| WTB used mandolin [3] |
|---|
From: Steve Comeau <comeaus@home...>
Subject: Re: WTB used mandolin
Date: Sun, 18 Feb 2001 01:17:06 GMT
Organization: Excite@Home - The Leader in Broadband http://home.com/faster
I'm gonna throw in my vote for the Kentucky Mandolins. I bought KM-140S for
$200. Totally happy with it. Great instrument to start on.
Make sure you get it set up nice though. I tried a Kentucky at Guitar
Center and was initially turned off. Picked up mine from a local music
store in upstate NY where they take care to setup all their instruments
before displaying them. What a difference.
All the best,
Steve
"George Gleason" <<g.p.gleason@worldnet...>> wrote in message
news:FGDj6.11376$<X61.810952@bgtnsc04-news...>...
> I know that 100 to 150$ will not buy much but I'd hate to spend 350-600$
to
> find out I don't really want to play mandolin
> If any rmmga posters have a mando with good working tuning machines
> I invite you to contact me <bmoas@yahoo...> as I would like to buy a
mando
> in the beginner type price range
> George Gleason
>
>
>
From: Steve Comeau <comeaus@home...>
Subject: Re: WTB used mandolin
Date: Mon, 19 Feb 2001 01:47:53 GMT
Organization: Excite@Home - The Leader in Broadband http://home.com/faster
Hi George,
Although you're in upstate, it still might be a bit of a drive for you.
It's in the Adirondack Park region.
Mountain Music
Main St. (Rte. 28)
Old Forge, NY 13420
315-369-6869
Al Worthen, proprietor
I vacation up there every summer and stop by Mountain Music every chance I
get. When I said "local" it was more to imply that it wasn't a chain store
like Guitar Center.
Al's one of those "old school" folks who takes pride in what he does and
gives you a fair deal. No pressure, hang out an play as long as you need.
Al will tell you what he knows or recommends, but gracefully leaves the
decision to you. Al is a banjo player himself and carries mostly acoustic
instruments in his store. Not a huge selection, but what he has is good. I
spent only $200 on my Kentucky mandolin, but tried some $3,000+ Gibsons just
to understand what the high-end offered.
Bluegrass is popular up there. The Fox Family bluegrass festival is held on
McCauley Mountain in Old Forge every August. Nice small gathering. The
bands play on the deck of the ski lodge and you plant yourself on the slope.
Everyone's hanging out and you can easily chat with the artists when they're
not playing.
Al also hosts guitar workshops from time to time - sponsored by Taylor and,
I think, sometimes by the store. A workshop is what got me in the first
time and I walked out with a bottleneck Dobro! First time I ever bought a
guitar on impulse. I'm not sorry either.
All the best,
Steve
"George Gleason" <<g.p.gleason@worldnet...>> wrote in message
news:v2Gj6.11567$<X61.820748@bgtnsc04-news...>...
>
>
> Steve Comeau <<comeaus@home...>> wrote in message
> news:moFj6.282000$<w35.46333380@news1...>...
> > I'm gonna throw in my vote for the Kentucky Mandolins. I bought KM-140S
> for
> > $200. Totally happy with it. Great instrument to start on.
> >
> > Make sure you get it set up nice though. I tried a Kentucky at Guitar
> > Center and was initially turned off. Picked up mine from a local music
> > store in upstate NY where they take care to setup all their instruments
> > before displaying them. What a difference.
>
> Steve I live in upstate NY and shop Syracuse, Albany,Buffalo,Rochester,and
> Ithaca on a regular basis can you steer me to the shop that did you right?
> George Gleason
>
>
>
From: P&R <ray.patty@prodigy...>
Subject: Re: WTB used mandolin
Date: Sat, 17 Feb 2001 19:42:22 -0000
Organization: Prodigy http://www.prodigy.com
George,
I was recently in the same boat as you. I couldn't find a decent used
instrument, but I have been very happy with my purchase of a new Kentucky
KM-150S it has a solid spruce top, and an adjustable bridge, and the neck
has an adjustable truss rod. They sell for around $200.00. It has decent
tone, and the action is good. If you don't find a used one to your liking
check out the Kentucky Mandolin line.
--
Ray from Rochester, NY
Trombone, Euphonium, Keyboard,
Guitar Player, and Mandolin Player wanna be.
George Gleason <<g.p.gleason@worldnet...>> wrote in message
news:FGDj6.11376$<X61.810952@bgtnsc04-news...>...
> I know that 100 to 150$ will not buy much but I'd hate to spend 350-600$
to
> find out I don't really want to play mandolin
> If any rmmga posters have a mando with good working tuning machines
> I invite you to contact me <bmoas@yahoo...> as I would like to buy a
mando
> in the beginner type price range
> George Gleason
>
>
>
| Fender Acoustic/Electric Mandolin? [2] |
|---|
From: Hojo2x <hojo2x@aol...>
Subject: Re: Fender Acoustic/Electric Mandolin?
Date: 30 Aug 2002 20:26:50 GMT
Organization: AOL http://www.aol.com
Mouser wrote:
>Fender has a relatively new model called the FM-62SE. It's a
stylized>hollowbody mandolin with piezo pickup.
I've played one, briefly, in a music store in Victoria, Canada. It's basically
Fender's riff on the Rigel design, made for them by a Korean subcontractor
(probably Samick.)
> I'm guessing from the rather shallow
>body depth that it's probably not a great acoustic instrument, which is>fine--
>I'm going for an amplified sound.
It was okay unplugged, but better plugged in. It was a decent-quality
instrument.
I haven't used one onstage, however, so can't really comment on how it would
behave under true stress conditions.
One that I HAVE tried onstage, and owned briefly, is the cheapo Fender electric
mandolin. I forget the model number, but it's the standard plywood A model
with a magnetic pickup on it.
It actually sounds pretty good plugged in, if not great, but the problem with
that instrument wasn't with the mandolin itself but with its tuners.
At that price point I wasn't expecting Schallers, but got one planning to put
Schaller gears on it.
As expected, when it arrived the tuners on it were dreadful, but what really
frustrated me was that the SPACING on them was non-standard: in order to
replace them with the Schallers I would have had to re-dowel the peghead, put
on a new peghead veneer, drill it out and relacquer it all.
Which is beyond my own skill level, so I would have had to pay to get the work
done.
I said "Screw it" and sold it off for what I had in it.
Anyway, getting back to your direct question, the Fender FM-62SE mandolin is a
good serviceable instrument, suitable for stage use. You can get one for under
$650 with the case from Musician's Fiend.
A less "fiendish" way to go would be to add a pickup to your existing mandolin,
and get the best of both worlds. I don't know what you're using for a
mandolin, but if it's an archtop instrument you can get a really superb
mandolin pickup from First Quality Musical Supplies (http://www.fqms.com)
It's the LR Baggs mandolin pickup, and it's the best-sounding mandolin pickup
I've found, by quite a stretch. I've got them on my two main performing
mandolins, and run them through a Baggs Para-Acoustic DI for a preamp.
The pickup is embedded in an ebony bridge saddle and has the mounting hardware
for the jack that clamps on the side on the mandolin, so nothing is permanently
affixed to the instrument.
This makes it transferable should you ever upgrade your mandolin.
I should mention that I have McIntyre pickups in some other mandolins, and
they're okay, but have neither the tone or the feedback-resistance of this
Baggs rig.
Anyway, if you're considering spending the money on this upscale Fender
electric mandolin, you might want to also think about getting the Baggs pickup,
using it on what you're playing now, then perhaps putting it on a dream
mandolin further down the line when you get some more money for one.
Just a thought.
Short version: the Fender in question is a good plug and play unit, and if
simplicity is the goal, go for it. The Baggs pickup will entail installing it
on an existing instrument, and making sure it's set-up properly. That might
make it more hassle than you want, but the advantage is that you can transfer
it to another instrument in the future if you so choose.
One more thought: another possibility would be to find a used Ovation or
Applause mandolin: all of these that I have seen have been acoustic-electric.
They sound only fair when unplugged, but are quite serviceable plugged in.
Hope this helps.
Wade Hampton Miller
Chugiak, Alaska
From: Greg Thomas <gjthomas@earthlink...>
Subject: Re: Fender Acoustic/Electric Mandolin?
Date: Sat, 31 Aug 2002 00:12:44 GMT
Organization: EarthLink Inc. -- http://www.EarthLink.net
Okay, I'm going in a different direction than the others who have already
responded to your question. You say you're playing in a rock band. My
question to you is, what kind of mandolin sound are you looking for? A "loud
acoustic" sound (i.e. 4 courses) or something more electric? If you're going
for the "loud acoustic," I'd agree with what's already been said: add a
pickup to your current mando. Otherwise, you might want to try some of the 4
string or 5 string solid body (or semi solid body/semi hollow) electric
mandos.
As far as pickups for an acoustic, my own preference is "PickUp the World."
