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![]() Mandolin: On Learning to Play with a Handicap
Date: Thu, 28 May 2009 10:24:57 -0600 Hi Mickey! Sure ... I remember something about your situation. I happen to have a close friend who's a flautist and she's having the same shoulder issues you are having. Odd? It definitely applies to long hours of playing ... and alleviates some stress on the hands over time. I'm not too sure about helping issues such as you're having; however, I suspect it may just help. I do not plan to practice for long periods of time in the beginning. I'll need to work up to that. I do plan to play in church, which means one to three short performances about 5 minutes each. Since I am a beginner and have never played on a radiused fingerboard, do you think I would really notice the benefits? If I choose an instrument with a radiused fingerboard, what type of capo will I need? I believe the Shubb capo would work fine ... however, on a mandolin, it's really not necessary to use a capo. Most all keys and songs are easily achieved on mandolin at least as compared to guitar. Traditional players on mandolin never ever use a capo. All mandolins are small and manageable. A longer scale length, from bridge to nut, is not going to affect your ability to reach chords or melodies as a beginner. Sounds like you're right on track ... For me, it would be a toss up between the KM-505 and the MK-AS ... both are a great value ... and, if I could afford the KM-505 above the MK, I'd probably go with it ... Scale length may vary slightly between all of these ... again, it should not affect your ability to learn.. Should I be concerned about the types of tuners (Gotoh or Grover)? Not necessarily ... although, I personally like Grover tuners. Will they hold their pitch reasonably well? With the proper set-up, right strings and bridge intonation, most definitely. Have you heard of the above website? Yes ... however, I do not know anything really about them ... they seem fair to me. Is there one you would recommend more? They do seem to have excellent set-up. Yes ... the KM-505 judging by the feature list ... unfortunately, I haven't seen one in person so you'll still need to do some research on these with others who own them. Glad to help, Mickey Cochran Folk of the Wood http://www.folkofthewood.com http://www.mysticwestproducts.com
Subject: Update for Mickey Dear Mickey, Just wanted to update you on my progress and ask a question. If you remember, I am the guy that was seriously injured in an accident that crushed my left arm. Progress is going really slow but I'm not giving up. Good for you! I have found that because I can't hold my arm up on it's own, I tend to use the neck of my mandolin for support which makes it hard to move up and down the neck freely, but I'm working on it. It's a little disappointing but I love the Mandolin and if I can master just one song it's all worth it. If you can master one, many more will be easy to learn. Your video is a great help and I see the DVD is available now so I will be calling James to take you up on the half price offer. Now for my question. What strings would you recommend for the Dragonfly Flame? I was using the Gibson Bill Monroe set, but I didn't care for the sound I was getting and they seemed really hard the fret. Is there a set that would give me the Bluegrass sound that I love and be a little easier on the fingers? In your case, I'd recommend the GHS Light Gauge mandolin strings...the Bill Monroe set is a heavier gauge. These should still offer a bluegrass sound...set up is also critical on your mandolin to ensure ease of playability. Mickey Date: Sun, 9 Jan 2005 22:35:05 EST I just purchased a Johnson MF-100 Mandolin. I would love to learn how to play the thing but I have a handicap. My right hand was amputated at the wrist. I have tried to make me a pick by using a piece of plastic wrapped around my wristbut it was about an inch and a half too short. Could you maybe give me an idea on how to get a pick that would work because I would really like to learn how to play this thing. Thanks, Joe M R. Greetings Joe, This does pose a problem...and, more than likely, a personal instructor may be your best option. You might other pick configurations...such as a thumbpick or fingerpick...not sure about how this would fit without seeing your hand in person. Maybe there's a way that you can use a wristband with the pick attached. How about a watchband with the flatpick embedded within the metal bands... Let me know if you find a solution...we have other readers that would like to know their options. Mickey
Subject: Mandolin for weak hands Subject: RE: Fwd: Mandolin for weak hands |
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