Has anyone played the Bean Blossom BAM-200?

[garyblanchard]

I am wondering if anyone here has played one of these, and, if so, what you thought of the sound. I'd appreciate any information on this model that you might provide. Thanks.

Here is a link:
BAM200 (http://www.shsaudio.com/mahoganymando.htm)

[Kevin Briggs]

I recently played on at a local aocustic shop. The mahogany was a very noticable difference from my mandolin with maple back and sides. I think it would stay in tune fairly well, and it played okay.

It was clearly worth a few hundred bucks, but no more. I played a MMS-3 right after it thatw as really pretty darn good. I was surprised, and would go with that over the Bean Blossom.

[bradeinhorn]

i used to own the f-style one. a good beginner instrument all solid wood. not super loud but it had a nice mellow - nontinny - sound usually uncharacteristic of f-models in this price range.

I put a red henry bridge on it and it seemed to give it a little more oomph.

ended up selling it when i got my MT

[csstanley]

I owned the BFM-300. It was a good mando over all. It just didn't have any volume to it.

If your gonna mic it, then it is a good mandolin for the buck as Kevin stated.

[garyblanchard]

Thanks for the feedback. I play old-time music and hope to use it for a couple of songs. I do mic the instruments. I think I'm going to order one shortly, so I appreciate hearing from you guys.

[Kevin Briggs]

I'm sure you'll have a good experience with it. It seemed solid, and it had a cool, unique look to it. I also remember the neck being fairly large, like the old Gibsons. It felt like a small baseball bat. Some love that feel, others don't. It's all up to you.

For the money, I think feel and finish are very important.

[garyblanchard]

Thanks, again. I have been very pleased with the replies. I found a dealer who will, for $20.00 extra, do a form of set-up on the mandolin, including new strings, checking the action, etc.

I have always liked an "unvarnished" instrument, so this one appeals to me aesthetically; it sounds like it will also appeal to my ear. I'm glad I asked. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[garyblanchard]

Thanks to a Cafe member, I have a used BFM-300 on the way. This is quite an investment for the unofficial King of Cheap Instruments. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif I think I am paying more for this than I have any other instrument that I own. I can't wait for the package to arrive! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[Jim MacDaniel]

I too like its natural matte finish -- be sure to tell us how you like its sound and performance Gary, please.

(Too bad it's not made out of Douka wood, or from some other tree that begins with D -- it might be kinda fun to have a mandolin with BFD as the model number. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif )

[garyblanchard]

Well, thanks to Jen Ford, the BFM-300 is in my hands. It is in need of a new set of strings, but I am real happy with the look and feel of it and the sound is good for the string condition. Since i won't be playing it in any Bluegrass jams, I think the volume will suit my needds as well.

Keep in mind that this is from a guy who plays a $69 Surf City oval hole and had a Johnson F-style. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[jenford]

I was pretty suprised at the build on the bb. Well made - sturdy like a weber. Nice matte finish - binding good,nicely done,good looking scroll - action alittle high...might be so you can pretty much wail on it. Strings pretty well stunk.
Glad you're happy with it - it is indeed a handsome mando. But I couldn't justify it just hangin on my wall....the mid-mo and the flatiron are getting the most playing time.

Best,
Jen Ford

[garyblanchard]

Thanks again, Jen!

I just got a hard shell case from Musician's Friend and I have one of Dave Capp's mando straps coming. Shortly after the move I will take it in for a set-up and try to have the action lowered a little. It is indeed a great mandolin for the price and perfect for my needs. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[jenford]

It is a nice instrument - and the jump up from your other mandos - well you'll love it. I hadn't really been inspired to sell the mando - but you had your eye on the A and I wasn't playing this guy. The buddhists say - "When causes and conditions come together" - well - the world tends to send you hints.

Enjoy - and let us know how you like it with the new strings and the strap!
I only played it a dozen times or so - so i think it should open up very nicely.
My Mid-Mo and Flatiron pancake are getting the most playing time. I'm not into F holes .

Best,
Jen Ford

[garyblanchard]

Thought I'd give an update. I have finally started to settle in my new home in Massachusetts and found time to take the mandolin to the Fiddle Center in East Brookfield. For a mere $10.00, Ed adjusted the action. I bought a set of GHS medium light strings and just finished restringing the BFM-300. It is really sounding nice, and I find myself feeling more adventurous with the mandolin. I may even take it to this weeks jam at the Fiddle Center. I have been taking my guitar since I am more versitile with it than any other instrument, but this great mando is giving me courage.

Thanks again, Jen. I am very happy to own this. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[Morgan Monroe Guy]

If you like the BAM-200 check this one out. It is sort of the big brother in the Morgan Monroe line.

It's Joined at the 14th fret has a solid spruce top which really barks with the solid Mahog back and sides.

It also features the new Ashton Bailey cast tailpiece.

M-A1 (http://shsaudio.com/newmorganmandolins.htm)

Mike

[jlg]

Has anyone played a Morgan Monroe m-F1, or the MFM-300?? I read that the MFM-300 "was previously in the Bean Blossom line" -- any ideas as to WHY they would move it to the MM line (has it improved at all in quality/sound/etc.??

I am a beginner fiddler (about 2.5 years), been playing guitar for years, and I wanted a reasonably priced mandolin to mess around with!