David Enke installed one on one of my mandos last year, and (with apologies
to Wade) is by far and away the best sounding pickup I've tried. (I had a
the Baggs on one of my other mandos, and was happy enough with it until I
got the PUTW. After I got the PUTW, the Baggs sounded too "electric.")
Greg
"Mouser9999" <<mouser9999@aol...>> wrote in message
news:<20020830112245.07052.00000280@mb-mv...>...
> Forgive the mando question, but there's no mando newsgroup and the
Mandolin
> Cafe discussion boards are temporarily down...plus, this group seems to
know a
> thing or two about mandolins.
>
> Here's my question: I've been playing mandolin as a third instrument for a
> little while now, and I've been playing live with a rock combo. I've been
> trying to mic my acoustic mandolin, but it just doesn't work with the
other
> loud instruments. I've been looking for an amplified mandolin, and been
> frustrated so far.
>
> Fender has a relatively new model called the FM-62SE. It's a stylized
> hollowbody mandolin with piezo pickup. I'm guessing from the rather
shallow
> body depth that it's probably not a great acoustic instrument, which is
fine--
> I'm going for an amplified sound. However, I can't find one in a shop near
> here, nor can I find much in the way of opinions on the web. Has anybody
come
> across one of these?
>
> Thanks!
>
| Gauges for tuning manolin like guitar? [2] |
|---|
From: Racedish <racedish@aol...>
Subject: Re: Gauges for tuning manolin like guitar?
Date: 01 Sep 2002 20:55:53 GMT
Organization: AOL http://www.aol.com
>but I've got a gig coming up and need to be able to
>solo fluently on this thing. Can anybody recommend good gauges for tuning a
>mandolin like the top four strings of a guitar? Thanks.
If you can chop some C, F & G chords in a rythymic fashion, I would suggest
using two finger chords. a D chord on a mando is the 2nd fret on the top course
and 2nd fret on the bottom course. The two middle courses are open. If you
even could retune the mando like a guitar, image how you would have to place
your 3 fingers to the top 3 courses to make a D chord. a C chord is the 2nd
fret on the 2nd course and 3rd fret on the 3rd course (again a two finger
chord). Use this same exact fingering and move up to the 1st and 2nd course to
fake the majority of an F chord. You could learn these 3 mando chords and other
one finger chords faster than it would take to restring the mando IMO. After 25
years plus working in acoustic music stores, your request for mando retuning
was number one and banjo retuning or 6 string banjo was #2. I would have the
guitar player playing mando chords in a few minutes if you fake the F chord.
A wide neck mandocello or citern might be possible to guitar tune but nota mando IMO.
Leo in Tucson
From: Greg N. <yodel_dodel@yahoo...>
Subject: Re: Gauges for tuning manolin like guitar?
Date: Mon, 02 Sep 2002 11:16:10 +0100
"Mr. Underhill" wrote:
> Scale length on a mandolin is around 14", a couple inches or so more than
> half of a that of a guitar. As I recall, a set of .009s will feel like
> .010s or .011s when tuned to guitar pitches.
Not exactly guitar pitch, but one octave above (e5, b4, g4, d4). I
suppose that's what you mean.
By the way, questions like this can be very nicely solved using one of
several string tension calculators available on the net. My favorite is
this one: http://www.pacificsites.net/~dog/StringTensionApplet.html
You can enter the scale, pitch, string gauge, string alloy, wound or
unwound, and it will tell you exactly the resulting tension. Very nice.
--
Greg N.
--
http://peepmatz.coolhaus.de
http://www.neatone.com
| Suggestions for a 1st mandolin? [7] |
|---|
From: Dick Thaxter <Richard.Thaxter@verizon...>
Subject: Re: Suggestions for a 1st mandolin?
Date: Wed, 04 Dec 2002 00:05:22 GMT
visanic wrote:
> I've been playing guitar for 13 years and would like to pick up
> an inexpensive Mandolin to tinker with.
>
> Any suggestions?
>
>
This question comes up frequently in this newsgroup and it would be
worth doing a quick Google Groups search (on this group) using
appropriate words like "beginner mandolin"
There's a raft of inexpensive Korean mades (some now possibly made in
China) that routinely get recommended. Kentucky's least expensive solid
top mandolin runs about $250? FQMS (www.fqms.com) has picked up a new
Korean made starter mando line that runs about $500 and has gotten some
good reviews. Some of the cheap Fender mandolins are almost playable too.
I picked up a cheap Kentucky but wasn't real thrilled with it--it didn't
stay in tune very well, etc. Got a bargain on a rosewood Tacoma M-2
mandolin for $399 (they go for about $700). I'm pretty happy with it.
Just removed the bolt on neck and put in a tiny cardboard shim to change
the neck angle and lower the action. Some folks don't think it sounds as
mandolin-ey as a maple or mahogany model.
Dick Thaxter
From: J. Mark Lane <mistermax@worldnet...>
Subject: Re: Suggestions for a 1st mandolin?
Date: Wed, 04 Dec 2002 02:07:04 GMT
Organization: AT&T Worldnet
Sigh. This comes up constantly, and can be a source of a modest amount of
disagreement. After years of playing (sort of) guitar, I recently started
playing (sort of) mandolin. I strongly urge spending the extra bucks to
get a hand-carved mandolin. At least go for a Weber or a low end Breedlove
or Rigel. The difference between the Asian made mandolins and the hand
carved American made ones is night and day. Having said that, I spent the
first few months very happy with my Kentucky (purchased from Wade Hampton
Miller, a Saga dealer, who can select a good one for you -- highly
recommeded) and later my Michael Kelly (Asian made F style, and not that
inspiring). My newest one -- a Howard Morris F. Wow! Night and day!
For photos http://community.webshots.com/user/jmarklane
Dick Thaxter <<Richard.Thaxter@verizon...>> wrote in message
news:<3DED4618.100@verizon...>...
> visanic wrote:
> > I've been playing guitar for 13 years and would like to pick up
> > an inexpensive Mandolin to tinker with.
> >
> > Any suggestions?
> >
> >
>
> This question comes up frequently in this newsgroup and it would be
> worth doing a quick Google Groups search (on this group) using
> appropriate words like "beginner mandolin"
>
> There's a raft of inexpensive Korean mades (some now possibly made in
> China) that routinely get recommended. Kentucky's least expensive solid
> top mandolin runs about $250? FQMS (www.fqms.com) has picked up a new
> Korean made starter mando line that runs about $500 and has gotten some
> good reviews. Some of the cheap Fender mandolins are almost playable too.
>
> I picked up a cheap Kentucky but wasn't real thrilled with it--it didn't
> stay in tune very well, etc. Got a bargain on a rosewood Tacoma M-2
> mandolin for $399 (they go for about $700). I'm pretty happy with it.
> Just removed the bolt on neck and put in a tiny cardboard shim to change
> the neck angle and lower the action. Some folks don't think it sounds as
> mandolin-ey as a maple or mahogany model.
>
> Dick Thaxter
>
From: Dick Thaxter <rtha@loc...>
Subject: Re: Suggestions for a 1st mandolin?
Date: Wed, 04 Dec 2002 09:23:11 -0500
Organization: Library of Congress
Sigh. Mark, I think you missed the operative word in the original post:
It was "inexpensive" And you might have missed one stop in your upgrade path
from Kentucky to hand-carved. The Tacomas are American made, all solid wood,
very decent sounding instruments. I remember seeing an up and coming string
band at the Kennedy Center Millenium stage playing one a few years ago and
Tacoma Terry (the mfr. rep who doesn't hang out here any more) filled us in on
it. I picked up the middle priced rosewood one for $400 (a bit of an
aberration, but I think one could find the mahogany one for around $500 used
without much trouble).
I've been through three mandos in the last year and I'm happy sticking with this
one.
Dick
"J. Mark Lane" wrote:
> Sigh. This comes up constantly, and can be a source of a modest amount of
> disagreement. After years of playing (sort of) guitar, I recently started
> playing (sort of) mandolin. I strongly urge spending the extra bucks to
> get a hand-carved mandolin. At least go for a Weber or a low end Breedlove
> or Rigel. The difference between the Asian made mandolins and the hand
> carved American made ones is night and day. Having said that, I spent the
> first few months very happy with my Kentucky (purchased from Wade Hampton
> Miller, a Saga dealer, who can select a good one for you -- highly
> recommeded) and later my Michael Kelly (Asian made F style, and not that
> inspiring). My newest one -- a Howard Morris F. Wow! Night and day!
>
> For photos http://community.webshots.com/user/jmarklane
>
> Dick Thaxter <<Richard.Thaxter@verizon...>> wrote in message
> news:<3DED4618.100@verizon...>...
> > visanic wrote:
> > > I've been playing guitar for 13 years and would like to pick up
> > > an inexpensive Mandolin to tinker with.
> > >
> > > Any suggestions?
