....Mandola Rec's

....ok, ok (it's the wifes job to tell me where to go) http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

With all the recent mandola talk and reading from Google searchs about mandolas I have been doing ...it's has me wondering.

Would you approach buying a mandola like you would a mandolin (or any other instrument for that matter)-cost, feel, sound, your favorite builder or would you approach it from a different angle?

I do not really want to throw away money on an entry level instrumnet (although I am entry level on playing). I have learned that I like the better made instruments and will save a bit longer for that -while at the same time I do not really want to spend thousands of $$$ on something I may not continue with.

I really like the thought of learning to use a mandola in different ways than a mandolin.

What advice / direction can you all help me with.

Best to All,
~x (shayne)

[JEStanek]

I assume you checked out the CBOM section below. As I look into the whole mandola thing and my budget (self imposed is about 2K) this limits me to Mid-Mo, Eastman, MK, used Weber market (Probably their flat top line).

I kno wfrom reading that plenty of folks have and play the mid-mo dolas in orchestras, which means they play better than me http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif . I'm really torn. I wonder if Chris Baird at Arches would build a flat top doal in this range? He has flat mandos and octaves. Fortunately I'm stone broke for mandos at the moment so I just get to follow this thread. You aren't alone.

Jamie


Jamie

[Tom Smart]

Yes, I'd approach it in the same way: cost, feel, sound, builder's reputation, etc.

One other consideration is scale length. Most mandolins have the standard Gibson scale length. Mandolas vary a lot more than that, from 15-7/8" to 17" and even longer. This can make quite a difference in feel, playability, volume, tone, string selection. It's probably a more significant choice than the f-hole versus oval-hole decision. Mine has a 16-3/8" scale, which I think works really well--gives it a lot of punch while allowing you to use medium gauge strings and conventional chord shapes.

If you want a better instrument, you're going to have to spend some money. I don't know how many "thousands" you don't want to spend. If I was in the market for a mandola, but wanted to spend less than the one I actually DID buy, I'd be really interested in that Anderson that was mentioned in the other thread. I'd also consider Bill Bussman, and I'd be very tempted to give Gail Hester a call and see if that H5 of hers is for sale. I haven't heard it, and don't know how much she would want, but it sure looks good and reportedly plays well. I like the look of Peter Coombe's stuff too, but I don't know what he charges. There are many other excellent builders, too many to list.

I'd also be on the lookout for a teens or twenties Gibson. Aside from the F5s, they're still some of the best mandolin deals out there, and I bet the same would hold true of a mandola in good condition.

TS

Edited to add: Jamie has a good idea too--an Arches or Flatiron or Mid-Mo flat top. Much cheaper than an arched top, very playable, and a different-but-very-cool sound.

Tom,

Wow, those are some great ideas you gave me... With the $0000's comment I was not initially sure of where the mandolas would be (2, 3, 4, 10K) --just no idea until I have been looking for some time now. It appears the range is almost as low as you would want to go a few hundred to many-many thoousand (10-12 or more K).

I have seen Gail Hesters and whoaaaaa baby, that H5 is a beaut! If I was an experienced as opposed to just learning I would jump on the Hester H5 in a heart-beat. I could see myself commisioning Gale to build one very similar to hers for sure!

Just purely from looks I do like the H5 style thus far (I know scroll-idos).

I was also curious if anyone had experience with the mandolas on the MK or Eastman levels... (maybe Steve can chime in).

~x (shayne)

[Daniel Nestlerode]

No experience with MK or Eastman, but I can tell you that Weber flat tops are great instruments. I think Bruce & Co. have hit the nail on the head with their flat top line, even thought I'm not a huge fan of their arch top lines.

With scale length at 17" the Weber Alder is plenty loud too.

I bought my Weber Alder #2 used about 5 years ago (wow time flies) for less than $1000. If you can find one, they're a great deal.

Daniel