If I can see some significant progress in 2019, I’d sure like to upgrade from my KM150 to the Big Mon.
Discuss the Mandolin lesson: O Little Town of Bethlehem
I feel silly to ask… “Big Mon”?
I do believe Bill Monroe had a Mandolin which he named Big Mon
Thank You for the Reference @Archie. @Maggie’s references stretch the limits of my ability to comprehend. I just try to keep up… and hope I catch just some of the good stuff from y’all.
@WillCoop, Although @Archie is right I think about Bill Monroes’s mandolin, in this lesson, I believe Ben is playing either the Northfield F5S or the Northfield Big Mon.
Go check these out and watch and listen to @BanjoBen and @Jake both show and play these two mandolins. They give me chills. And so do the mandolins 
A very large Jamaican. 
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The high resolution of your newer videos is absolutely stunning! What kind of camera are you using? This arrangement is beautiful BTW.
It sounds great… I’m interested in that mandolin, but I’m also wanting to know more about Weber. Do you guys have any of their instruments in your store?
@WillCoop, they are both right, and big mon is also a tune I believe to have been written by Monroe, but that’s not what little Maggie was referencing
Ben, you’re the best musician in the world. Thank you very much from the heart for allowing me to be your student. The arrangement is beautiful!
Awww thanks…your comment helps me justify what I’ve spent. Haha. I’m using two Panasonic GH5 cams, but did a huge lighting upgrade as well. Plus, I switched editing software (now using Adobe Premiere Pro) and so things are sharper all the way around.
We’re not an official Weber dealer (I like them, though), however we just got in a used mandocello that is incredible!
The mandolin I’m playing in this video is the F5S. I do not believe you can find a better mando for the money: https://store.banjobenclark.com/products/northfield-f5s-f-style-mandolin
The Big Mons are a step up from that in price and sound…they just blow my socks off. They are hard to get, too, and we sell every one we get in almost immediately, though we do have one now. A week from today is mandolin bundle day, so if you’re interested in this mandolin, you can get some sweet stuff along with it a week from today (if it’s still there): https://store.banjobenclark.com/products/northfield-big-mon-f-style-mandolin-with-case
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Maybe one day I’ll get a chance to get one. I must have watched your review video on the northfield’s big mon at least ten times. Also whatever you are doing with the videos lately they look amazing. I don’t know if it’s better lighting or a better camera or what, but they look very professionally done.
Got to far to go to learn a lot more before I could justify getting one right now. Maybe eventually I’ll be good enough to entertain the thought. Do you think players should progress higher in the craftsmanship of their mandolins as their playing level rises or will having a higher quality instrument just make you want to play and practice that much more? I’ve got an Eastman md 315 right now.
Once you get to decent instruments with good playability, it’s up to you. There isn’t a wrong answer. If your Eastman is set up well, then it is perfectly fine for whatever you want to do. “Nicer” instruments do often provide motivation, but it isn’t a requirement. Nice instruments will generally hold their value, so for me, I’d rather have the cash in an instrument instead of sitting in a checking account.
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I think there’s a point of diminishing returns. I have an Eastman MD515 and I doubt I’ll ever buy anything better (but then, I don’t consider myself a mandolin player.) I’d put my 515 up against other mandos 2 or 3 times the cost.
As far as wanting to play a better instrument more, that DOES happen when it sounds better, but that wears off over time for me. If your 315 is set up and playable, that should get you way down the road.
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Though its Weber’s least expensive mandolin, I put my money into a Gallatin as my first instrument. The Gallatin will always have more in it than my ability to play it will bring out…but it inspires me to keep trying to play it better. Those Northfield’s sound very nice and I wouldn’t hesitate to try to find the money to buy one. Thanks Ben for a great website and Merry Christmas to you and to all!!
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Just weighing in on this one…
I have a MD315 that I got a few months ago and I really, REALLY like it! I cannot fathom “outgrowing” it. Plus, having heard the interesting dynamic of the ways that Mandolins “open” and break in over time… intrigues me. I am completely new to wood instruments. So… as this trait is true as shared by those who know… I look forward to many years of hearing my Mandolin “bloom” - not only as my musicianship on it grows - but also as the instrument continues to break-in, mature and “open”… as others have said.
I think I enjoy playing my Mandolin every bit as much as my ole banjer… but for entirely different reasons. I digress…
For me, the 315 is just so vintage and classic looking also. I like the Matte Nitrocellulose finish as it just looks so “woodsy” and traditional. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy the looks of a shiny ones with the Lacquer Finish… but I feel kinda like mine is just so traditional in its appearance and draws people’s eyes to its “natural” look. It is a much more capable instrument than I am - as its’ player… and I don’t see that changing any time soon. I know that if it was in the hands of @Jake, @BanjoBen, let alone one of my Mando-idols… Marty Stuart… the thing would sing like a song bird.
It is also comforting in knowing that it is good enough for me - so I don’t always question that aspect. Truly, it is a relief to just focus on the playing and let the instrument just be mine without question or compromise. Plus, I feel an undeniable “closeness” to the instrument just by how it is played. You surround it when you play. @banjoben does a great way of conveying this idea on some of his Mandolin demonstration videos.
In the end, of course @Jake and @BanjoBen are the real experts in comparing… but having heard them both say many times… the MD315 is an instrument worthy of stage performances by any artist… is quite an endorsement. They have also said so many times… that they only sell instruments that are good, solid instruments that they themselves would play. Sure there are higher models with more expensive features which also have meaning and purpose for highly skilled players… but I feel that only when my playing would (if ever) reach a point of absolute consistency, then I could (Flawlessly - which may never happen) play the same songs on several models to really compare/contrast and hear the sound I prefer for myself… but until then…
I am proud, happy and thrilled each time I reach for my MD315 - proudly purchased at the BanjoBen General Store and expertly set up by Mr. @Jake. Even if I would - one day - think of another, I cannot fathom parting ways with mine… for the reasons I gave initially on its’ having been broken in through the years. Additionally, it was a very special BIRTHDAY present - which means its’ value to me is beyond measure.
I even enjoy the prospect of discovering our growth as we (me and my Mandolin) spend our years together on this musical adventure.
I know this long explanation may sound corny to some but I meant every word. I don’t see the MD315s on the site at the moment… but I did also write a 5-star review soon after receiving mine.
I hope this helps anyone who’s eyes may land on this response and who may take the time to read my thoughts into consideration.
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it’s actually a nickname for Mr. Monroe himself…
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Got it!