mandoblaster Improvement

[Terry Braund]

Hi all,

Just passing on some info:

A while back I read a thread that mentioned the small frets on the Mandoblaster. Having considerable experience with fretwork, I replaced the frets on my Mandoblaster with banjo frets, dressed and polished them nicely. These are larger - sort of "jumbo" frets for a mando.

The results were great! Not only does the mando look much better with larger frets, but it plays easier and "faster". One can play (fret the strings) without the fingers touching the fretboard. It was well worth it.

Now I'm thinking about replacing the pickup . . .

[seano]

Yep, those larger frets sure do make a big difference. I've got a Kent electric mandola I converted to a 4 striger and I look forward to doing the same...
Rock on!

[TJBales]

Larger frets on 4 string mandos is the way to go.
We use small guitar fretwire on most of our electric
mandolins & mandolas. Easy chording, fast action,&
really helps with string bending!

[johnrhaupert]

Did you end up replacing those pickups? About how much would it cost to get a mandoblaster re-fretted with banjo frets? And also, how much would it cost to install a better pickup (not the cost of the pickup, but the cost of the installation)?

Thanks!

[mandelect]

I know many players do prefer standard mando fretwire, but for me bigger frets feel better. I had my custom Mandoblaster refretted soon after it arrived in the UK. Bruce offered a refret if I sent the neck back, but I figured I'd get it done locally - plays much better now. .... and I agree; the blaster does look more pleasing to the eye with bigger frets.

I never got to play a standard Mandoblaster, so don't know what the standard pickup is capable of. Bruce fitted mine with a Humbucking Kent Armstrong M214K from WD - essentially a hot rodded PAF with a hot midrange - he dubbed the instrument the "Rock & Roll Special". Sounds great with my lower than standard tuning of DAEB.

[Terry Braund]

John,

Yes I did replace the pickup with a Carver humbucker. I also added a 3-way mini-switch to operate it normal/single coil/out-of-phase.

I did all the work myself so I'm not sure how much it would cost you in your area. E-mail me privately if you would like more info on getting it done.

Terry