Good Mandolin????

Subject: Good Mandolin????
From: Musicman
Date: 23 Mar 99 - 01:02 PM

I am looking to purchase a good mandolin, not cheap, not expensive, probably under the $1000 mark (Cdn), about $700 US based on the dollar these days.

Can anybody recommend their favorites in this price range?

I also want to be able to use it on stage. Better to have a pickup built in or attach your own? What do you like?

Thanks for the help

Musicman

Subject: RE: Good Mandolin????
From: Margo
Date: 23 Mar 99 - 02:05 PM

Pardon my ignorance, but what is a pick-up? (in regards to stringed instruments, you wise guys)

Margarita

Subject: RE: Good Mandolin????
From: RWilhelm
Date: 23 Mar 99 - 03:18 PM

Kentucky mandolins are pretty good for under $1000. I have a Flatiron I like that was less than $1000 but I don't think they make them anymore. I would recommend not having a pick-up built in. If you really feel you need a pick-up Fishman makes a good one for archtop mandolins built right into the bridge.

Subject: RE: Good Mandolin????
From: j0_77
Date: 23 Mar 99 - 07:28 PM

I don't know waht they now cost but I recall buying a Harmony 94 I think - for 129 bucks and it was really nice - lost it in a move - kinda miss it too.

Subject: RE: Good Mandolin????
From: Sam Pirt
Date: 23 Mar 99 - 07:30 PM

If you want a nice mandolin I can suggest a maker in the UK his name is Terry Docherty, they are exquisitly made and reasonably priced. You can contact him on his e-mail : -

[e-mail]

Hope I've been of some help,

Bye, Sam

Subject: RE: Good Mandolin????
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 23 Mar 99 - 07:58 PM

Margarita,

In acoustic music, a pick-up is an electrical device that attaches to the instrument to convert the sound into electrical impulses. The instrument can then be wired directly to an amplifier to amplify the sound.

For various reasons, performers want "more" sound. The bigger the instrument (generally) the "bigger" the sound. However, practicality limits how big you can make an instrument.

The next step is to use microphones to "pick-up" the sound, convert it to electrical impulses and send it to the sound equipment that amplifies it. There are three major problems with microphones. First, there is "feedback" (that notorious loud whistle that hurts your ears). This results from the microphone picking up sound from speakers or monitors (little speakers facing the performers). Second, there is "bleeding". In a group, the microphone may pick-up sounds of other nearby instruments making it harder to control the blending of instruments. Finally, microphones force the performer to stay nearby the microphone. The further away you get, the less volume you get.

A "pick-up" on the instrument reduces all three of these problems. You won't have feedback unless you do nasty things the way Jimi Hendrix would. Your won't get bleeding if you use a "direct" pickup (that is physically connected to the instrument. You will have more freedom of movement as movement is limited only by the length of the chord connected to the instrument and by your ability to avoid tripping over the wires.

A recent design has been to put small microphones right inside the instrument. They are not technically pickups, but they fit into that category.

Hope this short explanation helps.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Good Mandolin????
From: Guy Wolff
Date: 23 Mar 99 - 09:22 PM

I just bought a beautifull Vega mandolin from the late teens or early 20's from Tony at fretted instroments of Amherst Mass.It was $700.00 and has a great sound for a medium price.Iv'e seen some A modle Gibsons around for just a little more then that but of corce your choice has to come from to sound of the instroment in front of you and how you play it. Good luck. ...I like old Bacon & Day mandolins as well.. Guy.....................

Subject: RE: Good Mandolin????
From: catspaw49
Date: 23 Mar 99 - 10:38 PM

You ought to be able to find a really nice instrument at the money you're looking to spend. Several brands in the knockoff market are really nice, well made instruments. I think I'd take a good look at Sigma, Kentucky, and Washburn. If you look at the upper end of their lines, you'll be surprised at the quality of wood, materials, fit, finish, and most importantly sound and playability.

A couple of years back, I bought the top of the line Washburn with a finish defect for only $375.00. Plays and sounds wonderfully and will probably always be a better mandolin than I am a player.

catspaw, World's Worst Mandolin Player

Subject: RE: Good Mandolin????
From: BK
Date: 23 Mar 99 - 11:34 PM

I got a cheap Washburn, but solid top - for abt $125 used, from a newspaper ad, (private owner) over in the VA side of the DC metroplex. It is a better instrument than I am a player; turned out to be pretty good; had to buy it in a hurry as my other mandolin bit the dust (long story) & I had to jump on a plane & fly to Tx to perform next day. Worked out well; Want to look for a little higher-end Washburn one of these days.

So I'd certainly reccomend Washburn. I've seen a lot of decent sounding mandolins that were made w/out adjusting rods - evidently as an economy measure. I'd certainly advise against any such design; old Martins not withstanding, no tension rod means no sale to me. I've seen too many necks warp; not only mandolins but everything else fretted as well.

Good luck

Cheers, BK

Subject: RE: Good Mandolin????
From: mountain tyme
Date: 24 Mar 99 - 12:30 AM

Depending on the type music you will play, you may prefer the sound of an "A" Style round hole, or "F" Style with two f holes. The sounds are totally different. There are also very reasonable solid body electrics. Lately I have stopped to play both Alverez and Epiphone mandos in music stores. Prices between $350 US and $850 US seem fair for the quality and sound. I also agree with catspaw49 above. These are well made brands for the price. Rather than a pickup on an acoustic mando I would suggest a Sure SM57 mike with a heavy foam wind screen. Push/lean the body of the mando HARD against the foam for the best lead sound and then just back off of the foam for back up work. There are many good sounding one piece carved top used mandos around. Just keep looking till the sound you like appears. Once you find the right one have the bridge and nut set up for the style you play and strings you like the sound of. Tune every night. Practice every other night. Always in the dark. Never in the light.

Subject: RE: Good Mandolin????
From: catspaw49
Date: 24 Mar 99 - 12:54 AM

Hey tyme...great line on the Shure. Still the best choice in an awful lot of applications and if you notice it's a popular choice among 'catters too.

But Musicman...skip that shinola about the dark and light!!! MT has lost 2 mandolins that he played in the dark only. One day they got a gander at him in the daylight and zip...there they went.

Not to mention with the demise of 'Paw and Clete's business, I have a feeling Mountain thinks he can fill the gap. So keep the lights on and don't go on NO huntin' trips with him!!!

catspaw

Subject: RE: Good Mandolin????
From: Rockaday Johnny
Date: 24 Mar 99 - 11:06 AM

If You're looking for the best new mandolin in the 350 - 400 buck range don't buy anything until you've played a Mid-Missouri - all solid wood -full rich tone American made -best value in any low priced mandolin (They Sound better than the old 900 Flatiron used to...)