Mandolin — DjangoBooks Forum

Gypsy Jazz Mandolin Lessons by John McGann

MichaelHorowitz — Thu, 23 Jun 2005 09:45:32 +0000

Gypsy Picking for Mandolin

This lesson demonstrates how to employ the Gypsy Picking technique on the mandolin. Includes 5 notated examples, 9 MP3 audio examples, and 3 pages of text. Several of the examples are mandolin versions of Django's most classic phrases. Written by mandolin virtuoso John McGann.

Gypsy Jazz Chords for Mandolin

This lesson demonstrates how to play Gypsy jazz style chords on the mandolin. Includes advanced chordal arrangements of Minor Swing and Limehouse Blues. Written by mandolin virtuoso John McGann.

Gypsy Jazz Minor Scales for Mandolin

This lesson demonstrates how adapt Django's minor scales to the mandolin. Includes two advanced solos for Minor Swing and four MP3 audio examples. Written by mandolin virtuoso John McGann.

Gypsy Jazz Mandolin Solo: Limehouse Blues

This lesson consists of a Django style mandolin solo for the tune Limehouse Blues . Includes many of Django's best phrases adapted for Mandolin. MP3 audio example included. Written by mandolin virtuoso John McGann.

Gypsy Jazz Mandolin Solo: Sweet Georgia Brown (Beginning Level)

This lesson consists of a Django style mandolin solo for the tune Sweet Georgia Brown . Includes many of Django's best phrases adapted for Mandolin. MP3 audio example included. Written by mandolin virtuoso John McGann.

Gypsy Jazz Mandolin Solo Sweet Georgia Brown (Advanced Level)

This lesson consists of a Django style mandolin solo for the tune Sweet Georgia Brown . Includes many of Django's best phrases adapted for Mandolin. MP3 audio example included. Written by mandolin virtuoso John McGann.

"Backpacker mandolin" finally identified: built on the remains of an Embergher #2

Willie — Sun, 07 Mar 2021 16:21:47 +0000

Almost 20 years ago I found this at the flea market, beaten to pieces, in a garbage can:

I thought it was kind of a "backpacker mandolin". Having the parts sorted, I gave them to friend of mine luthier Karsten Schnoor (fine archtops and more: http://www.karstenschnoor.com/) to glue the wooden puzzle together. He suspected it to be built maybe by a prisoner of war with lutherie knowledge during or after WWII.

Here are some more pictures of this slighty deranged instrument:

2021-03-07 16.13.31.jpg

2021-03-07 16.12.00.jpg

2021-03-07 16.11.36.jpg

2021-03-07 16.07.51.jpg

2021-03-07 16.06.42.jpg

2021-03-07 16.12.23.jpg

I'm looking forward to some mandolin addict in this forum saying something about instruments like this one.

Patenotte Mandolin - Gelas style?

billyshakes — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 14:54:20 +0000

@Willie & @BillDaCostaWilliams were talking about Patenotte in a separate thread on German guitars but I thought I'd pull this question into a new thread. I'm no mandolin player, but when I saw this top I cringed! I guess it is was designed by a Frenchman named Gelas? Best way for me to describe it is perhaps as an "inverted pliage" but it doesn't appear bent but rather cut in half! Looking at the string routing, it appears it would pull upwards on a presumably fixed bridge. Is that supposed to promote vibration of the top? My understanding of pliage is that it increases downward pressure on the bridge to get more volume and vibration. This might seem to do the opposite? Or maybe the same concept but in a different direction? Seems pretty crazy. Anyone know more about this particular manufacturing oddity?

https://www.fretboardjournal.com/columns/catch-day-circa-1940-louis-patenotte-mandolin/

Old French mandolin

BillDaCostaWilliams — Sat, 30 Sep 2023 19:01:35 +0000

Acquired this recently-restored Gautié mandolin from around 1910.

https://youtu.be/quVTWu5ksO4?t=5

Kali Sara

Ersad — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 08:33:20 +0000

hello
looking for sheet-music Kali Sara Dorado Schmitt
my email
minorswing.django@gmail.com
or
ersad.kaminski@onet.pl

Sources for learning Gypsy swing MANDOLIN?

Rob MacKillop — Thu, 20 Sep 2018 11:06:51 +0000

I have a mandolin student who took one look at my Eastman DM1 and declared he wants to learn Gypsy swing on the mandolin. The only resources I can see on Amazon are written-out solos. Is there a single book that will introduce him to a basic to intermediate level of rhythm and soloing?

