Get Good (Enough) At The Mandolin FAST | Ep_4 Composing Out-Of-The-Box | Eastman MD315

My series on composing music with real instruments continues with the mandolin. I purchased a new Eastman Mandolin last year and played it non-stop in hopes that I could add it to this new project. Here are 10 tips I picked up along the way that will help you in your mandolin journey.
Watch Other Videos in This Series (Out-Of-The Box)
• Compose Music Outside-...
Gear used in this video:
Eastman MD-315 | geni.us/Eastman315
Dunlop Primetone 1.4mm Mandolin Pick | geni.us/dunlop1_4
Snark ST-8 | geni.us/snarkst8
My Camera Gear:
Sony A7siii | geni.us/sony_a7s3​
Sigma 24-70 Sony E-Mount | geni.us/sigma2470e​
Sony 20mm 1.8 | geni.us/sony20mm
Deity V-Mic D3 Pro | geni.us/DeityVmicD3Pro​
Peak Design Backpack | geni.us/peakdesignbackpack15L​
Peak Design Tripod | geni.us/peakdesignaluminum
Zoom H5 | geni.us/Zoom_H5
Rode Wireless Go 2 | geni.us/rodewirelessgotwo
Yongnuo YN360 | geni.us/yongnuoyn360
Aputure MC | geni.us/Aputuremc

[@Rustbukkit69]

I love your honesty about wanting people to think you're great at everything, but not being there yet. That's what the work is all about. It's why we choose to practice and play... to hopefully become great! Or at least... adequate.

[@davidrmorrison]

This is exactly what I needed to see right now. I’m trying to spice up some of our band arrangements and I wanna get better at Mandolin but in a non-cliched way.

[@ambu6478]

Thanks for the great info. I'm going to try and learn Mandolin after playing guitar for several years and was looking for some good videos from mandolin players that are giving the basics.

[@patrickhanly7458]

Fair warning to guitar players. Taking up the mandolin can be addictive. Very addictive. Now I play my mandolin every day and not my guitars much. It's a sad story.

[@LambertDriveStudios]

I've done the same thing lol

[@tanukibrahma]

Excellent video. I gave away my cheap Fender mandolin years ago because I wanted to make life simpler, but now you’ve got me thinking… Oh, another good thing is if you compose for violins you can check fingerings and stops using the mandolin. Now, this video inspired me to get a mandolin again after many years: a Big Muddy -- which is an excellent deal on a 100% hand-made instrument that sounds really good. Like the bass, I find the mandolin to be a fun instrument to play.

[@samburtyboy]

I now badly want a mandolin! Your humility in your work, as always, is so refreshing Jon

[@DavidComdico]

Nice intro to the mandolin. Thanks. Also, what a beautiful working space. Best with it.

[@robertshorthill6836]

As another source, there is a Brit gent known as Peakfiddler. He plays a large variety of tunes and many are his own compositions. All are of interest.

[@jonathonhunt935]

Thank you Jon. Excellent rap on some crucial points we all come to. The Eastman sounds good in your hands which helps my decision to go with that model. Cheers mate

[@bobmaulucciproject]

Thanks for this Jon. I have been looking to add some more instruments to my writing, and I was seriously interested in a mandolin. I think I'm headed out to the shops today to see what they have. Good luck with the rest of the project. Bob

[@ArtmanBass]

Jon, you inspired me to dig out my mandolin and get back to learning how to play it.

[@JonMeyer]

Excellent. So much fun!

[@DolfoMan1000]

Would love some info on micing recommendations for mandolin. (mic types and placements.)

[@stephenellis9351]

Jon, I have no intention of learning the mandolin, but as always, I loved the video. Thanks

[@JonMeyer]

Thanks, Stephen! It's good that you know what you don't want to do. :)

[@jimsanger]

Wish I could play mandolin but my bass player fingers aren't best suited, I'm keeping my eye out for a bigger octave mandolin to try. I had no idea those huge picks were used though.

[@JonMeyer]

I would love an octave mandolin! Next time I make a trip to Nashville I might need to snag one.

[@jakeskate1998]

i literally just bought an eastman md304

[@JonMeyer]

They are a great mandolins for the price, for sure!

[@garrymcfadden4105]

I got the 315 back in December. I love it. Mandolins are so versatile. Great channel mate

[@brendanwalsh108]

Great video Jon. I've got a cheapie mandolin, so doesn't sound as good as yours but you've inspired me to do more with it. Is that a lap steel you're playing in the vid? You make it sound like a pedal steel. Sounds beautiful.

[@JonMeyer]

Yes. It’s a recording king lap steel that I modified with certano benders. Go check my channel for a video about it. You can find it in the popular video section on my yt home page.

[@brendanwalsh108]

@@JonMeyer Wow. Learn something new every day. Thanks for passing that on.

[@blakerussell5701]

Where did then $8 strap come from?

[@JonMeyer]

Found it in a music store in Denton, Tx where I got the mandolin.

[@trevorrobbins1758]

You playin a Froggy Bottom guitar, there?

[@JonMeyer]

Yep. I believe it’s an M series. Mini Jumbo. From around 2003. My favorite instrument.