View Full Version : Best import mandolin
ed46464
Jun-10-2007, 2:39pm
I would like to know what everyone's thoughts are on import mandolins. Everyone seems to like Eastmans, however I say a really nice Alvarez the other day. If you were to buy an import mandolin, which maker would you buy from?
mandroid
Jun-10-2007, 3:08pm
I have a Czech Import, builder : Jiri Lebeda.
And a D.Hodson Djangolin those came from England.
But as Spruce says(below) , If we are talking "Best"...
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif
Spruce
Jun-10-2007, 3:32pm
"If you were to buy an import mandolin, which maker would you buy from?"
I'd probably go with Steve Gilchrist.....
Larry S Sherman
Jun-10-2007, 4:06pm
If you are referring to the Pacific Rim imports then I vote for the Draleon Royale (http://s197.photobucket.com/albums/aa17/larrydata/) by Century Strings.
There's really nothing else like it.
Larry
doc holiday
Jun-10-2007, 5:08pm
Spruce....You beat me to it.....but if you live in the U.S.A. You could add Michael Heiden to your short list!
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif
Doc
Mental Floss
Jun-10-2007, 5:12pm
j bovier
Chris Biorkman
Jun-10-2007, 8:25pm
I'm pretty sure he's asking about imports under 15 grand. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
ed46464
Jun-10-2007, 8:38pm
Actually I was asking about imports under $5,000. Thank you though for all of your imput. I have had fun looking and drooling over these fine mandolins.
pjlama
Jun-10-2007, 9:00pm
For 5k why go import? But if you're looking for around 1k then it makes sense but for even 2k there's lots of cool stuff built right here in the US of A.
Greenmando
Jun-10-2007, 9:18pm
King Brown (http://kingbrown.netfirms.com/mandolinspecs.html)
DryBones
Jun-10-2007, 10:40pm
I'd still like an Eastman lefty 915 in Sunburst if one ever came available. Still for that money I could get something built here in the USA.
JeffD
Jun-11-2007, 12:10am
I assume you are not including bowlbacks?
F5G WIZ
Jun-11-2007, 1:33am
Duff maybe?
bradeinhorn
Jun-11-2007, 5:18am
did you mean 500?
ed46464
Jun-11-2007, 6:25am
Alright, how about best quality mandolin maker under $1000. I hope this will narrow things down.
JEStanek
Jun-11-2007, 7:14am
Eastman, Kentucky, MK. If possible try as many as you can and buy the one that sounds the best to you. For $1K you really need to consider used A styles (Flatirons can sometimes be had, A9, Weber Absarokas, some Rigel Naturals, Breedlove) at ~+/- 10-20% of $1000.
If you had to buy a new Chinese or Korean F-style import I would recomend the 515 Eastman from a good dealer.
For more money from the land of OZ consider in addition to the above Peter Coomb and Jack Spira.
Jamie
Jamie
USCGMandolin
Jun-11-2007, 2:58pm
I would have to surmise that for an import under $1000 that will gain you some pride in manufacturing and product, J. Bovier. Jeff is intimately involved in the production of this mandolin and they meet his standards. Jeff is American, but the mandolins are made in Korea to his specifications. For the money, I doubt you'll get a more reliable, quality-controlled instrument.
Good luck in your endeavor.
Matt
Pavel Sucek's name hasn't been mentioned here for awhile. An under-appreciated yet fine Czech builder. He'd be glad to get another mandolin coming to our shores.
Bob DeVellis
Jun-12-2007, 12:33pm
Let's not forget Stefan Sobell.
fstylemb1
Jun-12-2007, 2:26pm
In terms of entry level to intermediate import mandolins, MK, Morgan Monroe, Kentucky, Epiphone, Fender and others are pretty good but still requiring some setup. I have played and seen many Eastman Mandolins that are quite good. All of these mandos can be found for under $1K.
The Eastmans have some pretty nice upper level mandolins as well. Usually I find, depending on the music shop, is that there are nice mandos but the set up and intonation aren't exactly on.
In terms of higher end import mandolins under $5K, I have played some nice Capek mandos. There were many nice import and import mandos at IBMA last year. I have been spoiled by Sumi mandos. I have 2, an F5 Deluxe and a Dawg. Both great instruments in tone, playability, and craftsmanship. I'll probably get a few more!
Preferences on tone and playability are so subject to the player so I usually recommend testing as many mandolins as possible to hone in on what you are looking for. There are a lot of great builders out there overseas and domestic.