Mandolin: Rest stroke/gypsy picking vs. Alternate picking

mandoswing — Mon, 16 Jul 2018 00:05:18 +0000

Not much going on here in the Mandolin section but I figured I'd throw this out there. I'm fairly comfortable/locked-in to alternate picking. The work I'd have to put in to essentially relearn picking for rest stroke/gypsy picking feels like it would be a major set back. I'm curious if anyone would care to share their mandolin experience with either or both picking styles. Does gypsy picking make a major difference for mandolin in the gypsy jazz style? Any examples of mandolin players that use strict rest stroke/gypsy picking? I don't know of any.

Anyone working on note for note Django and/or Step on mando?

jmcgann — Wed, 19 Jan 2005 11:04:42 +0000

What piece, and how is it sitting?

I find some lines sit really nicely and others just don't have the same effect due to the fingering...

Tim Connell and Stumptown Swing

Mandobart — Sat, 05 Mar 2016 03:55:32 +0000

Saw these guys at Wintergrass.

Swing chords and progressions for mandolin Don Stiernberg

pickitjohn — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 14:46:45 +0000

Swing chords and progressions for mandolin Don Stiernberg

https://www.soundslice.com/lessons/jazz-mandolin-chords/

@adrian

:-c

Gotta say Thanks to Adrian and Don for this video Lesson.

I believe that the soundslice interface is the easiest and best learning interface availible. I'm very glad I made this purchase, anyone playing mandolin wanting to step out into swing would benefit from this course.
Don's background of playing with Jethro Burns for years sets the stage for why I was interested in this. Wished I could of gotten to DIJ because he was teaching there. It would be great to learn directly so a critique my playing his being available to ask questions would be perfect.
Have 80 minutes of him showing some chord vocabulary and progressions is the next best thing. I've been playing by ear for 50 years and having him explain the theory side of stuff I've been doing, has been enlightening.

here is a link to the intro...

https://www.soundslice.com/scores/34589/

Thanks again

>-

a couple of "Djangolins" for auction

AndyW — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 11:00:35 +0000

two 'djangolins' for sale in UK, I have no connection with this auction.

http://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/gardiner-houlgate/catalogue-id-srgard10036/lot-885896c8-f4a7-4453-beff-a50100cae510

http://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/gardiner-houlgate/catalogue-id-srgard10036/lot-3877f6ae-152a-4710-ac68-a50100cae510

I'm not sure if they look 'right' or not for GJ, i might go with a regular F-style mando ;-)

-A-

GJ Guitar and Mandolin Techniques Very Similar?

Mandobart — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 16:34:14 +0000

This past year I've started to get in to Gypsy Jazz. So much that I'm getting back into playing guitar, D'jango-style. Just started, and found that many of the tutorials and books explain the guitar right hand technique (pick grip, wrist motion, "loose fist") and left hand dampening very similar to method book/tutorials on the mandolin. Is this me oversimplifying the two techniques or are there some seasoned GJ guitarists and mando players out there who can weigh in?

Dix Bruce Swing & Jazz Mandolin DVD

MichaelHorowitz — Sun, 01 Jul 2012 13:58:51 +0000

Everything you need to get up and swinging on the Mandolin!

Gypsy Jazz Bands with Mandolin

Mandobart — Sat, 07 Dec 2013 16:28:56 +0000

So far I've found "Harmonious Wail" and "Hot Club Sandwich" feature mandolin in many songs. Any other bands you all could recommend?

Djangofest NW 2014 9/17 - 9/21

Mandobart — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 08:17:44 +0000

So, I live here in WA state and plan on attending Djangofest next year. Never been before. I'd like to bring my OM and mandocello and attend some of the guitar workshops (bringing my five string viola-lin too, but that is more of an accepted instrument in Gypsy Jazz). Related to my first post, is this a good idea or would I be stepping on toes? Thanks!

Intro and a Question

Mandobart — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 14:30:04 +0000

Hi everyone; some of you may know me from mandolincafe. I've been getting into Gypsy Jazz and Hot Club music this year, really enjoying it. It started wneh I was recruited to play in a Klezmer band and grew from there.

My favorite instruments to play these days are 5 string viola and OM. These are not traditional gypsy jazz instruments. Are GJ players like bluegrass players, where it is very strict what instrument you play and how you play it? Would I be committing a major offense/faux pas if I showed up at a hot club jam with an octave mandolin? I'm learning the jazz chords and la pompe on the OM, and I think it sounds good, but would it be "wrong"?

Gonzalo Mandolin

Gene Rawe — Thu, 17 Oct 2013 18:44:11 +0000

Anyone know more about Gonzalo's mandolin playing? When he picked it up, what he plays, any more videos of him playing? I saw one video of him playing on YouTube; pretty handy on a Mando!

