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01 Aug 05 - 04:34 AM (#1532460) Subject: Recommended - Hathway octave mandolin From: Grab About 2 months ago, I went to see Paul Hathway to look at octave and tenor mandolins. I was completely blown away by the quality of his instruments, so I ordered an octave mandolin that day. I didn't like the thick V-profile necks though, so Paul said he'd do me a faster D-shaped neck for no extra charge. And my own choice of top wood (cedar), edge binding and pickup fitment. Fast forward a bit; and last week he emailed me to say it'd be done this weekend. He put two identical instruments down on the table, said "see which one you prefer", and left me to it! :-) It was only possible to tell the difference by A-B'ing them, because they were both amazing. But I made my choice, handed over a not-too-large cheque (£675 for an instrument made to my spec and fitted with a pickup is a very good deal!), and was then the proud owner of the best octave mandolin I've ever heard. Paul also threw in a top-notch padded soft case and a spare set of strings (custom gauges to best suit the instrument). Playing it since I picked it up, the only suitable word is "beautiful". Rich, singing tone, and almost unlimited sustain. I suspect it'd be unsuitable for bluegrass because it doesn't go "plink" like bluegrass players seem to want. But if you're wanting to play folk tunes of any description, it's ideal - gorgeous tone for slow airs, and incredibly playable for faster stuff. I also plan on starting learning some classical mandolin stuff, because it seems a waste to limit myself to just playing folk when I've got an instrument that can do absolutely anything I ask it to. ;-) So a recommendation for anyone looking for a mandolin, be it octave, tenor or regular - if you want a *really* good instrument, check out Paul Hathway. His website (which is rather primitive) is www.paulhathway.com. He also makes every other conceivable instrument with strings and frets too, and they all sound pretty damn good as well! Graham. |
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01 Aug 05 - 04:44 AM (#1532461) Subject: RE: New Hathway octave mandolin - awesome! From: mooman Yes...they are very good instruments indeed for the price and Paul is a very obliging person. I used to have a PH OM myself an it was excellent. I would still have it now had I not been offered an excellent deal on another much more exotic (and expensive) OM. My two latest intruments (both mandolin family) are by yet another UK maker, relatively unknown at present and of similar price range, but as this thread is about Paul Hathway instruments, which I heartily admire and endorse the quality of, anyone interested can always PM me for details. Peace moo |
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01 Aug 05 - 05:09 AM (#1532484) Subject: RE: New Hathway octave mandolin - awesome! From: The Shambles Mrs Shambles - as a birthday treat - took me on a trip up to 'that there London' but did not inform me of our eventually destination. When we emerged into the streets of darkest East London I informed her that no civilization could be found in these here parts. How wrong I was. She took me to Paul Hathaway's house full of wonderful instruments and told me that that she would buy me the one of my choosing. After about two hours of playing just about every one - I made my choice and happily played my octave mandola all the way home on the train and I have been happily playing it ever since. It was a very nice day. |
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01 Aug 05 - 10:58 AM (#1532641) Subject: RE: New Hathway octave mandolin - awesome! From: Richard Bridge I think that, apart from the sound of his mandolin family instruments which is the reason to buy them, the thing I like next best is that they are so plain - no frills and furbelows. All the work goes into the sound. On the other hand I did once play one of his guitars which was for sale second hand and that was not nice to the ear (or eye). It was a long time ago and he may well have moved on since then - but at that time I would not have recommended for a guitar. |
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12 Aug 05 - 11:40 AM (#1541064) Subject: RE: New Hathway octave mandolin - awesome! From: Lowden Jameswright Bought one (used) from Whitby festival - had no intention of buying a mandolin (being a guitar player), but picked it up simply because it looked like a Lowden-type mando and was so impressed I handed over the £350 asking price. What a great decision. Have since bought a Shippey mandolin to "complete" my collection (for now anyhow). |
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12 Aug 05 - 02:27 PM (#1541190) Subject: RE: New Hathway octave mandolin - awesome! From: Grab Yep - amazingly, the look *and* sound complement my Lowden perfectly. Couldn't have a better pair of instruments! :-) Graham. |
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12 Aug 05 - 06:55 PM (#1541360) Subject: RE: New Hathway octave mandolin - awesome! From: GUEST,Richard BRidge with no cookie Checked out several Lowdens while my wife was alive as a spare instrument for her as the Hagstrom was getting old (a bit like us). and although I found one I really liked (at a place she could not get to to chek) most were unexceptional. I think there are some very good ones, but quite a lot that vary between over-dry and uncontrolled. |
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13 Aug 05 - 12:45 PM (#1541830) Subject: RE: New Hathway octave mandolin - awesome! From: Grab I guess Lowdens vary like all instruments. Several people at our folk club have them, and they're all good. When I went trying them out, I found the ones with mahogany or walnut backs were a bit lifeless, but all the rosewood ones I've seen/heard/played have been consistently good. Obviously some have been better than others, but I didn't find a bad one. I guess YMMV though. :-) Graham. |