I don’t play any instruments but always wished I did so I could strum a guitar while sitting by the campfire when camping. I listened to your recordings … they would fit perfectly!!!
The Schnark has been keeping his head down this winter. A new boat is in my care on the Medway, but we’ve not been a float since July except as crew, or in hired craft. I have stories to tell but not the time to give them credit.
I have been instead banging away with my mandolin. I am untaught, and not terribly good. My problem is as I don’t read music tunes come out of my head are expressed by the vibrating strings, suffered by my poor neighbours, and are then immediately lost. Over the years I have tried recording myself, but the recordings are always filed and forgotten. I need someone to engage with me, to listen and tell me no, no, no and perhaps yes, or work harder on that one.
I must now warn you the recordings below are unfinished, they are the result of me…
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Does Anyone Know Where I Set My Coffee? 
The mandolin is easier than the guitar for picking out a tune because the frets are closer together, so you don’t have to do the finger gymnastics. It is tuned the same way as a fiddle, but because the strings are fretted you don’t get the beginners squawk!
It is double strung, so 8 strings, but only 4 pitches. It took me a while to get the “tremolo” rhythm going, but when it comes it comes.
It’s a lovely, underrated instrument and it fits in a small pack.
Best wishes Mr Schnell.
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