Beginners' update

[Pen]

Hiyas Landy.  I would guess that you just need more practice.  The instrument, with practice, shouldn't affect your singing.  You may be inclined to sing higher (or lower I suppose) becouse of how your brain is wired and what your head tells you to do - but I would imagine you would improve as you practice.  The more comfortable you get on mando, the more you can concentrate on your voice.

Now, that being said, there are some instruments I think couple better with an individual singing and playing.  I think that the guitar and piano work better in a solo set (for me).  They offer more sustain and fill out the performance.

You have a really pretty voice and I'm certain you can improve.  Don't feel bad.  I know accomplished musicians that can't sing and play a lick at the same time.  Many would say I'm one of them!

[Pen]

Hiyas landy.  Sorry I've been MIA lately.  Our daughter, Sophie, was born a little over 3 weeks ago.  My bro-in-law gave me advice prior to her birth which has rung so true.  "1 kid is hard.  You would assume that 2 kids would be twice as hard.  It's not.  2 kids is INFINATELY harder than 1".  Man was he right.

Everyone is healthy and good - although a bit sleep deprived!

You won't be able to adjust the placement of the bridge.  A good way to test if it's in the right spot is to take a tuner and check if it's in tune w/ the open string - then jump up 12 frets and do it again.  There's only one spot the bridge can be in and have this work.  Do this with the G strings as well as the E strings.  Becouse this can sometimes be time consuming, I usually change strings 2 at a time so the bridge never moves. 

I am like you.  When I"m picking under control, I like to brace myself against a part of the instrument.  Try using the top inside part of your forearm against the top of the mando instead of your hand on the bridge (I happen to do both).  Maybe that will help.

Another question, I"m assuming your mando has a floating (movable) bridge - correct?  As I think about your issue, I'm wondering why you feel uncomfortable with the bridge placement.  Does having your hand that far back feel uncomforable - does it hurt - does it slow your speed or affect your ability?

Good luck - if it was easy - everyone would play mando!

[Pen]

I think I understand now.  Don't worry so much about picking directly over the soundhole.  Granted, strings won't have as much volume if you're bracing your hand against part of the bridge - but your control will be infinately better.  You will find that as you improve, you are better prepared to attack the strings while picking - thus getting more volume.  Then, you'll be better equiped to control the musical dynamics of your song.  Pianissimo to Fortissimo - use them all as required.  I will practice my scales at different volumes.

Lastly, with volume, it's not just the your picking that affect sound.
-There's the actual construction & bracing of a mando.
-Strings.  Try different sets of strings until you find ones you like.
-How much of the instrument is in contact with you while playing.  If your arm is draped on the instrument and the back of the mando is flush up against your belly/side - it takes away volume.  Maybe look at Tone Guards for the mando if you want to increase it's sound.

Lastly, as you are looking for a good hand position, spend some time on Youtube.  There are countless video's of accomplished mandolin players.  It may give you some ideas on ways to adjust our hand position.

[Pen]

Babies good.  I feel like I've been hit by a bus - but everyone is healthy. 

Can't wait to see your rendition.  Good luck!

[Pen]

That's a great goal Landy!  Best of luck.  I don't know that much about it.  I'm assuming you'll get involved with ASCAP (or a similar organization).  I've heard it can be hard - but hey - someones got to do it!

I'd agree with you about the guitar.  Tends to be easier to strum and sing.  Well - for me anyway.  If you would like a hand finding a good guitar, let me know.  It's something I know a lot about and I'd be happy to match you up with a good buy based on your budget and style of guitar you might prefer.  I check a few messageboards & craigslist daily and see a ton of good buys.

[Pen]

I can't wait!

Gotta love technology.  Too bad our our lives don't allow face to face interaction.  Like you, I so much more enjoy the organic experience.  This is better than nothing.

[Pen]

Well done.  Really good job with you vocals - and what a view for a video.  You continue to improve Landy - keep it up!

[Sap]

That was great Mary!   

I agree, beautiful vocals - You really sound in command of that voice.   

I would love to have you sing one of my songs some day...

Great Job!   

[Sap]

Cork floors...... in a home sound studio......overkill???? I just want to be able to sing out and NOT disrupt the entire house at 5:30 A.M......What..what can I say I'm a morning girl

I don't think it's overkill, i just don't think it will do much soundproofing.  It will look great though! 

I've had friends go through the attempt to soundproof one floor from another, as described in the link below (they spent a good amount of money on all the materials) , and they still were not satisfied with the level of soundproofing.   The heating duct work is the big source of sound bleed, so if your studio doesn't have duct work it will be easier for you to reduce the sound transfer.

http://www.soundproofingamerica.com/ceiling-soundproofing.asp

 Listening to: Hockey

[Courtney]

Well, that's going to take quite a bit of wine drinking but if you can afford it, I'm all for cork.  It's so much softer on the feet.  I wanted cork in my studio but I ran out of money.  It's all good.  I appreciate what I have for now and am buying more lottery tickets.

 Listening to: The quiet hum of the early morning air conditioner.

[libraryvolgirl]

hey y'all! just bought my first mando and i'm not sure what i've gotten myself into. looking around for an instructor here-haven't found one yet. i can kinda-sorta read music. i used to have a fiddle that i could play a little bit but any book/dvd/video recs?  landshark-saw your youtube-you rock!

[MandoGeek]

I would love to be in a girls pickin circle, I am even less experienced then you. I am difinitely bringing my mando, and we are getting there on tuesday. Come find me and we can jam. I think Maine-ah would join us too. I can't wait to go to Telluride. I wish I could leave work right now and go home and practice.
See ya soon.

[libraryvolgirl]

 count me in ladies! well, i am way down on the beginner totem pole. ha!

i'm not sure when i'm gonna arrive in tride but i'll be there with my mando. maybe a harmonica too

thanks for the tips landshark. i'm gonna do a 2-day session in july and practice on my own til then...

[libraryvolgirl]

i'm on it landshark!

[MandoGeek]

OK, I will start learning that one also. I am currently learning Red Haired Boy and St. Anne's Reel. I have Angeline the Baker and Soldier Joy down pat. I also am working on memorizing ?Old Joe.., and Will the circle be unbroken. I have a few others I can play if I have the sheet music in front of me.
Also, I can't read music so I have everything in tab.
Can't wait to see you in June.
Beth