud. I figured that an electric using amped headphones might me a good way to go. Any opinions on this last one?

Sure...it would make for a great practice instrument...and, yes, I believe the playability to be easier on single string instruments...

Best of luck to you in your research...Mickey

Reply whenever you have the time and many thanks, Marty