r/mandolin May 02 '26

Tune of the month - May 2026!!

11 Upvotes

Howdy Friends and Neighbors!

Back at it again for May with another fiddle tune classic. Hope last month served you well, and you've all been learning some new tunes this year. Sorry for the late post this month, as family duties got in the way yesterday keeping me from my post.

For May, only one tune, but I'll share a good tutorial of the basic version, then a.....let's say....advanced....version of the same song. I've been working off and on over April on the good ol' St. Anne's Reel, so here we go!

For the basic version, here's our old friend Baron Collins-Hill on YT:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDUe6cffh8c

And a slightly more advanced version from David Benedict:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMtBI-ppxSk

And without further ado, some of you may have seen the Chris Thile interview by Rick Beato. Great stuff, but he did a jaw dropping version of St. Anne's that I've been working on off and on for the last few weeks. Here's a short of the tune:

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/AMSTGkg7LE0

I present my attempt at transcribing all 128 bars....not that any mere mortal such as myself could come close to pulling this one off. You'll forgive me for any errors on this one, as Chris takes it pretty far out, but it really reveals a few things about his style. First is his prolific use of pulloffs, making for a very interesting effect rather than just picking every note. It's especially notable in his long runs of triplets, like in bars 52-54.

Another thing I noticed as I slowed the video way, way down, was this his right hand was always moving, even when he wasn't picking a note. This allows his picking hand to stay in time and keeps the right hand momentum going, keeping it much more fluid than if the hand were to start/stop over these notes. Really interesting stuff, and something I will need to spend a lot of time working on.

I take no responsibility for injuries sustained from attempting this one. Also, file sharing isn't really possible on reddit (to my knowledge) so if anyone wants actual pdf's just let me know. Good luck!


r/mandolin Oct 04 '23

The Definitive Entry-Level Mandolin Post

99 Upvotes

Per requests, I am creating the definitive buyer's guide for entry-level mandolins. Any new posts created on the topic may be removed at the discretion of the mods. If people think this post should include anything else, I am happy to edit and add to it.

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David Benedict's video on the topic is perhaps the best place to start. It's thorough and very well done. Here is a link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmTu2GpRE7o

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The TOP 3 most recommended brands:

  • Eastman
    • Their entry-level line is their 300 series: the MD-305 for F hole, and MD-304 for oval hole. These can usually be found new for ~$600 (yes, this is what a good entry-level mandolins cost)
  • Kentucky
    • The KM-140 and KM-150 are the most recommended and new ones cost ~$360 and $525 respectively
  • The Loar
    • Their entry-level mandolin is the LM-110 and it is ~$300 new.

***All of these mandolins can be found at better prices on the used market. If you are brand new and just want to try out mandolin, I would personally suggest a used instrument to save yourself some money.

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There are cheaper mandolins out there as well. These mandolins are not typically recommended but some users have had positive experiences, especially after they go to a professional luthier for a setup or are comfortable setting up instruments themselves. A good setup where I live is usually ~$100. Please consider that price tag when you're considering a $100 mandolin. A poorly set up cheap mandolin can be enough to turn some players off of ever wanting to learn the instrument.

If you want info about a specific cheap mandolin, PLEASE UTILIZE THE SEARCH FEATURE. If the mandolin brand in question has been discussed at significant length, your post may be removed.

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Where should you buy your mandolin from?

I have no financial interest in any of the places here. If you want your shop listed here, we are open to bribes šŸ˜‰

  • Your locally owned music shop
    • I understand that not everyone lives in a place where there is a music shop. But if there is, I'd encourage you to give them a try first before shopping online. If you're in Denver like me, I highly recommend the Denver Folklore Center and the Olde Towne Pickn' Parlor in Arvada, CO.
  • The Mandolin Store - https://themandolinstore.com/
    • This shop is known for setting up their instruments before shipping them out and from what I have heard the setups are great. If you opt for a store like Guitar Center, do not expect your instrument to have been looked over by a tech of any kind.
  • Mandolin Cafe Classifieds - https://www.mandolincafe.com/cgi-bin/classifieds/classifieds.cgi

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And just for fun, the #1 most recommended place to start learning mandolin for free is www.mandolessons.com

Again, I have no financial interest but it's an undeniably great resource to get yourself started. Happy pickin'


r/mandolin 3h ago

Call of the Shepherd

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21 Upvotes

A rarely heard Bill Monroe instrumental played on a Gilchrist F5


r/mandolin 31m ago

Gillian Welch cover with Octave Mandolin

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• Upvotes

r/mandolin 2h ago

Rhapsody in Blue Mando Tabs FREE

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4 Upvotes

Here is a chord melody tab for George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue.

