From fiddle to mandolin. (40)

[whvick]

I asked a guy today if he played guitar. He said not really, but be was pretty good on a mandolin. I gave him a pick and asked if he had a story.
It seems his uncle was a bluegrass fiddler and was trying to teach him to fiddle. He learned the fingering but could never master the bow. His uncle gave up on the fiddle and handed him a mandolin, which was easy to learn since the fingering is the same. So ever since he has played mandolin.

[rstaight]

I have had a mandolin for about a year. I drag it out now and then and enjoy it when I do. I want to try the fiddle but I know the key to it is the bow.

I know several multiple instrument players. And to be good at all of them has my respect.

[PHJim]

About 30 some years ago, I decided to learn the fiddle. I bought a cheap fiddle, but didn't have enough for a bow. I figured a bunch of tunes using a flat pick and started to think, "Hey when I get a bow, I'm gonna be great!" I was playing the fiddle tunes I'd learned on mandolin but using the fiddle.
I finally saved up for the bow and realised that the bow hand was where I lacked the talent. I still like to mess with the fiddle, but only when my wife's gone out and the cats are out too.
I think I lost most of my motivation when I met and started playing with some really talented fiddlers. If I want a fiddle on a tune, I'l just get Saskia or Zeke or Jimmy. . .

[zombywoof]

I started playing fiddle in the 1960s. Pretty much self taught although later I got some pointers from Jay Ungar. Got good enough to teach folk fiddle in a small arts center and played in an acoustic blues band and sat in with a rock band for a bit. In the 90s I figured I might as well take a shot at mandolin. Thing is, as I only play guitar with my fingers so was determined to fingerpick the mandolin as well. To this day I more putz with it then play it.