u/Slash_Root

I have been playing mandolin for maybe 12-18 months after many years of playing guitar (poorly). I had the observation that playing the mandolin feels very intuitive compared to guitar. As a guitarist, I was a chord chart and tab-aholic that would accidentally learn some music theory on occasion. While playing the mandolin, I find myself starting with a tab and quickly finishing the melody using my ears and muscle memory.

I am sure it is a combination of factors. First, the perfect fifths tuning is a breath of fresh air coming from standard guitar tuning and the cursed "B-string Bump". Next, the four courses and small scale size. Sure it does restrict the range of the instrument, but it also feels more opinionated. Like there are less notes to hunt and peck while learning a melody, so it is easier for me to make the right choice? The type of music traditionally played on mandolin also helps. Fiddle tunes are often simple and repetitive. They are situated around the major scale. They are often in a handful of keys, so you pick up similarities. Fiddle tunes feel like the "eating your veggies" of music. They are good for your ears and your fingers.

I spent a very long time stuck at a beginner to intermediate level on guitar. I knew many songs, chords, and scales. I even managed a gig or two. However, the last year with my Eastman 315 has been the first time I have felt like a musician. It just clicks and I find myself playing with my ears instead of my eyes. Like I am finally getting past fighting with the instrument and closer to naturally expressing musical ideas like I would by humming or singing.

Does anyone else feel this way? Did you make the jump to primarily playing mandolin or use it to revisit the guitar? What have been your pros and cons approaching the mandolin after other instruments?

Hi all, long time lurker here. You have all heard this story a million times. My almost-mid-life-crisis is here and I can't seem to get myself off the car apps. Some background:

Mid 30s, married, no kids, one 40 lb dog. Subtropical climate. Mostly city driving. WFH or short commute. My wife drives a CX-5 and I drive a well equipped 2023 Civic hatch. I drove a Civic Si (six speed manual, ~200 hp) for 15 years before this. My Civic is paid off, low mileage, and it is a great vehicle. I should just drive it forever, but I can't help but feel like I am setting for a boring family car when I don't have to. I want something more engaging that has a bit more character. Maybe that is just down to missing the manual transmission, but I am open to considering all options. Paddle shifters could be interesting to try?

Since this would really be a silly, selfish purchase, I would like to keep the budget down to low $30Ks or less. Pretty much trade the Civic in and throw in a few grand and be done with it. However, I could comfortably afford more if I fell in love.

What I have been looking at:

ND Miata - Boy, I have almost pulled the trigger a few times on one of these. Cheap, reliable, tons of fun, great manual, look great imo. However, the more I think about it the more I worry it isn't the right fit. My wife doesn't like really like them. I couldn't bring both her and my dog places on the weekend which means I would leave it home on some fun trips. Can't even fit a big fountain drink while you are cruising. Also, I am honestly a little intimidated to drive one on the highway even occasionally and even the city driving would be perilous as lifted trucks and SUVs dominate the area. We do have the CX-5 so it isn't THAT insane.

GR86/BRZ twins - I thought this was the answer. Very similar to the ND, but a bit more practical. The nonexistent backseat would be fine for my dog. Seems a bit more substantial for occasionally highway driving. Looks pretty cool. I heavily prefer the Toyota version. Unfortunately, the prices just seem out of control in my area. New they are starting at $38K around here and we all know that will climb as the taxes and fees are added. I am also hesitant to go used because of this cars reputation. It is approaching Mustang GT money for what should be an affordable choice. It is a bit "boy racer".

Civic Si - My car is great. This is that with one of the best feeling manual transmissions in the business. Very practical and affordable. It is just a bit underpowered and I feel like maybe I have outgrown the red accents and badging. I worry a third Civic would have me right back here with the same feeling, but if it is really just the stick I am missing it is valid.

Ecoboost Mustang - On paper, this looks great. Pretty affordable new and used, surprisingly fast (will gap many of the options above), good looking cars, feel a bit more grown up, comfortable daily cruiser, convertible option if you choose. There are some downsides though. No manual or paddle shifters on new ones. That could be OK if I still find it fun plus my wife could comfortably drive it. Would need to test drive to see. Also, the V8 exists so some guys will give you crap about it. Will I always feel like I didn't get a "real mustang"?

Mustang GT - The real deal. Very expensive both up front and with insurance/gas. A bit intimidating for my first RWD sports car. It is a legend, but it would be a stretch.

Civic Type R, WRX, GR Corolla, Elantra N - putting these together because they just don't appeal to me aesthetically. Too much plastic, giant wing. Trying to avoid the matchbox tuner vibe (hard with affordable sports cars).

What else am I missing? VW has the GTI/GLI. Camaros are still around the used market. Acura has the integra, but my budget would probably keep me firmly at the a spec. BMW could be interesting, but it will be a challenge to get in a fun one in my budget.