John McGann's passing

HarryR — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 15:05:24 +0000

I'm surprised that there's been no mention of the passing of John Mcgann on this forum. I was shocked to read that he died last week after a short illness. I probably speak for many that have met him that he was an exceptional musician, generous with his knowledge and a truly nice guy. R.I.P.

www.jazz-mandolin.com

Petimar — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 09:39:18 +0000

This new site is for folks learning Jazz on the mandolin. Lot of helpful tips, pointers, articles, music. Check it out.

Django on Guitarra Baiana

delsbrother — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 18:14:46 +0000

Portuguese Guitarra Baiana virtuoso Marcos Moletta is a monster on this instrument (a five string electric mandolin tuned CGDAE). He has lots of standards of various genres posted on youtube, including a couple of versions of Django's "I'll See You In My Dreams". I prefer this one:

http://youtu.be/VbOtSAezL-A

Inspiring!

Brand new solo CD - "Sleepless"

JasonAnick — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 08:04:07 +0000

Fellow Mandolin players,

I wanted to let you guys know that my solo CD "Sleepless" is currently available through Djangobooks, and online at http://jasonanick.bandcamp.com/album/sleepless

The CD features seven of my originals along with six Gypsy jazz standards like "Minor Swing", "Nuages", "Tears", and "Sweet Georgia Brown". Along with my violin and mandolin playing, it also features great guitar work from John Jorgenson, Gonzalo Bergara, and John McGann. I look forward to hearing what you guys think. Enjoy!

Jason Anick
www.jasonanick.com

Maurice Dupont 2006 Mandoline (Maple Back and Sides) with HS

MichaelHorowitz — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 17:54:04 +0000

Maurice Dupont 2006 Mandoline (Maple Back and Sides) with HSC

Dedicated mando for gypsy jazz

Tele295 — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:59:05 +0000

I'm going to be setting up a mandolin just for gypsy jazz. I'd like to have that same explosive, fat and punchy sound that can cut through a wall of Selmac rhythm players. Pickup won't hurt either, and I'll probably go with the K&K. Any recommendations for strings, set up, etc?

Pickguard for rest-stroke picking?

Chepoll — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 03:46:42 +0000

Hey guys,

I'm considering to buy a new mandolin and I wonder if I should have a pickguard installed on it.

Note that I use rest-stroke picking. And It's not that my hand goes too much while picking the E string, my pink usually stops the motion, but I just would like to hear your opinions on it.

Jason Anick - Jazz Mando Videos

JasonAnick — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 14:25:44 +0000

Here are a few videos I recently made after SAGA sent me one of their electric mandolins. Enjoy!

Feel free to contact me if you have any interest in online lessons!

Jason Anick

www.jasonanick.com

Jazz MAndo

Bohemian — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 22:36:57 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLVs4PPp ... re=channel

Check out 3:40 on to the end

Vintage comination Mando/Uke

wayne nakamura — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 07:34:13 +0000

http://12fret.com/used/TorturroTurnover.JPG

Here's an interesting 1920's
Torturro
"Turnover"
mandolin/uke*

* Serial Number:... none; circa 1920's
* Description:... Yes, the photo looks like two instruments (through the magic of photoshop) but this one is called a "Turnover" because it is a ukulele on the one side ... flip it over to where the back would normally be and ... it is a mandolin!!! The ebony friction pegs on the peghead tune the nylon uke strings on the one side of the neck, and the metal geared machine heads tune the mandolin on the other side ... what a cool little instrument!
* Pricing:... $650.00 Canadian dollars (approx.$580.US$) with canvas carry bag.

I have absolutely no connection to the instrument I just thought it was reasonably priced and unique. Then again, what do I know?

Wayne Nakamura

Smart 5 string Mandola

jmcgann — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 08:46:19 +0000

A. Lawrence Smart made this CGDAE instrument for Mike Marshall. He played it for me over the phone, and it sounds amazing. I was daydreaming about this kind of instrument and emailed Mike about it, and it turned out that the finishing touches were just being put on it.

Mike says the fanned frets are quite comfortable, and that he's really happy with it. I put in an order myself...I always hear lines (and especially chords) going lower than the mando range. This should be a lovely instrument for all kinds of playing, particularly jazz.

Looks odd. Sounds great!

eBook: Terry Lewis Scale and Mode Book for the Mandolin

MichaelHorowitz — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 09:19:02 +0000

Scale and Mode Book for the Mandolin" >

eBook: Terry Lewis
Scale and Mode Book for the Mandolin

Django In June 2009 Northampton MA June 9-14

jmcgann — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 15:34:42 +0000

This year the mandolin track at Django in June will be taught by Jamie Masefield (Jazz Mandolin Project) June 9-11 and myself the 12th and 13th (Fri-Sat).

Always a great time with students of all levels and some fantastic instructors. Fun, friendly and lots of learning and jamming.

Details here.