> > >
> > >
> >
> > This question comes up frequently in this newsgroup and it would be
> > worth doing a quick Google Groups search (on this group) using
> > appropriate words like "beginner mandolin"
> >
> > There's a raft of inexpensive Korean mades (some now possibly made in
> > China) that routinely get recommended. Kentucky's least expensive solid
> > top mandolin runs about $250? FQMS (www.fqms.com) has picked up a new
> > Korean made starter mando line that runs about $500 and has gotten some
> > good reviews. Some of the cheap Fender mandolins are almost playable too.
> >
> > I picked up a cheap Kentucky but wasn't real thrilled with it--it didn't
> > stay in tune very well, etc. Got a bargain on a rosewood Tacoma M-2
> > mandolin for $399 (they go for about $700). I'm pretty happy with it.
> > Just removed the bolt on neck and put in a tiny cardboard shim to change
> > the neck angle and lower the action. Some folks don't think it sounds as
> > mandolin-ey as a maple or mahogany model.
> >
> > Dick Thaxter
> >
From: Peter MacDonald <pjmacd1@insightbb...>
Subject: Re: Suggestions for a 1st mandolin?
Date: Wed, 04 Dec 2002 02:13:40 GMT
Organization: Insight Broadband
In article <<TCidnSL5UK_9qHCgXTWcpg@comcast...>>, visanic
<<visanic@comcast...>> wrote:
> I've been playing guitar for 13 years and would like to pick up
> an inexpensive Mandolin to tinker with.
>
> Any suggestions?
Mid-Missouri mandolins are all solid wood and well-regarded at their
price point.
www.midmomandolin.com
Peter
From: Goodfellow <vgoodfellowsk@hotmail...>
Subject: Re: Suggestions for a 1st mandolin?
Date: 3 Dec 2002 21:40:34 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/
"visanic" <<visanic@comcast...>> wrote in message news:<<TCidnSL5UK_9qHCgXTWcpg@comcast...>>...
> I've been playing guitar for 13 years and would like to pick up
> an inexpensive Mandolin to tinker with.
>
> Any suggestions?
Kentucky makes fairly inexpensive A style solid top models that sound
decent and have good intonation and action.
I have a Model 200 with solid top in natural spruce that was a pretty
good deal for the money. About $300 bucks from Elderly a few years
ago. They also have some less expensive instruments .
From: George Gleason <g.p.gleason@worldnet...>
Subject: Re: Suggestions for a 1st mandolin?
Date: Wed, 04 Dec 2002 06:09:55 GMT
Organization: AT&T Worldnet
"Goodfellow" <<vgoodfellowsk@hotmail...>> wrote in message
news:<602b3549.0212032140.46506590@posting...>...
> "visanic" <<visanic@comcast...>> wrote in message
news:<<TCidnSL5UK_9qHCgXTWcpg@comcast...>>...
> > I've been playing guitar for 13 years and would like to pick up
> > an inexpensive Mandolin to tinker with.
> >
> > Any suggestions?
>
> Kentucky makes fairly inexpensive A style solid top models that sound
> decent and have good intonation and action.
> I have a Model 200 with solid top in natural spruce that was a pretty
> good deal for the money. About $300 bucks from Elderly a few years
> ago. They also have some less expensive instruments .
My kentucky 250s was a great starter mando solid carved top under 300$,
someone in this newgroup bought it from me perhaps they might update us
George
George
From: Herb <herickson5@yahoo...>
Subject: Re: Suggestions for a 1st mandolin?
Date: 4 Dec 2002 06:06:54 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/
"George Gleason" <<g.p.gleason@worldnet...>> wrote in message
> My kentucky 250s was a great starter mando solid carved top under 300$,
> someone in this newgroup bought it from me perhaps they might update us
> George
I was in the same boat this past summer. I looked into getting a
Kentucky based on some good feedback I had heard. Problem was, the
Kentucky manufacturing had just recently gotten moved from Korea to
China, and the new Chinese shipments were particularly bad. I talked
with a few shops who returned all their Kentucky's from China. Perhaps
by now they have the kinks worked out and they are better(?). The ones
I tried I was not at all impressed with. Playability was OK (sorta),
but the tone was very tinny. If you go with a Kentucky, I'd recommend
trying to find a used one from Korea. These have gotten a bit pricer
recently, and you still need to make sure it gets set up properly.
I ended up buying a used Weber Y2K, and its a very good entry level
mando. I liked the oval hole sound better than the f-hole, at least at
this low end price range. I was also seriously considering a mid-mo,
which I liked a lot. I've heard really good things about Tacoma, but
couldn't warm up to the aesthetics of one (just me). Ask or poke
around at www.mandolincafe.com, or look at some of the comparisons
done at www.folkofthewood.com for more complete info.
Good luck! Playing the mandolin is a lot of fun.
-- Herb
| OT: Cheap mandolins [10] |
|---|
From: HL <sweefmy@singnet...>
Subject: OT: Cheap mandolins
Date: Thu, 23 Jan 2003 23:08:57 +0800
Organization: Singapore Telecommunications Ltd
I went looking for cheap mandolins today. I found 3 models that were
interesting... having never heard/played a mandolin before, I'd like to ask
if anyone has experience with these:
1) Fender FM-62SE (USD415)
<http://www.fender.com.au/acoustics/acousticelecmandolin/fm62se.shtml>
Solid spruce top, carved maple back & sides, piezo pick-up, gold hardware,
tone and volume controls
2) Epiphone MM-50 (USD400)
<http://www.epiphone.com/acoustics/classics/ef50.shtml>
Solid Spruce top, maple back and sides. Gold hardware
3) Kentucky KM-140 (USD230)
<http://www.folkofthewood.com/page39.htm>
Laminate spruce top, laminate mahagony body. Neck joins at 12th fret.
I prefer the looks of the Fender (more modern), but the Epi's traditional
F-style is fine. Not too sure abt the A-Style Kentucky.
It's really just to try out my hand at playing a mando. I don't really
expect to make that my main instrument.. but the Fender has a built-in
pickup... probably a cheapo one, but it'd be nice to have... just in case i
have to use it :) I do understand that there's not much of a re-sale market
for Mandolins here in Singapore, so I don't expect to be able to sell it
readily if I decide that the mando is not for me. Both the Epi and Fender
have solid spruce tops, but they cost almost twice as much as the Kentucky.
I haven't formed a personal taste in mando tones, but I've gathered that
mandos with F-holes are more generally applicable.
Any comments? Tips?
Cheers,
John Swee
From: Mouser9999 <mouser9999@aol...>
Subject: Re: OT: Cheap mandolins
Date: 23 Jan 2003 15:48:21 GMT
Organization: AOL http://www.aol.com
I play the Fender FM-62SE, and it's a good mando for the price-- but it works
best as an electric. It has a relatively quiet acoustic tone, but a very, very
good tone plugged in. Overall well made, and playability is very good for a
mando in that range (BTW, US$415 is a very good price).
>1) Fender FM-62SE (USD415)
><http://www.fender.com.au/acoustics/acousticelecmandolin/fm62se.shtml>
>Solid spruce top, carved maple back & sides, piezo pick-up, gold hardware,
>tone and volume controls
From: HL <sweefmy@singnet...>
Subject: Re: OT: Cheap mandolins
Date: Fri, 24 Jan 2003 00:30:53 +0800
Organization: Singapore Telecommunications Ltd
Hi, thanks for sharing. Yup, I found the Fender selling for US$629 online.
I think a relatively quiet acoustic tone will suit me... i don't want to
traumatize my family and neighbours with my picking ;p
Did yours come with a gigbag or hardcase? The one I'm looking at doesn't,
but the salesman said I could buy a Kentucky gigbag for it.
What do you plug the mando into? I guess an acoustic amp will be best but I
don't have that. At home, I have a line6 pod pro/g-major going into a Tech21
Power Engine60, as well as an Ibanez TB15R.. both are electric setups but
they have a pretty decent clean tone. If I do play out in the future, I can
use my Baggs ParaDI into the FOH.
Thanks!!
John Swee
"Mouser9999" <<mouser9999@aol...>> wrote in message
news:<20030123104821.11175.00000377@mb-ch...>...
> I play the Fender FM-62SE, and it's a good mando for the price-- but it
works
> best as an electric. It has a relatively quiet acoustic tone, but a very,
very
> good tone plugged in. Overall well made, and playability is very good for
a
> mando in that range (BTW, US$415 is a very good price).
>
> >1) Fender FM-62SE (USD415)
> ><http://www.fender.com.au/acoustics/acousticelecmandolin/fm62se.shtml>
> >Solid spruce top, carved maple back & sides, piezo pick-up, gold
hardware,
> >tone and volume controls
>
>
From: J. Mark Lane <mistermax@worldnet...>
Subject: Re: OT: Cheap mandolins
Date: Thu, 23 Jan 2003 16:55:54 GMT
Organization: AT&T Worldnet
If you are prepared to spend $629, I would strongly urge you to spend a
little more and get a real mandolin. The difference between an $850
Breedlove Quartz and a cheap Korean factory made instrument would, I think,
be very very very significant. I've owned a couple of Korean made
mandolins, and they weren't too bad (one is quite good), but they were not
laminates. There are also a couple of Webers in that price range, and even
a Rigel. These would all be instruments that should be suitable for a
lifetime of playing, and would command good resale value. Just my 2 cents.
