Tone like a chocolate silk pie--that smooth, creamy, rich texture can only be accomplished with the right combination of exacting control of "sweet spot" between the frets, quick unflinching finger shift to the next position, and impeccable Right Hand Pick/Left Hand Finger coordination...

John Reischman comes to mind; too much hoopla is made about his cherished Gibson Loar instrument, not enough about the fingers. We'd make the same observation about David Grisman's playing. We have to get around the distraction that he has an arsenal of really good instruments, and pay attention to his technique. (Yes, again it's the "fingers!") The Dawg could make even a crappy mandolin sound good.

A vastly underrated tonemeister we'll mention here is that of Canadian, Emory Lester. We've just finished a review of his latest release, "Christmas Carols." This one's guaranteed to please the ears of all, even the mando-indifferent spouse will enjoy this one. Celebrate the season with this study in mandolin tone.

Read review: Christmas Carols

Posted by Ted at November 17, 2005 3:58 PM