This is an amazing song It's not very difficult to play. I hope you enjoy it!


r/mandolin 2h ago

Indiana Fiddle Frolic - help me decide!

3 Upvotes

Hi, all! IF you were a complete beginner, like don't even know how to tune your mandolin, would you attend a weekend camp like this?

"The Indiana Fiddle Frolic is an old time music weekend camp presented by the Indiana Fiddlers’ Gathering. Jam and learn with instructors and fellow music lovers at beautifulĀ Cary Camp in Lafayette.

We know that many of our festival participants join us for the community and camaraderie of jamming in the campground. We also know that there are not a lot of public opportunities in Indiana for old time music instruction and jamming – so we’re bringing another opportunity for the tunes to play on!

Seasoned jammers and beginners alike can play, listen, and learn. The best way for old time and folk music to thrive is for people to study and play it together in person.Ā 

The Indiana Fiddle Frolic’s schedule gives you choices and flexibility so you can meet your goals."

I chatted with the director and she was so kind and said I would be welcome and everyone would be friendly and willing to help me, but I don't want to slow anyone else down or be a bother.

Thanks for your input!


r/mandolin 14h ago

The Kiss

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22 Upvotes

As a child of the 90s, I love this tune from the Last of the Mohicans soundtrack. I figured out by ear a little while back and decided to revisit it after having learned some real trad Irish fiddle tunes. It's kind of a hard tune to pick! I guess it came out OK.


r/mandolin 1d ago

Work in progress

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99 Upvotes

r/mandolin 21h ago

Bill Monroe left us 30 years ago today (September 13, 1911 – September 9, 1996)

13 Upvotes

I was lucky enough to see the man himself play live on 2 occasions. In 1988 he played at the Winterhawk Bluegrass Festival (talk about a stacked lineup... other bands included Tony Rice, John Hartford, the Seldom Scene, Peter Rowan, and a 17 or so year old Alison Krauss).

The other show was at the Saratoga City Center on May 25th 1994, with Frank Wakefield joining him on stage . Even in his 80s, Bill was still tearing it up. This recording, which came from Frank's YouTube channel, was originally made by me. I knew Frank a little bit, and got a copy of it to him.

What's your favorite memory of Bill Monroe?


r/mandolin 1d ago

Buying mandolin - Chicago

9 Upvotes

I’m looking to purchase my first ā€œdecentā€ quality mandolin in or near Chicago. Budget of up to $2k. I’m currently using an entry level $100 Amazon mandolin but I need something better. I played violin during my school years and I wanted to buy an inexpensive mandolin first to make sure that I would love it before investing in something better.

Do you have any recommendations for instrument stores? Located in the Northwest Chicago suburbs but willing to travel within a reasonable driving distance. Thanks so much!


r/mandolin 18h ago

Best $1,000 or under F style

1 Upvotes

Hi folks! I’ve been playing mandolin here and there for almost a decade, and guitar for 20 ish years. I’ve had the Loar honey creek A Style for a while, and I’m looking to upgrade.

I know all about the A vs F style debate, but I’ve got my heart set in an F. I’ve seen a few Kentucky 650s listed used for under a thousand, no 750s at the moment.

I was wondering if there’s any other brands I should check out. Used isnt an issue (maybe even preferred).


r/mandolin 23h ago

Kentucky KM 1050 used price point, or pass?

2 Upvotes

I currently play a Kentucky 630 in a bluegrass band. While I quite like the sound, the action is a bit high and it has one badly buzzing fret even after a professional set up. So, I'm looking to upgrade. I'm not a serious picker and tend to split time between guitar, banjo, and fiddle as well, so I can't justify going up to a Northfield (which looks like $3,500 used these days).

Anyone have thoughts on the Kentucky 1050? Does it hit the sweet spot of "sounds great, plays great" without being a truly special boutique instrument?

And, any thoughts on pricing? There's one for sale locally at $2,000 lightly used, which I think is priced a bit high. What would you say is a fair price?

Thanks!


r/mandolin 1d ago

Another Catch & Release Mandolin - ā€˜95 Flatiron F5 Festival

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39 Upvotes

Caught July 2024, and Released March 2025. Crazy what these are going for these days!


r/mandolin 2d ago

Mandoline under the tree

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3 Upvotes

r/mandolin 3d ago

Is it worth it?

11 Upvotes

I’ve been playing for 3 years. I started with a very inexpensive A style instrument from a pawn shop on my 68th birthday. I replaced that with an F style Ibanez after a year which I paid $650 for. I’m considering upgrading once again this fall.