Mark
HL <<sweefmy@singnet...>> wrote in message
news:b0p4if$kth$<1@mawar...>...
> Hi, thanks for sharing. Yup, I found the Fender selling for US$629 online.
>
> I think a relatively quiet acoustic tone will suit me... i don't want to
> traumatize my family and neighbours with my picking ;p
>
> Did yours come with a gigbag or hardcase? The one I'm looking at doesn't,
> but the salesman said I could buy a Kentucky gigbag for it.
>
> What do you plug the mando into? I guess an acoustic amp will be best but
I
> don't have that. At home, I have a line6 pod pro/g-major going into a
Tech21
> Power Engine60, as well as an Ibanez TB15R.. both are electric setups but
> they have a pretty decent clean tone. If I do play out in the future, I
can
> use my Baggs ParaDI into the FOH.
>
> Thanks!!
>
> John Swee
>
>
> "Mouser9999" <<mouser9999@aol...>> wrote in message
> news:<20030123104821.11175.00000377@mb-ch...>...
> > I play the Fender FM-62SE, and it's a good mando for the price-- but it
> works
> > best as an electric. It has a relatively quiet acoustic tone, but a
very,
> very
> > good tone plugged in. Overall well made, and playability is very good
for
> a
> > mando in that range (BTW, US$415 is a very good price).
> >
> > >1) Fender FM-62SE (USD415)
> > ><http://www.fender.com.au/acoustics/acousticelecmandolin/fm62se.shtml>
> > >Solid spruce top, carved maple back & sides, piezo pick-up, gold
> hardware,
> > >tone and volume controls
> >
> >
>
>
From: HL <sweefmy@singnet...>
Subject: Re: OT: Cheap mandolins
Date: Fri, 24 Jan 2003 01:32:27 +0800
Organization: Singapore Telecommunications Ltd
Hi Mark,
Thanks for chipping in here. I was kinda hoping you would. Did you get my
initial post?
I'm sorry, but I'm not prepared to spend $629... I found it selling as high
as $629 online, but my local store sells the same model for $415. That's why
Mouser9999 said $415 was a good price. I'm not ready to splurge so much on a
first (and probably my only) mando. I think US$415 is about my price
ceiling... I was actually hoping to keep it below US$400.
Oh, and they don't sell Breedlove Mandos here in Singapore. There's not much
of a market here for mandos. In fact, I don't know of any friend here that
owns a mando!!
I dunno... perhaps you can say that I'm looking for the value/quality
equivalent of a Seagull S-series guitar in a mando? I'm not sure but I'm
thinking the Fender FM-62SE is somewhat like that..it has all solid wood
construction. Which Korean-made mandos have you owned? I'd like to compare
them with the Fender. Too bad they don't have the Kentucky solid top mandos
in my local store.
What's your take on A-Style vs F-Style mandos? And F-hole vs Oval hole? I
couldn't gather much info, except from the 'folk-of-the-woods' website. I
think I can say that I'm looking for a more contemporary mando tone, versus
a traditional celtic-tone. I hope to use a mando to accompany
Cheers,
John S
"J. Mark Lane" <<mistermax@worldnet...>> wrote in message
news:u8VX9.9588$<zF6.767423@bgtnsc04-news...>...
> If you are prepared to spend $629, I would strongly urge you to spend a
> little more and get a real mandolin. The difference between an $850
> Breedlove Quartz and a cheap Korean factory made instrument would, I
think,
> be very very very significant. I've owned a couple of Korean made
> mandolins, and they weren't too bad (one is quite good), but they were not
> laminates. There are also a couple of Webers in that price range, and
even
> a Rigel. These would all be instruments that should be suitable for a
> lifetime of playing, and would command good resale value. Just my 2
cents.
>
> Mark
From: Mouser9999 <mouser9999@aol...>
Subject: Re: OT: Cheap mandolins
Date: 23 Jan 2003 18:02:27 GMT
Organization: AOL http://www.aol.com
gee, it's fun to talk about mandolins here :)
Mark is absolutely right about the Breedloves being one of the best deals
going. I have a Quartz KF, and while simply appointed, it has remarkable tone.
However, it cost just over $1K, so it is not in your price range. Should your
price range increase, Breedloves are great.
In terms of under-$500 mandolins, almost all are Korean-made. The solid wood
Kentucky mands are pretty reliable. Most of the Kentucky models are now made in
China-- that bugs some people, but I've heard that the quality is equivalent to
the Korean-made models. I have a Korean Kentucky KM630-- it is an F-style with
solid carved top but laminated rims and back. It is still a very good
instrument, and was under $400 used. Kentucky makes many all-solid models and
most are very reasonably priced.
There is not a real difference in tone between A models and F models. If you
want the best bang for the buck, go for an A model. The scroll on the F model
costs more to make, so you pay more-- but you don't get better tone. As to
F-holes versus oval hole models-- well, celtic mands historically have had oval
holes and bluegrass mandos have traditionally had F-holes. That might suggest
that the oval hole gives you the sweeter celtic sound and that the f-holes give
you the more strident bluegrass sound-- but, of course, there's so much more to
an instrument's tone than that. So I wouldn't get too hung up on one or the
other.
To the questions you asked specifically about the Fender FM62-SE: It does not
normally come with a case, but Fender does make both a hard case and a gig bag
for it. The hard case is very expensive, but is perfectly fit. I have mine in a
standard aftermarket F-style case, which does the job more or less, but it is a
bit snug. An F-style gigbag should be fine, since it would have a bit of give
to it.
Yes, an acoustic amp would be preferable-- but if you don't have one, a normal
guitar amp will do in a pinch. You will probably have to mess with the EQ to
get a really clean sound, but it can be done. I have played mine through a
Line6 pod, and it's fun-- when playing live, I go through the pod direct into
the PA, adding a bit of chorus and a bit of compression. It really makes the
mando stand out in the mix without comprimising the mando tone. Obviously, you
can also apply standard guitar effects and get some fun but decidedly un-mando
tones!
From: HL <sweefmy@singnet...>
Subject: Re: OT: Cheap mandolins
Date: Fri, 24 Jan 2003 02:17:10 +0800
Organization: Singapore Telecommunications Ltd
(Mouser9999 wrote a long post detailing the differences in mandos.)
Thanks so much for the very informative post; it's certainly very helpful!
Here's a fun mando page... if you haven't already come across it.
<http://www.folkofthewood.com/page2518.htm>
Cheers,
John
From: George Gleason <g.p.gleason@worldnet...>
Subject: Re: OT: Cheap mandolins
Date: Thu, 23 Jan 2003 18:07:36 GMT
Organization: AT&T Worldnet
Check the classifieds on www.mandolincafe.com
a kentuky 250 or 360 would be a great intsrument to learn some mando on
both under 300$
I would choose a mando with a strong acoustic voice over one with pick-ups
and spend the diffrence on a Putw as I would guess you will be playing
acousticly 95% of the time
George
From: David Kilpatrick <iconmags2@btconnect...>
Subject: Re: OT: Cheap mandolins
Date: Thu, 23 Jan 2003 22:12:04 +0000 (UTC)
Organization: Icon Publications Limited
J. Mark Lane wrote:
> You might want to check with David Kilpatrick, a regular here. He is
> selling (out of his business in Scotland) some Romanian made mandolin family
> instruments.
But nothing for sale until MARCH I'm sad to say - the Romanian factory
is now unable to supply anything ex-stock, even standard instruments,
let alone our custom models.
We have just updated http://www.troubadour.uk.com/ to include the 330mm
scale mandolin, which will be new to the 'range'. No photos yet.
I counsel caution, however; it's an oval hole, largish body stave-ribbed
flatback maple/spruce and dead right for acoustic celtic sessions
(resonant and loud) but the scale of 330mm is 20mm shorter than the
standard bluegrass American mandolin, which is 350mm. The back is not
dead flat but has quite nice curve to it, not a bowl either. The profile
of the body is similar to the Portugese guitarra.
This makes it a great choice for fiddle players, as the finger stretches
are not altered, but a little bit cramped (as traditional Italian
mandolins also are). It will be $175 shipped to most worldwide places.
David
From: Erik Newman <ejnewman@uiuc...>
Subject: Re: OT: Cheap mandolins
Date: Thu, 23 Jan 2003 19:13:19 GMT
Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Quoth HL:
>
> 3) Kentucky KM-140 (USD230)
> <http://www.folkofthewood.com/page39.htm>
> Laminate spruce top, laminate mahagony body. Neck joins at 12th fret.
I got a Kentucky KM-150S (all solid, ~$200!!, $250 w/ case) almost a
year ago and love it. I don't really have enough experience to compare
with other mandos, but this instrument sounds good, has great
intonation, and was a lot easier to start playing than a lot of cheapo
guitars I have tried.
