Is a Mandolin a respected instrument (like the violin)?

Question

What is the best Mandolin one could buy?

What is the best bargain Mandolin one could buy?

How long does it take to master playing the Mandolin?

Who is the Segovia or Van Halen of the Mandolin?

Answer 1

The mandolin is not only respected as the violin is, they share the same tuning system and fingering pattern. The differences are that the mandolin uses two strings for each note G - D - A - E, it is plucked with a plectrum rather than bowed, and it is a fretted instrument, whereas the modern violin has no frets. (Some of the ancient violins and Viola De Gambas had frets

The best mandolin you can buy depends on the type of music you want to ply. Some of the best mandolin makers are Flatiron, Gibson, and Martin. The various types of mandolin are:

Bluegrass style - Gibson is the leader here. Ovation makes an interesting acoustic electric model

Classic open hole - Martin and Flatiron both make fine examples

Round back, Potato bug, Neopolitan or Sicilian style - There are many fine manufacturers but I don't have specific examples.

There is a whole family of instruments by the way. The mandola or Bazouki roughly corresponds to the Viola. The mando-cello lies in the same range as it's namesake, and the Bass Mandolin is often substituted with the upright bass as it is pretty rare.

Mastering mandolin is a lifetime occupation, same as any other instrument, but you can become proficient on it in a couple of years if you are diligent. The initial learning curve is lower than the violin's, thanks to the frets.

Some fine mandolin players include Ricky Scaggs, Dave Grissman, Bela Fleck, Norman Blake, Ronnie McCroury, Tim O'Brian, Sam Bush, Bill Monroe, and Chris Thile. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Guitar is extensively less difficult than violin. It's going to take you really a bit of longer to get to a specified stage on violin because it did on guitar. Knowing how a fingerboard works will support you a bit of, however now not that a lot.

Answer 3

For all you need to know about mandolins and mandolin players, visti the sites below.