Mix new-mad mandolins

[jim_n_virginia]

Well the Mix mandolins have been out a little while now. I have seen a few in the classifieds but mostly from stores or dealers. I have seen none in the music store I frequent.

I wonder how they are selling? Anybody see any out at any jams or get-togethers? Seems like everyone is sticking with the intial prices so I imagine they are selling OK or the prices would come down. They would have to wouldn't they unless the dealers want to end up with instrument with dust on them.

And I wonder if the whole carbon fiber venture in itself has been profitable and thus worth it?

I am still thinking about a Mix F-5 but haven't pulled the trigger mainly because of the price point. I have the dough but at that price there are just so many other great instruments to get and thats what makes it so hard to decide.

Anyone one buy one yet and better yet USING it at gigs, jams etc.?

Would LOVE to hear a review or your thoughts on using the instrument as a main playing instrument.

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

[tiltman]

Hey Jim,
I have a Mix A5 (since April) that I am using at gigs, jams, etc.
Background - I play bluegrass. I am mando-blessed and have a Gibson F5, an F4 and a snakehead. I wanted to have an A5 that I could take anywhere (was using the old snakehead as my "beater" since it's far from pristine..., shudder).
I am very pleased with the Mix mando. I've taken it to Festivals and left it in the truck in 100+ degree weather, I can leave it in my truck all day at work and go pickin' later and not worry. Take it on planes, I play it at outdoor gigs and festivals when it's rainy...
It does not sound like a Gibson (controversial as that statement may be for some people). It sounds good and plays evenly up the neck. It has sparked MAS in some other guys who have played it. It cuts well at a jam or with my band. I get a lot of compliments on the sound and it is a good quality instrument.
Hope this helps,
Kirk

[Perry]

I play mine all the time at gigs. It cuts fine; you can see and hear it on my band's YouTube channel. Check out "Sweet Blue Eyed Darlin".

One of the features that immediately jumped out at me is that you can really whomp on the Mix and it does not compress. Tuning stability is awesome.

The neck is a little chunkier then you would find on many mandos. I have come to find the chunkier neck very comfortable to play.

Acoustically the Mix does have a sound of it's own and I like it. It's also the best plugged in sound I've gotten (including slapping a Schertler pick-up on a convential wood mando)and having a built in pick-up with a tidy little jack is more convenient then one would think. Also the "leave it in your car all day for later use" is a major benefit.

It is also the instrument I leave handy and play the most around the house. I have some nice wood mandos but I only play them at certain gigs for certain reasons. The Mix gets the most general use. Perfect for jam sessions, open mics, etc...

It seems like it is opening up too; I didn't think that was possible with CF?

Check out Ted's review (http://jazzmando.com/newmad_a5.shtml) on jazzmando.com

I string all my mandos with EXP 74's including the Mix except on the aforementioned youtube video I had Sam Bush Monel's on it.

The Mix rounds out my collection:

F style trad mando
Gibson style oval
electric 4 string
Mix CF

I've come to appreciate the Mix for what it is instead of trying to compare it to a wooden instrument.

Hope that helps
Perry

[Ted Eschliman]

I second everything Perry just said. Three months after writing the review, I was compelled to purhcase one myself, and I've never regretted it for a moment. I never was much of a heavy hitter, but I'm starting to add that to my style arsenal, confident the NewMad can take it. Eight months later, it really is my first-call, "plug and play" ax.

It stays in tune better than any mandolin I've ever owned, but I'm guessing that's mostly because the CF is less tempermental than wood. I've taken the edge off the sound by using my own JM11 strings (pardon the plug), so I've come up with a winning, complex tone recipe that suits my playing.

I know a lot of early critics were leary of the price tag. I say with confidence, it's worth every penny.