Opinion: Washburn M6SW -vs- MK Dragonfly

[cal3g]

I am a bit dissapointed that no even bothered to say hey, or give a bit of advise.

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

[Stillpicking]

Go for the MK I have 2 now, an early MK "Butterfly" and a brand new MK Legacy "O" both are really nice sounding for the price.

[Stillpicking]

There are a lot of MK owners on the Cafe I think it just maybe that it is a Friday night and I am certain that a number of folks are out jamming or playing a gig. I am normally at our weekly practice /jam on Fridays from 7-10pm just happen to be home tonight. So gave your post a chance to hang out for a bit and I am certain you will get more replys. Some folks on this site will probably tell you to save your money and buy a US made mando but my advise is to buy what you like.

[cal3g]

I really do appreciate the reply. I already have the MK Dragonfly Flame, but have the opportunity to exchange it for the Washburn M6SW...was just kind of wondering if anyone thought this might be worth the exchange.

You are correct though, I guess the best thing is to buy, and keep what you have or can afford.

Regards
ggg

[dwc]

I've played several washburns and, IMHO, they are about like most every other PacRim I've played, excluding my Eastman which I just got and already love. #You might also to do a quick search on the forum, I seem to remember a couple (literally a couple, like 2 I think) of reports of top sinkage on the Washburns. #Maybe anomalies, maybe different models or years, maybe I'm remembering incorrectly, a distinct possibility given that its 1:22 EST and I'm dead. #Most people who have MKs seem happy and there is a good recent thread on their customer service.

[gmiller]

To expand on what dwc brought up, at the moment I am dealing with a Washburn M3SW neck that has developed about a 9 degree list to starbourd. It is not a 'twist' as such, it just seems that the treble side of the neck has sunk down so that the fretboard is now almost 10 degrees out of level with the bridge. This has developed and gotten worse over the last three years and now I am very frustrated trying to play it.

You cannot tell anything is wrong by looking at the top or at the mando as a whole until you sight the neck ( or ask me why my bridge is set 12 degrees out of square ).

As I am the second owner, it doesn't seem that I have any warranty recourse per the Washburn tech that I spoke to.

I do have an Eastman 615F coming to replace it soon.

Gary Miller

[flairbzzt]

I had a Washburn m-2sb and had the sunken top effect between the strings and lower f-hole. I think you should stay away from them. Their past quality in mandos and guitars was better in the past than in recent years. I have an Eastman 615 for 2 weeks now and it's wonderful. The 515 is more comparable in price to the two you are condsidering and a much better instrument IMO..

[johnwalser]

I had a Washburn M6SW 'Jethro Burns" 2 years ago I never did warm up to. I then bought a MK Firefly Flame in May of that same year that to my ear is the best mandolin I have played and is just very comfortable for me to play for long periods at a time. My MK just keeps getting sweeter sounding with time. I've also owned a Weber and a Rigel A+ that are long gone.
John

[steve in tampa]

I have really enjoyed my MK Dragonfly so far. The tone improves noticably over time. I did have it professionally set up, and use the Sam Bush strings. No fret dressing was needed, just nut, truss rod and bridge/intonation adjustments

Played it for hours impromtu at a party last night through the host's old Peavy amp, no effects, pre-amp, etc. Sounded good, and was very comfortable to play for hours. Looks good under the lights too. Got compliments on it from players and non players alike.

Don't know about the Washburns, but I have always enjoyed the frank opinions I find here on these matters.

[mandough]

I had a Washburn M3SW that is now being replaced by Washburn with a new mandolin. Mine had an incorrectly set neck that made it very hard to play or no tone with a bridge wittled down to nothing. At least the warranty is good, although I had to do a little wrangling to get it replaced. Should be back at the end of November. I'd look around though, to make sure everything is okay with any mandolin you will buy or trade for.

[cal3g]

Once again I appreciate the advise of everyone who has responded. You most likely saved me a costly mistake. I will keep my MK Dragonfly.
I never had it set up professionally, I lowered the bridge a bit to get the action a little closer. Do you recommend that I take it to a professional to get it properly set up. Oh, I replaced the strings that came on it with D'Addario EXP74's, they are everything that they are said to be.
All for now, thanks again for your help.

Regards
Garry Garcia (not of the Greatful Dead).

[Stillpicking]

If you have never done a setup yourself, I would say to take it to a professional tech. that knows mandolins in general. I have been playing for 20 plus years and I am comfortable with the basics in terms of what I will do to my mandolins. Things I will do are:

Change strings
Clean polish
make minor bridge ajustments (raising &l owering)

Beyond the above I let a person who does the serious repair/setup work for a living do it, well worth the money.