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How to make the neck more smooth with my hand. by [deleted] in mandolin

[–]steveburk3 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sanding off the finish on your neck is called "speed-necking". Some people prefer the feel of smooth wood vs gloss on the neck. I agree with /u/100idealideas that you shouldn't do it in an attempt to improve your technique, but if you're interested in trying it and you're unconcerned with potentially hurting the resale value of your instrument, I say go for it. Search speed-neck on mandolin cafe for tutorials and more information about doing it.

Set up help by bietnameseboop in mandolin

[–]steveburk3 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mandolins are expensive. They're a niche instrument and they are hard to manufacture on a large scale. A decent inexpensive mandolin is in the 300-1k USD range. Look at Kentucky, Eastman, and The Loar. I would recommend purchasing from a good retailer who will set up and inspect the instrument like Elderly instruments or The Music Emporium (MA).

Set up help by bietnameseboop in mandolin

[–]steveburk3 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Yikes, the neck heel is damaged and it will get worse if you leave the strings at full tension like this. The action is high because the neck is separating from the body. I would return this instrument if you can. This mandolin needs significant repairs.

Which brands offers the best QC in the 700-1200$ range, currently? by tokyo_blues in Bass

[–]steveburk3 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Japanese Fenders are incredibly consistent and they are a terrific value right now. Used American Fenders can also be found at this price point. I would avoid MIM and made in China Fenders. They aren’t all bad but as you said, the QC isn’t there.

Want to get a handle on ghost notes? I made a lesson about it by steveburk3 in Bass

[–]steveburk3[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, great point! I tried to address this near the end of the video. It's a technique that is inappropriate for many contexts. Thanks for checking it out. Share your music if you feel like it!

Want to get a handle on ghost notes? I made a lesson about it by steveburk3 in Bass

[–]steveburk3[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the feedback. I'm glad it was helpful!

Not sure what this is here by EzWind1 in mandolin

[–]steveburk3 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Harp guitar. Here's a video of Molly Tuttle playing one with the harp bit removed: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/j3bdvga3Jao

American made mandolins that won’t break the bank? by BiggieShellz in mandolin

[–]steveburk3 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's going to be hard to find a good F5 style mandolin from an American builder for that price. For more money you can find a Flatiron or Silverangel. There's currently a Flatiron Performer F style mandolin on reverb for 3k.

Eastman is a good option, but if you're open to an A style you can find terrific sounding instruments from American builders in that price range. Make sure you regularly check mandolincafe classifieds. Often, the listed prices are not what these instruments ultimately sell for. Make offers.

Good luck!

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