If money is a critical issue, one of these is definitely worth looking
into.
http://www.janetdavismusic.com/kmand.html
| Was thinking about taking up the mandolin ....... [5] |
|---|
From: J. Mark Lane <mistermax@worldnet...>
Subject: Re: Was thinking about taking up the mandolin .......
Date: Mon, 03 Feb 2003 16:34:19 GMT
Organization: AT&T Worldnet
AuralFeast wrote in message <<20030203111104.04617.00000450@mb-cs...>>...
>Saw Nickel Creek on Austin City Limits the other night, and "Taxman" pushed
me
>over the edge - started thinking it might be nice to be able to noodle
around a
>bit on the mandolin - checked out Mandolin Brothers website and GEEZ!!! - I
>couldn't believe the prices! More than a top-notch acoustic guitar? How
does
>one get started?
>
>Think I'll stick to learning some basic chords on the trusty six string.
>
>BP.
Yes, it is upsetting. One can own an acoustic guitar that is quite
serviceable for under $1000 (D-16?) or one that is very good for $1500
(D-28?), and one that is very very good for $2500 (D-41?). One can get a
guitar that is pretty much is as good as it gets for, oh, maybe $5,000
(bunches of small builders). $10,000 will get you something that is beyond
belief.
In mandolins, $1500 will barely get you in the running (and there are very
few good F's in that range). For $5,000 you are basically at the level of a
"real" mandolin at the lower end of the "very good" spectrum (Weber Fern,
Gibson F5G?). You need to break the $10,000 mark to be in the realm of what
most of the pros seem to consider the basic instrument (Gibson Master Model,
for example). If you want to have the equivalent of say a Ryan or an Olson
in mandolins, you need to spend $25,000 or more (Gilchrist, Dudenbostel,
Monteleone, Smart, etc). And the wait will be looooong.
And we're not even talking vintage instruments yet. A good vintage D-28
(late 50's, early 60's?) might run you $10k. And for many people that's
about as good as it gets, except maybe an original 'bone. A genyoooowhine
Lloyd Loar F5 will run you in the neighborhood of $100k.
Bottom line: mandolins are expensive little devils. BTW, I've never played
most of the models listed above. These are just my impressions. I have
heard others play a number of them. There is a difference.
But you can get a good, playable, decent sounding mandolin for a reasonable
price. A number of the Asian-made instruments are suitable for beginners.
These might include Kentucky, Morgan Monroe, Michael Kelly, Washburn,
Johnson and others. I would be very careful buying one of these. Get it
from a reputable dealer and make sure you have the right to return it if
dissatisfied, and get it checked out and set up immediately by someone who
knows mandolins.
If you are willing to spend $1k or so, and can live without the scroll of an
F, Weber has a number of models in that price range, as does Rigel and
Breedlove. All of these seem to be very highly regarded. The Tacomas are
interesting, too, if you like that sound and look.
I have an F made by Oregon luthier Howard Morris that is a reall decent
mandolin. Much much better than the Asian instruments. Howard is a new
builder (around 100 mandolins at this point I think) and frankly isn't much
into marketing. So his instruments can be had very reasonably. Around $1k
will get you a very nice hand-carved F. An A can be had for $800 or so, I
think. These are fine instruments, esp for that kind of money.
So all is not lost. It's just that the "really really good" mandolins are
beyond the budget of anyone but the pros and the wealthy. Being neither,
I'll settle for just "good."
Mark
From: J. Mark Lane <mistermax@worldnet...>
Subject: Re: Was thinking about taking up the mandolin .......
Date: Mon, 03 Feb 2003 22:03:22 GMT
Organization: AT&T Worldnet
George Gleason <<g.p.gleason@worldnet...>> wrote in message
news:FFA%9.30896$<zF6.2152240@bgtnsc04-news...>...
>
> > I have an F made by Oregon luthier Howard Morris that is a reall decent
> > mandolin. Much much better than the Asian instruments. Howard is a new
> > builder (around 100 mandolins at this point I think) and frankly isn't
> much
> > into marketing. So his instruments can be had very reasonably. Around
> $1k
> > will get you a very nice hand-carved F. An A can be had for $800 or so,
I
> > think. These are fine instruments, esp for that kind of money.
> >
> Can I get a link to Mr. Morris i think I want another new mando
> george
Howard doesn't have a website, George. His email is <sonnym@cybertrails...>
Mark
From: Steve & Gianna <giannaviolins@yahoo...>
Subject: Re: Was thinking about taking up the mandolin .......
Date: Mon, 03 Feb 2003 18:28:27 GMT
Organization: Gianna Violins
Top performance/$ is in A style mandolins. These are MUCH cheaper &
sound just as good to me. I've owned Gibson F-5s and such. Ratliffe,
Dearstone, etc are quite nice. There are numerous other mandolins
that serve very well if set up well. I can set up the cheapie
Johnsons to sound OK as a beginner mandolin. They are strictly that!
Actually, a souped up Johnson "Louisville" isn't bad. All solid wood
and so on. Takes a bit of work. Float the bridge onto the top, touch
up the frets, lube the tuners, set the action, good strings. These
list at $199.00 and are well worth that if someone does the work on it
to set it up. Johnson "Jefferson" is better, adjustable truss rod.
Lists $459, but in practice a new one gone through should go for about
$360. That's what we get for them.
And I've wanted to see the Johnson "Knoxville." F style, hand carved
maple & spruce etc. Should be OK. Lists at $995, but likely can be
had at about $750 with additional setup and tweeking. That's about
what we would charge.
This is likely pretty decent for th $
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2503612648&category=10179
If you feel good, I'd love this one
http://www.mandolincafe.com/cgi-bin/classifieds/classifieds.cgi?search_and_display_db_button=on&db_id=5157&query=retrieval
And this one is very nice, but will need to be gone through:
http://www.mandolincafe.com/cgi-bin/classifieds/classifieds.cgi?search_and_display_db_button=on&db_id=5151&query=retrieval
Anyway, I set up and deal in these things. Don't have any used under
$1000 right now, unfortunately.
Another choice is the Eastman Strings mandolins. I'd have to check on
the status. Quite remarkable workmanship, probably about $1000.
I'm working with a Bulgarian outfit to make mandolins right now.
Should have prototypes soon. Probably be more like $1800, though.
Steve
www.giannaviolins.com
On 03 Feb 2003 16:11:04 GMT, <auralfeast@aol...> (AuralFeast) wrote:
>Saw Nickel Creek on Austin City Limits the other night, and "Taxman" pushed me
>over the edge - started thinking it might be nice to be able to noodle around a
>bit on the mandolin - checked out Mandolin Brothers website and GEEZ!!! - I
>couldn't believe the prices! More than a top-notch acoustic guitar? How does
>one get started?
>
>Think I'll stick to learning some basic chords on the trusty six string.
>
>BP.
From: Steve Comeau <notcomeaus@comcast...>
Subject: Re: Was thinking about taking up the mandolin .......
Date: Mon, 3 Feb 2003 14:25:45 -0500
Hi,
I'm a guitar player and closet mandolin player. I bought a Kentucky KM 140S
for $200. A far cry in sound from Bill Monroe's Gibson, but good enough for
me to learn on and play at gigs.
Most important thing is a good setup. I played this same Kentucky model at
Guitar Center where they don't bother to set them up before display.
Sounded and felt like crap. Tried, and bought, same model at a music store
in upstate NY that specializes in bluegrass and takes pride in setting up
instruments before display. What a difference a good setup makes.
So, you can at least explore the mandolin very economically before taking
the plunge for a more serious instrument.
All the best,
Steve Comeau
"AuralFeast" <<auralfeast@aol...>> wrote in message
news:<20030203111104.04617.00000450@mb-cs...>...
> Saw Nickel Creek on Austin City Limits the other night, and "Taxman"
pushed me
> over the edge - started thinking it might be nice to be able to noodle
around a
> bit on the mandolin - checked out Mandolin Brothers website and GEEZ!!! -
I
> couldn't believe the prices! More than a top-notch acoustic guitar? How
does
> one get started?
>
> Think I'll stick to learning some basic chords on the trusty six string.
>
> BP.
From: David Kilpatrick <iconmags2@btconnect...>
Subject: Re: Was thinking about taking up the mandolin .......
Date: Tue, 4 Feb 2003 00:03:05 +0000 (UTC)
Organization: Icon Publications Limited
AuralFeast wrote:
> Saw Nickel Creek on Austin City Limits the other night, and "Taxman" pushed me
> over the edge - started thinking it might be nice to be able to noodle around a
> bit on the mandolin - checked out Mandolin Brothers website and GEEZ!!! - I
> couldn't believe the prices! More than a top-notch acoustic guitar? How does
> one get started?
