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UPDATED 05/09/07

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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


Folk of the Wood
1031 Mechem Unit 1
Ruidoso, NM 88345
Email: info@folkofthewood.com

Folk of the Wood
1031 Mechem Unit 1
Ruidoso, NM 88345
Email: info@folkofthewood.com
 

 

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