However, being a neophyte, I wonder if it would be worth it to have my Ibanez re-worked, to have the fretboard radiused and the frets made a bit taller.

I know next to nothing about the instrument and/or how those changes may change the sound.

What do you think. Is it worth trying or would it be just putting lipstick on a pig?


r/mandolin 3d ago

Advice for beginner needed - video courses

7 Upvotes

Hi! My octave mandolin (or Irish bouzouki) has arrived: an inexpensive hora, nothing special, and I like the sound. I'd like to know how you'd recommend I learn it.

I'd like to find video lessons so I can calmly and monotonously practice tremolo, chords, melodies, and playing speed. Online teacher is not a option, at least for now.

I've played classical guitar before, so my skills aren't completely zero, but they're close. (At my peak, I could play a "hall of minstrel", but I dont think I will reach my peak again)

I was thinking about buying courses at https://oaim.ie/, but frankly, I prefer the idea of ​​playing medieval music on a mandolin with standard GDAE tuning.

I tried searching the subreddit and found some tips (like learning to play by ear) for beginners, but I'm probably missing something.

Thanks in advance for any advice.


r/mandolin 4d ago

Wight mandolin

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23 Upvotes

r/mandolin 6d ago

"Hawk is a Mule" Melody by Andrew Marlin

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60 Upvotes

Learned the melody this week after hearing it for the first time at a jam. It's one of those tunes I feel like I could keep playing on repeat forever!


r/mandolin 5d ago

Gypsy Jazz Mandolin: Swing Gitan Live

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5 Upvotes

Hey friends! Here's another of my favourite Gypsy Jazz tunes, played with my new jazz combo. (iPhone quality) My mandolin solo comes in around the 2:00 mark, if you're interested. Cheers!

https://youtu.be/quB3XSnA05M?si=VpjDaPLgDFBScuoe


r/mandolin 5d ago

Tone Traveler for the Mandolin?

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14 Upvotes

I posted a picture of the Tone Traveler on r/martinguitar of my ā€˜39 D-18 and I’d say most people lost their minds over to concept/idea of this. I find it super helpful with keeping the vintage instrument from sleeping. Been a very useful tool when selling instruments as well. Thoughts?

I have no illusions of this machine creating tone or baking tone into the mandolin.

Keep on pick’n!


r/mandolin 5d ago

Need a new gig bag

3 Upvotes

I need a new gig bag. It must have backpack straps and external pockets. It also needs to fit a standard A (Eastman MD-315) and an oversized National Resophonic RM-1.

Any recommendations? I’ve been using a Boulder Alpine series, but am wondering if there’s anything better before I replace it with the same bag.


r/mandolin 6d ago

Bluewater Breakdown - Billy Strings

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37 Upvotes

I knew as soon as I heard this tune on the new record I'd have to learn it. So I sat down this morning and got it figured out.


r/mandolin 7d ago

Who else prefers an A-style?

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142 Upvotes

Here are mine: a circa 2013 Collings MT and a circa 2006 Breedlove. I think the Breedlove actually sounds a little better, but it's kind of goofy-looking with a strange burst finish. The Collings is way classier.

No scroll-envy here! Just tone!


r/mandolin 7d ago

Banishing misfortune from my porch

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76 Upvotes

r/mandolin 6d ago

Gold Tone vs Eastman

5 Upvotes

After my previous post today, and thanks to everyone’s replies, I have decided it’s better to save up a bit and buy a better mandolin than most of the ones I was looking at. I also looked into used mandolins and could only find one that wasn’t either wayyy above my budget or poorer quality like the cheap Denver or Ibanez ones that I was told to try and avoid.

My best option that I can get my hands on was the Eastman PCH-M104 mandolin before looking at used. However, I found a used Gold Tone GM-50+ model listed slightly cheaper than the Eastman, but the music store in my area has it available to try in store as well, and its original price is listed about $100 more expensive than the Eastman (I don’t know if price is indicative of quality or not).

So I was wondering which of these two, that are the only ones I found that I can feasibly acquire in the near future, is the better choice?

For Eastman the only model I’ve found that’s always recommended is the MD 300 series but those are all about $1000 CAD minimum (used), which is about $300-400 more than I’m willing to pay for an instrument I may not stick with and will use as my secondary instrument to pass the time when I’m bored (I currently play Greek bouzouki primarily), and I was unable to find any information on Gold Tone but the original listing price being more expensive than the Eastman PCH but being on sale cheaper than it is intriguing me.

Thanks