Date: Mon, 2 Feb 2004 09:26:02 -0600

Hey Mickey,

I am considering a new instrument as I just sold my viola after about 8 years. I am very drawn to the mandolin family of instruments, but like the more mellow sound that I got from the viola. I had considered the bouzouki, but quickly realized that you can't tune it to CDGA (same tuning as a viola), i don't know much about the mandola or the mandocello, but anything you could tell me would help. I am also limited by price, around $500. And finally, do you have a video sampler of you playing a mandocello?

Thanks,
John

Greetings John,

It sounds like you're a natural for a mandola...however, it will not have the mellowness of an octave or a lower voiced instrument...even so, it is the CGDA tuning...and the transition for you will be smooth and easy...and, keep in mind, the higher voiced mandola, over the octave or bouzouki, will have more value as a lead instrument...so, one of the things you'll want to consider is, are you looking to play lead within ensembles, or are you looking for more of a solo instrument...Mickey