Choosing a new instrument

Subject: Choosing a new instrument
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 19 Apr 02 - 08:11 PM

What should you look for when buying a new string instrument? In a few weeks I hope to buy a new mandolin, I know I should look at the general condition of instruments, and I recently learnt to compare the action (distance between the strings and the wooden bits) I know it's a good idea to take somebody with me but I would like to learn myself in case nobody is available, so is there anything else I should check/look for? Thanks.john

Subject: RE: Choosing a new instrument
From: DonMeixner
Date: 19 Apr 02 - 08:19 PM

Flat top, arch top, or Onion Back?

Subject: RE: Choosing a new instrument
From: catspaw49
Date: 19 Apr 02 - 09:21 PM

I wonder what John Bobbitt would have chosen for a new instrument had his not been found?

Spaw

Subject: RE: Choosing a new instrument
From: pict
Date: 19 Apr 02 - 09:55 PM

First and foremost the instrument should have a very pleasing tone so I would try as many as possible until I found a tone I liked.I would check that it has a solid spruce top on it and not a laminated top,I would check that the frets are perfectly seated in the fingerboard and that the fret ends were smooth with no ragged edges.I would check to see what the fingerboard material was made of (ebony preferred,rosewood is usual).

I would check that the instrument plays in tune all over the neck,if I couldn't play it I would bring someone who could and ask them to play it for me.I would check that the machine heads for tuning were of good quality and worked smoothly without slipping.I would check that the finish was not flawed, that the nut was correctly slotted and that the neck was not warped.

I would enquire about the wood types the instruments back and sides were made of(solid or laminated wood,maple or mahogany etc)If inlayed I would check that the inlay was perfectly smooth with no protruding edges and no glue visible.I would check the inside of the instrument to make sure it had a tidy construction e.g. no glue drips or splintered linings etc.

Subject: RE: Choosing a new instrument
From: Les Jones
Date: 20 Apr 02 - 03:05 AM

John, the thing is to play lots of them. Come to

Hobgoblin Music

Johnny Roadhouse

Oxford Road

Republic of Manchester

This shop has hundreds and hundreds of acoustic instruments including anything fro around the world with strings on. Mandolins by the score, and lots of other instruments like mandolins. Consider a flatback Mandola. Longer neck, easy to handle, a bit loader.

I bought a Korean 'Vintage' Mandola after being encouraged by Ken to play anything I wanted. £300! I have never spent that much on almost anything, but I have to say it is a joy to play and I enjoy playing it nearly everyday. Even tunes I have played badly for 30 years sound born again.

Go with that oft given advice 'buy the best you can possibly afford'. Sod that get into debt, we are a long time dead!

Cheers

Subject: RE: Choosing a new instrument
From: 53
Date: 20 Apr 02 - 11:20 AM

Be careful John. Take somebody with you when you go. Bob

Subject: RE: Choosing a new instrument
From: Ebbie
Date: 20 Apr 02 - 01:26 PM

An arch back, I believe, Spaw.

Subject: RE: Choosing a new instrument
From: bill\sables
Date: 20 Apr 02 - 05:45 PM

John when you buy a pair of shoes you will probably try them to make sure you like them and that they fit, it is much the same with instruments, try them all, and you will find the one you want is the one that fits.

Subject: RE: Choosing a new instrument
From: 53
Date: 20 Apr 02 - 10:35 PM

John, how's it coming on the guitar? Looks like you have a case of the Syndrome that Rick's always talking about, oh well, go out and buy as many as you want, but like I said earlier, be careful. Good hunting. Bob

Subject: RE: Choosing a new instrument
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 16 May 02 - 11:57 AM

Thanks everybody, I just bought my new mandolin, I am really happy with it, it is a Fender FM 53-s, it was 170 from antones guitars in Hull.
Bill-When are you coming to hull again? I still want to buy one of your t shirts.john

Subject: RE: Choosing a new instrument
From: Les from Hull
Date: 16 May 02 - 06:25 PM

Congratulations John! I'm looking forward to seeing it.

Subject: RE: Choosing a new instrument
From: harpmaker
Date: 16 May 02 - 07:31 PM

So,,,You like it then!!!!!!!

Subject: RE: Choosing a new instrument
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 16 May 02 - 08:12 PM

Yes John, it's really nice! In case anyone is wondering, I owe John the harp a Thank You as well, as it was him that told me about it, so Thanks John.Les I will take it to The Kingston soon.

Subject: RE: Choosing a new instrument
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 16 May 02 - 08:15 PM

Ps.harpmaker knows man in shop, and thats partly why I got such a good deal on the mandolin (it sould have been 200 pounds).John-I will buy you a Guinness in The Tap on Sunday.

Subject: RE: Choosing a new instrument
From: 53
Date: 16 May 02 - 08:45 PM

Congrats on your new mandolin.

Subject: RE: Choosing a new instrument
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 16 May 02 - 08:52 PM

Thanks Bob, (and thanks for the private message).john

Subject: RE: Choosing a new instrument
From: 53
Date: 17 May 02 - 02:21 PM

You are welcome John. Bob

Subject: RE: Choosing a new instrument
From: Sorcha
Date: 17 May 02 - 02:47 PM

In my experience, the instrument chooses you, not the other way round..........bloody things do have minds of their own. Beastly things choose which tunes to play, too!

Subject: RE: Choosing a new instrument
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 24 Jun 02 - 04:07 PM

I bought 2 new instruments on Saturday! (a tambourine and a shaky egg) I am learning to play the tambourine first, (I think it is better to learn one at a time, otherwise I will get confused).john

Subject: RE: Choosing a new instrument
From: Anon
Date: 24 Jun 02 - 04:33 PM

How bout things to look for in an openback banjo? This is not thread drift, its related. Right? Thanks. This is my first post here!

Subject: RE: Choosing a new instrument
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Jun 02 - 04:35 PM

I think you're taking the right approach, John.

You may well find the 'shaky egg' beyond your abilities

Subject: RE: Choosing a new instrument
From: 53
Date: 24 Jun 02 - 04:50 PM

Go, John, Go. Bob

Subject: RE: Choosing a new instrument
From: Crane Driver
Date: 25 Jun 02 - 05:06 PM

Even if it's thread drift, we should welcome "not from Hull" - it's about bloody time someone wasn't. I wouldn't look too closely for things in a banjo, though, you never know what you might find. Reminds me of the time our local club booked Sara Gray - the paper described her as an expert in "failing the banjo". The Curse of the Missing Consonant!

Subject: RE: Choosing a new instrument
From: Anon
Date: 25 Jun 02 - 05:12 PM

thanks for the welcome Crane Driver!

Subject: RE: Choosing a new instrument
From: GUEST,Slickerbill
Date: 25 Jun 02 - 05:53 PM

I was just about to ask the same as not from hull. banjo's starting to look kinda interesting, but what do you look for? What are the advantages of open back vs not? Are there some makes to avoid? Etc? sb