>
You take a look at my site http://www.troubadour.uk.com/, swallow your
pride in wanting to own
a superb carved archtop, and buy a cheap European flatback to start
with. Or get a similar import locally, if you can find one. Or trawl
around for a used frying-pan American style (though those can go for a
lot). You will not look like Nickel Creek, however, with a traditional
folk mandolin.
It's relatively easy to make a decent little flat top, flatback mando
and relatively expensive to make a nice carved archtop with full trimmings!
David
| ATTN: Need Octave Mandolin Info [4] |
|---|
From: Hojo2x <hojo2x@aol...>
Subject: Re: ATTN: Need Octave Mandolin Info
Date: 04 Mar 2003 05:55:29 GMT
Organization: AOL http://www.aol.com
David Wolfe wrote:
>Looking to buy an octave Mando in the near future - but I don't have the>money
to
>get a custom built one. Can you buy one that is acceptable and not a TPOS>for
under>$600.00??
Sure. Saga's Trinity College octave mandolins list for $595, which means you
can get them for considerably less. They're all solid wood, with solid spruce
tops and maple backs and sides that hae been stained with a walnut-colored
stain.
These have an undeservedly poor reputation in some circles, mainly because the
Asian manufacturers were equipping them with mandolin bridges that wouldn't
intonate properly for the heavier strings and lower tunings of the octave
instrument. As both a mandolinist and a Saga dealer I brought this problem to
the attention of Saga's president, and the newer ones are better in this
regard. But old reputations die hard, so you might find some slagging and
outright dismissals of the Trinity College instruments, which is unfortunate.
Even if you get an old one with the improper bridge a new, properly intonated
bridge can be fabricated easily enough.
Another good brand of inexpensive octave mandolin are the Johnsons. These have
a cool sunburst and an asymmetrical body shape, and sound quite good. But they
do have plywood backs and sides, or at least they did on the examples that I've
seen - that may have changed (though I doubt it.)
Oneof the key things to remember with any mandolin family instrument is that
you often have to work with it a little bit once you get it in order to get it
to play and stay in tune properly. This isn't just with the less expensive
models; if anything, it seems to get more noticeable with the more expensive,
more sensitive examples.
So understand that going in - just buying it and taking it out of the shipping
case and tuning it are only the first steps - it will still need to acclimate
and then get set up for your locale before it will do its best.
Have fun with it. Hope this helps.
Wade Hampton Miller
Chugiak, Alaska
From: David Kilpatrick <iconmags2@btconnect...>
Subject: Re: ATTN: Need Octave Mandolin Info
Date: Tue, 4 Mar 2003 10:47:41 +0000 (UTC)
Organization: Icon Publications Limited
David Wolfe wrote:
> Looking to buy an octave Mando in the near future - but I don't have the
> money to
> get a custom built one. Can you buy one that is acceptable and not a TPOS
> for under
> $600.00??
> Brand suggestions.....where to buy.....donations ;-)
>
Plug again - http:/www.troubadour.uk.com/ - see bouzouki. Technically
this is an octave mandolin, at 660mm scale it is less then twice the 350
scale of a bluegrass mandolin. It is much less than your budget and
although it's ultra cheap, it's solid wood and sounds as good as most
$600 plus instruments. The dye wears off the fingerboard :-( and the
tuners are a bit industrial. But then it's only $220 shipped to USA.
Standard stringing is octave mando BUT if you have played many octave
mandolins before, you might find the 660mm scale long. Most octave
mandos are actually made to a shorter scale than double a real mandolin
- typically 560mm to 630mm, average 600mm (24 inches). They are strung
with a slightly lighter gauge than mandolin to compensate for this.
Have a look at http://www.frettedfolkinstruments.com/ - this is Dave
Freshwater's site. His instruments are probably as good value as any and
the Celtic soundhole is superb. He offers three scale lengths - 548mm
(which he calls octave mandola), 610mm (octave mandolin) and bouzouki
(660mm) all of which can be strung and played in GDAE or GDAD. The
prices are a little higher than your $600 budget, but not so very much -
about $700 for the instrument you would be looking for.
David
From: David Kilpatrick <iconmags2@btconnect...>
Subject: Re: ATTN: Need Octave Mandolin Info
Date: Tue, 4 Mar 2003 14:36:44 +0000 (UTC)
Organization: Icon Publications Limited
Greg Z wrote:
> David,
> Any octave mandolins on your mp3s? I'm curious as
> to how they sound compared to a regular mando.
>
There are two recordings on the troubadour.uk.com page -
http://www.troubadour.uk.com/ - labelled
'bouzouki octave basses' and 'bouzouki unison basses'. The latter is
technically an octave mandolin.... but of course I don't tune it as
such. I am sorry but in both cases I used ADAD tuning and the technique
is so far removed from mandolin playing it is meaningless - it bears a
closer relationship to a 12-string guitar tuned DADGAD, or a 18th c
cittern (it's fingerstyle, to start with!).
On my mp3.com page I replaced the soundfile for 'Willie o'Winsbury' with
a version I am 100 per cent happier with, compared to the one I did a
few years ago. This uses a Lowden O-12 and over the top there's the
bouzouki in octave mandolin stringing (unisons) tuned GDAD, which is a
bit more like mandolin playing. The top course is still a bit slack
though. One or two passes of the playing use mandolin tremolo technique
and some go right up the fretboard, so it's probably about the best idea
of the sound. Also, the recording conditions for the zouk and the guitar
were similar, so it is realistic rendering of the relative sound as
miked. And the zouk is plectrum played, not fingerstyle.
David
From: TarBabyTunes <tarbabytunes@aol...>
Subject: Re: ATTN: Need Octave Mandolin Info
Date: 04 Mar 2003 17:49:11 GMT
Organization: AOL http://www.aol.com
I'll refer to my bouzouki experience here, since in many instances, the terms
"octave mandolin" and "bouzouki" seem interchangeable. Note: In other
instances, they are not. <GG>
I bought a Johnson MA-550 bouzouki as an introduction to bouzouki-ing, and
chose it because it was different looking from the Trinity College's standard
"onion-on-a-stick" look. Also, the Trinitys had gotten poor reviews from
veteran players whom I know.
The Johnson 550 has a very narrow neck and a small, tho interestingly-shaped
body. It's not loud nor does it develop a more mature tone because the finish
is very, very thick. The finish was flashy, but very flawed and there were
very sloppy glue joints in several places.
After several months with it, I gladly sold it. I had met some Trinity College
instruments in sessions and found them to be very much better built and more
playable.
The MA-550 is, IMO, sort of a symbol of a bouzouki.
I searched for months and finally surrendered to paying more money for a used
Fylde Octavius bouzouki.
A lovely instrument, but with a guitar-style pin bridge instead of the
mandolin-type tailpiece bridge standard on most octave mandolins and irish
bouzoukis. It has served me well for about two years now.
It did so well for me that I ordered a custom zouk from Phil Crump of northern
California.
Johnson makes a standard-shaped model with a 400-something model number, but
I've never seen one.
Look at the others, but skip the Johnson MA-550, IMO.
steveV
| I struck the motherlode! [2] |
|---|
From: Dick Thaxter <rtha@loc...>
Subject: Re: I struck the motherlode!
Date: Thu, 12 Jun 2003 08:20:52 -0400
Organization: Library of Congress
George W. wrote:
> On Thu, 12 Jun 2003 00:00:14 GMT, Joe Jordan wrote:
>
>
>>After complaining about the change in National thumbpicks, I
>>walked into a local music store that I rarely visit (all
>>they carry is low-end and used stuff) and found a bunch of
>>the old ones!
>
>
> Cool.....
>
> Hey Joe, can I ask you something? Our friend Gail is thinking about
> getting a mandolin after hearing you and Dick at EC6. She wants
> something inexpensive and so far we've come across Kentucky, Johnson,
> Morgan Monroe, Epiphone and Fender, all "A" style and all under $300.
> Are any of these halfway decent? The Johnson is $230 from FQMS and
> comes with a hard case. All solid wood, so they say. I seem to recall
> Mark saying the Kentucky wasn't bad either though that would probably
> come from Musicians Friend.....
>
> Thanks.
George,
I had an old Weymann mando that I got in an antique shop in upstateNY. It had a good sound, but was very tough to play. Next I got the
lowest model Kentucky mando used and it was a little easier to play but
didn't have great sound and didn't stay in tune very well. The Tacoma
mando I had at EC VI was an M-2 which goes for about $700-800, I think.
I got it for $399 at a GC blowout sale. Tacoma has an M-1 inmahogany, the M-2 in rosewood, and an M-3 in maple. I sold both of the
old mandos when I got it. I really like the Tacoma and with the
addition of a PUTW #27 Kevlar reinforced refurbished model, it sounds
great amplified.
About two weeks ago Wade wrote a long posting (incredible as thatseems) about the whole Kentucky mando lineup and came to the conclusion
that the 360 something or other was the best bang for the buck. I think
I played that model in a small shop in Frederick, Md. last year. It was
used and about $350 and very, very good.
