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Stolen Klezmer Mandolin

What's In Your Case?

by Bobby Clark

Here is the August installment featuring Ronnie McCoury.
http://www.delmccouryband.com/ Ronny has a new album out called "Heartbreak Town". His bio is on their band website. Thanks, BC

What is your main mandolin right now?

1981 Steve Gilchrist F-5 #81128. Adirondack Spruce top and Rock Sugar Maple one piece back and sides.

How long have you been playing it?

16 years. It was loaned to me and eventually given to me by David "Dawg" Grisman. What a guy!

What are the things you like most about that particular mandolin ?

The even tone, openness and vibration of the wood.

Any special setup? Who does it for you?

I use a David Smith ebony bridge. David is out of Blacksburg, VA. A Bone nut. Waverly Tuners. Dave Harvey was the last person who worked on my mandolin.

What type of case are you carrying it in?

Calton Case received through Tony Williamson at Mandolin Central, Siler City, NC.

What type of pick do you use?

D'Andrea Pro-plec 1.5mm triangle.

What advantages does it provide?

I feel I get the best tone out of it.

What strings do you use and why?

D'Addario J-75. I devised this set with them in the late 90's. They are very accommodating. I like the heavier gauges 11.5 E, 16 A, 26D and 41G. I have found that the heavier gauges work well with the way I play. I also like the longevity of the EXP-75.

What kind of strap do you use?

A leather strap by Jim Avery. It is the most comfortable strap I've found! His summer # is 419-636-4652 and his winter # is 863-314-0677.

Any pickups, amps or effects?

Once in a while I use a Joe Mills pickup through an L.R. Baggs pre-amp.

Any microphone preferences for stage or studio?

On stage we use Audio Technica 4033A. In the studio I like a Sony C-37 or Nueman KM-84.

Any other equipment you can't do without?

I always carry a tuning fork but use any tuner that I can plug a cord with an alligator clip into (clipped onto the bridge), due to the noise that needs to be blocked out. I like to use a small pencil as a lubricant (graphite) for the nut and bridge when changing strings.