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Hi Everyone. This looks like a potentially friendly and useful place. I'm a longtime music student, just a student. I started with viola, went to classical guitar for a long time, and then took up mandolin about 10 years ago.
The mandolin is a wonderful instrument, with a history that is long, noble and also somewhat funky. The mando is both melodic and chordal, and its rational fretboard invites explorations and desviations. I like old instruments, and I have a 1922 Gibson, a 30s Dobro and a 30s Stradolin, all very good for BG and old time music. I recently acquired a Chinese mandola to get a bit more bass for JSBach's Cello Suites.
Now I have been given a student violin, a factory product suitable for the ravages of savage 10 year-olds. It's tone leaves much to be desired, but the setup is good and it presents no significant mechanical obstacles. Presented with a functional instrument, I have given myself a time-limited challenge to see if I can reach minimal competence in simple old-time music. First position will probably work for me. If I can learn to make acceptable and enjoyable noise, I'll consider upgrading the fiddle. (I already upgraded the bow.)
I have had a few teachers in the past, mostly useful for getting me started with minimal bad habits. I couldn't find anyone local who could help me with fiddle basics, so I have relied on some of the very many online resources -- so many to choose from! I'm hopeful that this forum will help me find answers to questions that arise.
Cheers to all,
Strabo
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Welcome! I've been here for about 5 months now, even before I acquired my viola. I cannot express how much I appreciate this forum and the support and instruction that I have received. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do.
The old curmudgeon!
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Oh, and if you ever get into Pompano Beach, Florida, be sure to stop in FiddlerShop and say, "Hi". I just wish I lived down that way, so I could do that!
The old curmudgeon!
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Strabo
Welcome to the forum,
Is that 1922 Gibson a lord Lore F style mandolin "or was the Lord Lore 1923 and later I forget," by chance? Or a A body type?
Mark
Master the Frog and you have mastered the bow.
Albert Sammons
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Hi, @Strabo. I’m Mouse, a forum Admin. Welcome to the forum. I do believe you have come to the right place! We have a great group and the menu bar above the forum will provide lots of learning tools, videos, sheet music, etc.
Also, the last section of the forum is for Mandolin related posts! Scroll down and take a look-see. We have you covered!
And as JohnG said, if you are close to Pompano Beach, or want a day trip, Fiddlershop is there. Like JohnG, I would love to go there, but it is not in my neighbor, by a long shot. They do great online with assistance and shipping, though.
Welcome to the forum.
The Bumblebee Flies!
Please ignore any typos. My typing ability on a real typewriter did not transfer to these device key pads.
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welcome to the forum @Strabo ! I hope you continue to visit and update your old time progress! maybe share some playing when comfortable.
Im sure youve done this but a quick google for florida old time associations brought this up.
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@Strabo -
Welcome to the Fiddlerman Forum!
Always great to have a new member that already knows about music and jamming!
I'm sure you'll progress quickly, but hope you give yourself at least a year - before you decide if playing the Violin is worth it.
Maybe you can also liven up our Mandolin discussion area, while you are learning to play the violin? (lol)
Can't wait to hear more about your experiences as a music 'student' and learn about the tunes you like.
I'm also looking forward to watching your Violin progress!
I play a 5-string violin - still very new at it, but stepping up to a 5-string Viola, soon.
...afraid the flexibility has me hooked. (lol)
- Emily
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Welcome to the forum, people on here are very friendly and do their best to answer any questions, you chose the right one:)
Bit more, bit more, snap #*÷?×?@?#?@
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Many thanks to all for pleasant welcome. I appreciate everyone's offers to help. I'm sure I'll need it!
I have had very good interactions with the people over at Mandolin Cafe.com. I have learned a bunch and have been able to make a few contributions myself. I'm hoping for a similar experience here.
My 1922 Gibson is unfortunately not a Lloyd Loar special. It's a bottom-of-the-line A Junior, but it plays beautifully and has that famous Gibson tone.
There aren't any serious fiddle places where I live, so I'll definitely look up Fiddlershop whenever I get to Pompano. I did find a place in Orlando to buy a bow. It's called Atlantic Strings, pretty much classical focus. Very nice people, and tolerant of my backwardness. They did offer to let me play an $80,000 fiddle. I declined, figuring that it might diminish my fun with my beginner's tank.
Cheers, Strabo
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Strabo
If it plays great and sounds great what more do you need?
Thanks for sharing the info.
Mark
Master the Frog and you have mastered the bow.
Albert Sammons
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Welcome to the forum Strabo,
I take it you live further north. Finally we're getting to the glory months in Florida. I feel this year was a longer summer than usual though I'm sure it was not. LOL
We look forward to meeting you whenever you do make it towards Pompano!
Also, looking forward to your posts and progress reports. 😁
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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Thanks Mr Fiddlerman, good to hear from you.
Ocala weather made the turn, dried out and cooled off somewhat, but now humidity is back for a replay. But it won't last long -- we have months of beautiful weather coming up.
I'll head over to Pompano when I get a chance. I'd like to see your operation there. But first I'm headed to Live Oak for the FL Fiddlers Convention this weekend. Should be a hoot.
Strabo
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