But we are talking about Gail, who went to Mando Bros for a firstguitar and came away with that Collings C-10, right? Maybe you start
with the Webers.
Dick
From: Hojo2x <hojo2x@aol...>
Subject: Re: I struck the motherlode!
Date: 12 Jun 2003 16:42:31 GMT
Organization: AOL http://www.aol.com
Dick Thaxter wrote:
>About two weeks ago Wade wrote a long posting >about the whole Kentucky mando
lineup and came to the conclusion
>that the 360 something or other was the best bang for the buck.
The KM-380S and the slightly plainer but structurally identical KM-350S are the
ones I recommended. Incredible sound for the money.
Wade Hampton Miller
Chugiak, Alaska
| mandolin scales [2] |
|---|
From: Mitch Dickson <mitch@volstate...>
Subject: Re: mandolin scales
Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2003 11:56:08 -0500
Organization: Posted via Supernews, http://www.supernews.com
John, I have most of the mandolin chords at my web site (see below). Scales
are pretty simple and straight forward since a mandolin is tuned in 5ths.
Don't forget the arpeggios! practising these are just as or more important
than the scales!!! You may or may not use all the notes in a scale for a
melody, but you will damn sure use the notes of the arpeggio!!!! Besides
any 2 or 3 notes of an arpeggio played together will give you the chord in
that scale. Practice them hitting the 1-3-5-8-5-3-1 of the scale (for major
chords). Flatting the 3rd will give you the minor of that scale. Once you
have the arpeggios of the 7 major scales down (2 octaves), you will be
amazed how much better and quicker playing comes to you. Don't neglect your
scales but the arpeggios are more important :) This is the same for fiddle.
C YA
Mitch
--
"Come by and sit a spell with me at www.volstate.net/~mitch/ "
<mitch@volstate...>
"John D. Misrahi" <<lmoukhin@sprint...>> wrote in message
news:6i_Db.2281$<cW5.10121@newscontent-01...>...
> Is there a site or a good book I can order that has all the mandolin
scales
> in it?
>
> Thanks,
>
> John
>
>
From: GoHabsGo <gohabsgoNOSPAM@hotPOP...>
Subject: Re: mandolin scales
Date: 17 Dec 2003 17:00:59 GMT
Organization: No
"John D. Misrahi" <<lmoukhin@sprint...>> wrote in
news:6i_Db.2281$<cW5.10121@newscontent-01...>:
> Is there a site or a good book I can order that has all the mandolin
> scales in it?
| need recommendation for cheap mandolin [7] |
|---|
From: George Gleason <g.p.gleason@worldnet...>
Subject: Re: need recommendation for cheap mandolin
Date: Tue, 11 May 2004 01:49:26 GMT
Organization: AT&T Worldnet
"kmgura" <<kmgura@hotmail...>> wrote in message
news:<cc2c2956.0405101709.76049a99@posting...>...
> What is the best mandolin I can buy for $150-$200? Thanks, Dogger
there are Kentuckys in that range that will give you enough quality to
decide if you want a better mando
my favorite low end mando is the Hondo
I got one for 75$ and some people like its sound better than my Rigel
I don't but one fellow does
he also perfers his Burl Ives gretsch to his HD-28
George
---
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From: Spambow <vedauwoorocks@yahoo...>
Subject: Re: need recommendation for cheap mandolin
Date: 11 May 2004 03:24:02 -0700
Organization: http://groups.google.com
"George Gleason" <<g.p.gleason@worldnet...>> wrote in message news:<GiWnc.41121$<Ut1.1181190@bgtnsc05-news...>>...
> "kmgura" <<kmgura@hotmail...>> wrote in message
> news:<cc2c2956.0405101709.76049a99@posting...>...
> > What is the best mandolin I can buy for $150-$200? Thanks, Dogger
>
> there are Kentuckys in that range that will give you enough quality to
> decide if you want a better mando
> my favorite low end mando is the Hondo
> I got one for 75$ and some people like its sound better than my Rigel
> I don't but one fellow does
> he also perfers his Burl Ives gretsch to his HD-28
> George
>
>
> ---
> Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
> Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
> Version: 6.0.676 / Virus Database: 438 - Release Date: 5/3/2004
George--No offense, but I'd love to meet the guy who thinks your
Kentucky mandolin sounds as good as your Rigel. Why can't I play
around those kind of people? I just hang with picky people, it seems.
I'd rather take my Olympia import (which is made by the same Pacific
Rim company that makes most of the Kentucky's) out instead of my
A-Plus Deluxe anytime. Although I don't think you can beat a
Rigel--workmanship, sound and price. Seriously, I'll have trouble
parting with my Olympia F. It was professionally set up and, for a
total of $325, sounds great. The secret is in the set-up and bridge on
those mandos.
--Fred :)
From: misifus <rseibert@cox-internet...>
Subject: Re: need recommendation for cheap mandolin
Date: Tue, 11 May 2004 08:24:12 -0500
Organization: Posted via Supernews, http://www.supernews.com
Spambow wrote:
> "George Gleason" <<g.p.gleason@worldnet...>> wrote in message news:<GiWnc.41121$<Ut1.1181190@bgtnsc05-news...>>...
>
>>"kmgura" <<kmgura@hotmail...>> wrote in message
>>news:<cc2c2956.0405101709.76049a99@posting...>...
>>
>>>What is the best mandolin I can buy for $150-$200? Thanks, Dogger
>>
>>there are Kentuckys in that range that will give you enough quality to
>>decide if you want a better mando
>>my favorite low end mando is the Hondo
>>I got one for 75$ and some people like its sound better than my Rigel
>>I don't but one fellow does
>>he also perfers his Burl Ives gretsch to his HD-28
>>George
>>
>>
>>---
>>Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
>>Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
>>Version: 6.0.676 / Virus Database: 438 - Release Date: 5/3/2004
>
>
> George--No offense, but I'd love to meet the guy who thinks your
> Kentucky mandolin sounds as good as your Rigel. Why can't I play
> around those kind of people? I just hang with picky people, it seems.
> I'd rather take my Olympia import (which is made by the same Pacific
> Rim company that makes most of the Kentucky's) out instead of my
> A-Plus Deluxe anytime. Although I don't think you can beat a
> Rigel--workmanship, sound and price. Seriously, I'll have trouble
> parting with my Olympia F. It was professionally set up and, for a
> total of $325, sounds great. The secret is in the set-up and bridge on
> those mandos.
> --Fred :)
I have an Olympia that does very well for me, too. It doesn't
sound as good as Greg Thomas's Collings, but for under $300,
including hard case, I'm pleased. Oh, for the record, mine is an
A-style OM2, solid spruce top, lam b/s.
-Raf--
Misifus-
Rafael Seibert
mailto:<rseibert@cox-internet...>
http://www.ralphandsue.com
From: George Gleason <g.p.gleason@worldnet...>
Subject: Re: need recommendation for cheap mandolin
Date: Tue, 11 May 2004 13:46:55 GMT
Organization: AT&T Worldnet
"Spambow" <<vedauwoorocks@yahoo...>> wrote in message
news:<29f9ab93.0405110224.79c65f56@posting...>...
> "George Gleason" <<g.p.gleason@worldnet...>> wrote in message
news:<GiWnc.41121$<Ut1.1181190@bgtnsc05-news...>>...
> > "kmgura" <<kmgura@hotmail...>> wrote in message
> > news:<cc2c2956.0405101709.76049a99@posting...>...
> > > What is the best mandolin I can buy for $150-$200? Thanks, Dogger
> >
> > there are Kentuckys in that range that will give you enough quality to
> > decide if you want a better mando
> > my favorite low end mando is the Hondo
> > I got one for 75$ and some people like its sound better than my Rigel
> > I don't but one fellow does
> > he also perfers his Burl Ives gretsch to his HD-28
> > George
> >
> >
> > ---
> > Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
> > Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
> > Version: 6.0.676 / Virus Database: 438 - Release Date: 5/3/2004
>
> George--No offense, but I'd love to meet the guy who thinks your
> Kentucky mandolin sounds as good as your Rigel. Why can't I play
> around those kind of people? I just hang with picky people, it seems.
> I'd rather take my Olympia import (which is made by the same Pacific
> Rim company that makes most of the Kentucky's) out instead of my
> A-Plus Deluxe anytime. Although I don't think you can beat a
> Rigel--workmanship, sound and price. Seriously, I'll have trouble
> parting with my Olympia F. It was professionally set up and, for a
> total of $325, sounds great. The secret is in the set-up and bridge on
> those mandos.
> --Fred :)
I have a virzi r-100 deluxe and to me it is everything a mando should be, I
would not trade my radiused fingerboard for a dozen flat finger boards, the
virzi make mine a good deal quieter but takes away the tinny high end and
controls the midrange "bark" I so detest
honestly I have played 20,000$ mandos(gils, and duds) that I would not take
over my Rigel
so it is clear I don't agree with my friends tonal assesments :-)
George
---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
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From: Steve Comeau <notcomeaus@comcast...>
Subject: Re: need recommendation for cheap mandolin
Date: Mon, 10 May 2004 22:03:24 -0400
"kmgura" <<kmgura@hotmail...>> wrote in message
news:<cc2c2956.0405101709.76049a99@posting...>...
