Mandobird

[Dray]

Have any of you played or purchased the Epiphone Mandobird?
There is a four string as well as a new 8 string version.
I was just wondering how the 4-string sounded as to the
new 8-string. I'm purchasing one for my grandson. I would
like to stay with the 8-string because he is learning the
mandolin, and I don't won't him to get away from the
8-string. If the 4-string sounds better, this may be my
choice. Thanks.

Dray
"Pike County" http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[Ted Eschliman]

Dray, the Mandobird VIII is a "premier" product, introduced at the Winter NAMM show in January, but yet to grace any showrooms. As an import product, it suffers the whim of offshore production schedules and contracts, and the marketing nuances of releasing a quantity of instruments up to high quality domestic standards.
Even its older brother the Mandobird IV, has had its trouble meeting market demands with its overwhelming popularity.
I've had the opportunity to try both (the VIII only in a NAMM display, unplugged), and have owned a IV now for over a year. My own personal opinion is that you could not go wrong with either. They are an exceptional value, though because they are an import product, make sure you have a good relationship with the place you are buying it, as typical of import products, you'll want to hedge your bet should you receive one that slipped through the Quality Control department (and need to exercise a good return/exchange policy).
Four or Eight string? Hard to say, as an Eight string electric is as much different from an acoustic in playing technique as a Four. They will produce a different sound, and require a different touch. I find the Four to be a nice departure, and play it more differently, more "electric."
You'll get a variety of opinions on this issue, so listen to them all. (It will all be subjective, anyway...)
I'd lean toward the four, simply because they are out there, and have been market tested for more than a year.
(Oh, important disclaimer: I own a music store that sells these...)

[merv]

I recently bought a Fender FM - 62SCE . It is acoustic and electric with the more modern look . In my opinion it has good volume without being plugged in. It has eight strings and availabilty is good . Found mine used for 375 with hard case.

[Dave Voyles]

Mandohack:

Have you had a chance to compare the Mandobird to th KM-300E? The prices are close. Which sounds and/or plays better?

[Dray]

Thanks guys!!!

Dray http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif