Post by Ptarmigan on May 17, 2008 12:27:03 GMT
To start with, if you are not sure what a Mandolin is, or where it came from, here’s an excellent little brief history on the Mandolin, with photos.
A Brief History of the MandolinThis is my own Mandolin Page:
My Mandolin PageThis page is from the website of Da Capo Alba, who maintain that at one time the Mandolin was in fact more popular than the Fiddle, in Scotland!
Who are De Capo Alba you ask, well, they are currently Scotland's largest guitar and mandolin orchestra.
It comprises around 30 members who play mandolin, mandola (octave mandolin), guitar, bass or percussion instruments.
The orchestra plays a wide variety of music including classical, modern and traditional music.
Lanarkshire Guitar and Mandolin AssociationThe Mandolins sold in music shops here are usually the very cheap learners model like this one:
Mandolin{Click on the MP3 file at the foot of that page to hear the sound of the Mandolin.}
In traditional music circles it is often foolishly regarded as something of a beginners instrument, something you learn tunes on before moving 'on & up' to more ‘noble’ instruments like the Tenor Banjo & Fiddle which usually have their strings tuned the same as the Mandolin.
However, anyone who has seen a Mandolin being played by an expert will know that it is anything but a toy!
I just have to think back to the last time I saw a Bluegrass Band here or one of the excellent trad players of Scottish or Irish Music, to realise that this little instrument is capable of fast, exciting, and beautiful music.
If you think a Mandolin is just a Mandolin & that they all look the same, then check out all these photos.
Mandolin PhotosTo hear some cracking Mandolin playing check out these links:
Simon Mayor ~ The Atholl Highlanders Gary Peterson of Shetland group ~ Hom BruHere is a Mandolin video clip which starts with that old favourite tune Captain Pugwash
Gary Peterson of Shetland group ~ Hom Bru Soldier's Joy on a Dobro MandolinUseful Mandolin Links:
Nigel Gatherer’s Scottish Mandolin site Folk of the Wood ~ Video clips of various MandolinS being played&
The Mandolin Café ~ Discussion BoardOh, & if you want to buy a Scottish Mandolin, then check out ‘Moon’ of Glasgow, who produce a whole range of Mandolins.
Scottish Mandolins by ‘Moon’ of Glasgow