|
|
Joined:
April 2006
Posts: 1017
Location: Budd Lake, NJ | I need a word of advice from all our resident mandolin maniacs.
I have an "El Cheapo" Galiano mandolin that belonged to my late husband; it was o.k. to start on, but the neck isn't terribly cooperative, the tone is very tinny and I'm starting the search for a new one.
How do the mothership's offerings compare to the mid-range Washburns and lower-end Gibsons? I don't have much comparative playing experience to guide me. Thanks for the help, Karen
-------
G-1111-4, CE868LX-4, Viper 1271 Natural, Steinberger Spirit 5-string bass, Fender American Strat, Galiano mandolin, Vega 5-string banjo, and one fiddle of uncertain antecedents. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
July 2003
Posts: 1922
Location: Canton (Detroit), MI | I currently don't have a mando, but do have some experience....IMHO, the Ovation mandos are not the ticket for bluegrass. They sound good, but don't quite have the "sound" of the classic Gibson F-type.
So...it depends what you intend to play on it. If you like more of an oval-hole sound, Ovation mandos are good. For F-hole sound.....hmmmm....I'd keep looking.
If you can find an Ovation mando to try, I'd encourage you to try it. It might be what you're looking for. I wouldn't bother looking at Gibsons.....extremely overpriced. I'd look at Breedlove, Weber and Rigel, depending on your pocketbook. Best bang for the buck is Eastman, made in China. They sound wonderful, and generally cost under $1000.
Roger |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | I have a Davy Stuart Mando from New Zealand that is absolutely fabulous. Check out my gallery for pics. They will run in the $1000 - 1500 range.
Unless you want to buy local, I can give you the name and phone number of a great shop out east that specializes in mandos. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 56
Location: Edmond, Oklahoma | Godin A8 Mandolin
http://www.godinguitars.com/godina8p.htm
I'm just a part-time mando player; can't claim to be an expert. But, as a part-time player (although very discriminating ;) ), it was very important to find a "best value" (great quality and affordable). I've seen nothing that comes close to matching to the Godin, for the price (in my opinion, for ANY price). It has all the features you normally can't touch for under $1,000: ebony fretboard, truss rod, active electronics (battery-powered piezo pickups and a 3-band EQ), Schaller strap locks. Spruce top on a mahogany body. No holes in the top, but the unamplified sound is still strong and clear. They go for about $700, I think. I got an even better price on mine (new on Ebay). But it's a non-traditional shape. Personally, I enjoy that. But if you need a traditional bluegrass styling, look elsewhere. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2002
Posts: 3005
Location: Las Cruces, NM | I've played bluegrass mandolin for too many years.
My son, and grandson, gave me a China copy of an F style mandolin that can be bought for around $150 and looks and sounds GREAT. If you aren't an aficiando that is yur chance to play a great mandolin cheap. HOWEVER, if you want to plug it in, Ovations, foreign or American, are the best.
Bailey |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 208
Location: Illinois | You wanna know more about mandolins than you ever thought possible by mandomaniacs? Go to:
MandolinCafe.com.
The place is crawlin' with 'em. IT is a very, very busy site, so you shouldn't have to wait long for a response. You'll undoubtedly get 25 different answers from 20 different people. Whilest there, check out the 'Eye Candy' link. :p More Mandos and bouzoukis and Ouds than you can shake a pick at.
:eek:
Tell FattDadd I said, "Hey!" |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2004
Posts: 2487
| If you wnant to plug in and play on stage, the Ovation Mando's are the way to go. Wonderful sounds. With that said you will find better overall sounds as you go up through the Ovation line. Their top model the MM68 rings as close to bluegrass as I will ever need (make sure you have the newer electronics)... I of course only use mine for an accompaniment instrument on some classic acoustic Zeppelin music right now. I got mine for $675.00 No Tax You'll find them all around the $750.00 mark "used" a little more "New"
I'd say for the price (around $300) the Celeb. models seem a real good buy. But I have no real experience playing them but for a minute or two at a shop. I have been told by others in here that they are quite good in comparison to the price difference.
Randy |
|
| |
Advice about mandolins....