> What is the best mandolin I can buy for $150-$200? Thanks, Dogger
In that price range, I recommend a Kentucky A-style mandolin. Get it setup
well and you'll find it a reasonably good instrument.
Steve
From: Rich <mr.graceful@earthlink...>
Subject: Re: need recommendation for cheap mandolin
Date: 11 May 2004 05:38:37 -0700
Organization: http://groups.google.com
Last year I got a Kentucky 140s from Folk of the Wood and a Rogue case
from Musician's Friend for under $200 total (including shipping from
both). I don't think you can do any better than that.
I highly recommend both sites.
www.folkofthewood.com
www.musiciansfriend.com
Folk of the Wood offers a lifetime trade-in policy on all of their
sales which may or may not be a great sales gimmick.
The 140s has a solid top and laminated back and sides. It was the
least expensive solid instrument I could find with a truss rod. Not a
big deal most will say on a mando, but it gives me peace of mind.
If you can go slightly higher (~$250), you can probably get the
Kentucky 250 which is all solid wood, and I believe the top on the 250
is even carved (the 140s top is arched, but it's pressed.
good luck and post what you decide to do . . .
-Rich
"Steve Comeau" <<notcomeaus@comcast...>> wrote in message news:<<1LqdnRGHCezwqT3dRVn-tw@comcast...>>...
> "kmgura" <<kmgura@hotmail...>> wrote in message
> news:<cc2c2956.0405101709.76049a99@posting...>...
> > What is the best mandolin I can buy for $150-$200? Thanks, Dogger
>
> In that price range, I recommend a Kentucky A-style mandolin. Get it setup
> well and you'll find it a reasonably good instrument.
>
> Steve
From: Bubba Kahuna <jjjjjjjjjjjjjjj@null...>
Subject: Re: need recommendation for cheap mandolin
Date: Wed, 12 May 2004 18:48:47 -0500
Organization: Flying Monkey Army
kmgura wrote:
> What is the best mandolin I can buy for $150-$200? Thanks, Dogger
The Kentucky's are nice for the money.
Also, check out some of the Washburn/Oscar Schmidt (same company) stuff.
Not bad either if you don't mind doing a little setup once you get it.
I got a really old mando (maybe 60~80 years old) on eBay for $65 that is
obviously not a high end instrument, but really projects well and has
pretty good balance. Of course, I had no idea what it sounded like
buying it via eBay, but I lucked out. It's no showpiece either, but for
$65 I couldn't care less.
Cheers,
- Jeff G
| First Mandolin [6] |
|---|
From: <danpopp@aol...>
Subject: First Mandolin
Date: 8 Dec 2004 12:12:43 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com
I want to buy my son (he's 20) a mandolin for christmas. He plays
guitar and I would like to get him an F Style mandolin for around
200-300 bucks. What types should I consider. Thanks a million.
From: Wade Hampton Miller <hojo2x@aol...>
Subject: Re: First Mandolin
Date: 08 Dec 2004 20:24:59 GMT
Organization: AOL http://www.aol.com
Dan wrote:
>I want to buy my son (he's 20) a mandolin for christmas. He plays
>guitar and I would like to get him an F Style mandolin for around>200-300
bucks. What types should I consider.
Until a year or so ago, I'd tell you that you were unlikely to find anything in
that style that was even marginally worthwhile, but now you can get the Rover
RM-75 for just a little bit more than than that, in the $350 range. It's all
solid wood and is a terrific bargain.
One thing I would highly recommend you do is to get the instrument
professionally set up once it arrives and has had a chance to acclimate to your
climate. Any wooden instrument will shift to a certain degree, but with
mandolins it's really crucial, because everything is so small and the
tolerances are so very fine. So a tiny little shift that might be no big deal
on a guitar can really throw a mandolin totally out of whack.
This may seem like an unnecessary expense on top of the cost of the instrument,
but it's money well spent when you consider that his chances of success with
the instrument are much higher if the instrument's optimized.
Hope that makes sense.
Wade Hampton Miller
Chugiak, Alaska
Remove the "Howdy" to reply...
From: George Gleason <g.p.gleason@worldnet...>
Subject: Re: First Mandolin
Date: Wed, 08 Dec 2004 20:30:14 GMT
Organization: AT&T Worldnet
<danpopp@aol...> wrote:
> I want to buy my son (he's 20) a mandolin for christmas. He plays
> guitar and I would like to get him an F Style mandolin for around
> 200-300 bucks. What types should I consider. Thanks a million.
>
I was Very happy with the Kentucky 250S(s for solid top) I bought to
learn on
it was easily in that range
check www.folkofthewood.com
BUT CAUTION
do not buy anything from them that is not IN STOCK AS YOUR SPEAKING TO THEM
their follow through on back ordered items is frustrating, to be polite
George
From: Misifus <rseibert@cox-internet...>
Subject: Re: First Mandolin
Date: Wed, 08 Dec 2004 22:36:17 -0600
Organization: Posted via Supernews, http://www.supernews.com
<danpopp@aol...> wrote:
> I want to buy my son (he's 20) a mandolin for christmas. He plays
> guitar and I would like to get him an F Style mandolin for around
> 200-300 bucks. What types should I consider. Thanks a million.
>
I have been very pleased with the Olympia OM-2 that I bought for
$250. This is Tacoma's less expensive import line and has a
solid top and laminated back and sides. It sounds pretty good
for the price, especially after I fitted the bridge to the top.
-Raf--
Misifus-
Rafael Seibert
mailto:<rseibert@cox-internet...>
http://www.ralphandsue.com
From: Steve Comeau <notcomeaus@comcast...>
Subject: Re: First Mandolin
Date: Thu, 9 Dec 2004 08:15:04 -0500
<<danpopp@aol...>> wrote in message
news:<1102536763.963931.34900@z14g2000cwz...>...
> I want to buy my son (he's 20) a mandolin for christmas. He plays
> guitar and I would like to get him an F Style mandolin for around
> 200-300 bucks. What types should I consider. Thanks a million.
>
As Wade says, I think that you'll be hard pressed to find a playable F-style
mandolin in that price range. You need to increase your budget or consider
an A-style (teardrop) model.
I'm a guitar player who wanted to check out mandolins without too much
strain on the wallet. I ended up with a Kentucky 140S, A-style with a solid
spruce top for $200. The case was another $60. Very playable and good
tone, relatively speaking.
I bought it from a music store up in Old Forge, NY - Mountain Music. Proper
setup on these mandolins makes quite a difference. Al, the owner of
Mountain Music, takes pride in setting up all his instruments properly
before putting them out for sale. It happened that I had tried the same
model mandolin in a Guitar Center just a month before and was turned off.
Al convinced me to give this model another go. Because he set the mandolin
up properly, I was quite pleasantly surprised.
All the best,
Steve Comeau
From: RandP (NO_spam) <rayandpatty@frintiernet...>
Subject: Re: First Mandolin
Date: Fri, 10 Dec 2004 14:46:42 GMT
I bought a Kentucky a few years back, and for the price with a solid top, it
was a great bargain played well, I still use it regularly for festivals,
etc. When I don't want to take out the more expensive instrument.
In that price range I'ld look at Kentucky A styles. You won't find a decent
F-style in that price unless you get really lucky in finding a used
instrument from someone who doesn't know what they have.
Ray from Rochester
"Steve Comeau" <<notcomeaus@comcast...>> wrote in message
news:<l6-dnYUM-61F0iXcRVn-ug@comcast...>...
>
> <<danpopp@aol...>> wrote in message
> news:<1102536763.963931.34900@z14g2000cwz...>...
>> I want to buy my son (he's 20) a mandolin for christmas. He plays
>> guitar and I would like to get him an F Style mandolin for around
>> 200-300 bucks. What types should I consider. Thanks a million.
>>
>
> As Wade says, I think that you'll be hard pressed to find a playable
> F-style
> mandolin in that price range. You need to increase your budget or
> consider
> an A-style (teardrop) model.
>
> I'm a guitar player who wanted to check out mandolins without too much
> strain on the wallet. I ended up with a Kentucky 140S, A-style with a
> solid
> spruce top for $200. The case was another $60. Very playable and good
> tone, relatively speaking.
>
> I bought it from a music store up in Old Forge, NY - Mountain Music.
> Proper
> setup on these mandolins makes quite a difference. Al, the owner of
> Mountain Music, takes pride in setting up all his instruments properly
> before putting them out for sale. It happened that I had tried the same
> model mandolin in a Guitar Center just a month before and was turned off.
> Al convinced me to give this model another go. Because he set the
> mandolin
> up properly, I was quite pleasantly surprised.
>
> All the best,
>
> Steve Comeau
>
>
>
>