Stradolin mandolin

[mandoforme]

I just bought a Stradolin mandolin on the auction site for $64.99. #The item number is 7408439665. #I bought it as a beater to play when I go fishing and camping. #Did I get a good deal? #I have only had the chance to play one Stradolin and that was a couple of years ago, but I remember it sounded good.

Any feedback from Stradolin mandolin owners will be appreciated.

[Eric F.]

I had one years ago that I paid $39 for. It was quite decent. If yours is as good as mine was, you got a fine deal. I've seen retailers try to sell them for $300 and up, and I've seen them go for $150 to $250 on eBay. I eventually sold mine for about $150 and the guy who bought it was happy.

[mandoforme]

Eric F., thank you for the feedback. I guess it can't be a bad deal for $64.99. Eric, what type of strings worked best for your Stradolin? I normally use D'Addario J-74's, but I thought the Stradolin might require a lighter-gauge string.

Thanks again for the feedback.

[jasonv]

I have and play a Stradolin quite a bit. Sounds better than my Gibson A-3, in fact! I think you caught a great deal... mine looks like yours but is missing the pickguard and has a cursive script up top.

I'm curious what happened with the neck reset (or the screws that the seller describes) but the big issue with these mandolins is that their tops can eventually cave in. They were pressed tops for the most part, not carved like better A-style mandolins. Mine is able to take heavier strings and has shown no signs of weakness. You should check yours semi-regularly and make sure it's keeping its curve.
Take care of it and it'll serve you well, I think. As with any decent instrument in the outdoors, just keep it away from hot trunks and heat in general and you'll have a great beater mandolin.

[mythicfish]

I know a sideman who travels with a nationally known folk group. He's had a Stradolin for close on to 40 years
and performs with it. Years ago he thinned out the top (from the outside) with a sanding disk and an electric drill.
(Another esteemed graduate of the Frank Wakefield School). It sounds pretty good ... when HE plays it ... and has logged tens of thousands of miles in a Calton case.

[Eric F.]

I think I used whatever I had on hand, including J74s. I don't think you need to worry about medium strings hurting it.

[wsm]

Last Christmas I attended the Dickens Faire at the Cow Palace in San Francisco. #One of the performers of period music was playing a Stadolin. #I was amazed at the sound of this mandolin.

Based on this, I would risk $65 on a Stradolin anyday of the week. #I think you got a great deal..

[Givson]

I would recommend light gauge strings on a Stradolin. I have owned several, and they are built pretty lightly and respond well to lights. In addition, with no neck rod, medium gauge strings may affect the straightness of the neck.

Congratulations on your acquisition and welcome to the Strad club.

[mandoforme]

Thank you everyone for the feedback! Based on the input, I got a great deal. I should have the Stradolin in my hands by April 30th. It kills me to wait for a mandolin to arrive! When I get it, I will give a full report.

[mandoforme]

The Stradolin arrived today. I must say that I am impressed. After adjusting the action, and tuning to pitch, it has a nice woody tone. The neck is straight as an arrow and the intonation is right on the money. It is much louder than I expected and has nice overtones. Overall, I got a great deal on this mandolin for $65.00.

For anyone wanting a good sounding mandolin and not break the bank, forget the cheap Pacrim A-models, such as Johnsons, Fenders, Kentuckys, etc, a Stradolin will give you more bang for your buck. I notice on the auction site there is another Stradolin with a bid of $49.99, for anyone that might be interested.

Thank you again to everyone who posted feedback in regards to this thread!