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Thread: Got the Bug: Low Priced E Mando

  1. #1
    Mando-Afflicted lflngpicker's Avatar
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    Question Got the Bug: Low Priced E Mando

    I stopped into the local brick and mortar music shop and played an entry level Kentucky solid body and I loved it! I loved the tone and could tell my leads would really cut through the mix in our church band. A bit warmer on chords, too, for some electric rhythm. I had no idea it could serve for some of my guitar uses and now I have a question. What would you recommend for an instrument in the $300 range (or less) that will stay in tune well? I can't afford better, but I see what must be workable versions in that range. I think the Kentucky was overpriced at $329, but desperately needed the bridge slots filed and the intonation adjusted. Its tone was really sweet, considering the price point. Thanks for your possible input!
    2014 BRW F5 #114
    2022 Kentucky KM 950 Master Model

    YouTube Original Recording of My composition "Closer Walk"

  2. #2
    mandolin slinger Steve Ostrander's Avatar
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    Default Re: Got the Bug: Low Priced E Mando

    There are lots of used Mandobirds out there. I've seen them for as low as $150. I prefer the Eastwood Mandocaster myself. I think Morgan Monroe makes an e-mando as well.
    Living’ in the Mitten

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    Default Re: Got the Bug: Low Priced E Mando

    Quote Originally Posted by Steve Ostrander View Post
    There are lots of used Mandobirds out there. I've seen them for as low as $150. I prefer the Eastwood Mandocaster myself. I think Morgan Monroe makes an e-mando as well.
    Hi Steve, Thanks for the info. Is the Mandobird a four string or? I will check these suggestions out.
    2014 BRW F5 #114
    2022 Kentucky KM 950 Master Model

    YouTube Original Recording of My composition "Closer Walk"

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    Default Re: Got the Bug: Low Priced E Mando

    Most instruments need a setup, every ones tastes are different. I once got a mandolin from the builder and when asked how I liked it I said I lowered the action. He said he set it up low just for me. Low to him, high to me hence most everything needs a setup. If you like the Kentucky get Robs free ebook and set it up or ask the store to do it for you, they should do it for free if you are buying it.
    THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE!

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    Innocent Bystander JeffD's Avatar
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    Default Re: Got the Bug: Low Priced E Mando

    The Fender MandoCaster can usually be had for under $300.00
    A talent for trivializin' the momentous and complicatin' the obvious.

    The entire staff
    funny....

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    Default Re: Got the Bug: Low Priced E Mando

    There are 4 string and 8 string Mandobirds.
    I'd consider this http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/97461#97461

    Here's a mandobird that got might be able to pickup for $200
    https://reverb.com/item/2104155-epip...-tone-sunburst

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    Mando-Afflicted lflngpicker's Avatar
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    Default Re: Got the Bug: Low Priced E Mando

    Thanks for the suggestions and advice, friends!
    2014 BRW F5 #114
    2022 Kentucky KM 950 Master Model

    YouTube Original Recording of My composition "Closer Walk"

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    Default Re: Got the Bug: Low Priced E Mando

    Just checking out the Eastwood guitars page and saw this. I'd grab it if I were in the market for a 4 string electric mando. I think it is better than the Mandobird or the Fender reproduction.
    http://www.eastwoodguitars.com/save-...cream-b-stock/
    B stock because of a minor blemish in the wood of the fingerboard on the 12th fret.
    $340
    Click image for larger version. 

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    Last edited by colorado_al; Apr-21-2016 at 11:26am.

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    Default Re: Got the Bug: Low Priced E Mando

    Quote Originally Posted by colorado_al View Post
    Just checking out the Eastwood guitars page and saw this. I'd grab it if I were in the market for a 4 string electric mando. I think it is better than the Mandobird or the Fender reproduction.
    http://www.eastwoodguitars.com/save-...cream-b-stock/
    B stock because of a minor blemish in the wood of the fingerboard on the 12th fret.
    $340
    Click image for larger version. 

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    Hello Colorado_Al-- Thanks for the good lead. I am heading there to check it out now. Dan
    2014 BRW F5 #114
    2022 Kentucky KM 950 Master Model

    YouTube Original Recording of My composition "Closer Walk"

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    Default Re: Got the Bug: Low Priced E Mando

    It looks like a winner to me. I've played one of their solid-body tenor guitars and it is awesome! I'd pick that baby up ASAP. Great price for a great electric mando with such a tiny blemish.

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  16. #11

    Default Re: Got the Bug: Low Priced E Mando

    The Kentucky is one of the top choices. As others are suggesting, most all of these mandolins will need setup. Many shops won't be doing any, some shops will, even fewer shops will do it well.

    A word of caution (I won't mention any brands). There are some solid bodies that I have tried to setup that had issues that couldn't be addressed. One thing that came up was the neck angle being too low (as in no angle) and you can not adjust the bridge low enough. That is fixable with a bolt on neck that can be shimmed, but not on a set neck.

    Again, I am not picking on any particular brands (well, actually I am, just not saying which).
    Robert Fear
    http://www.folkmusician.com

    "Education is when you read the fine print; experience is what you get when you don't.
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    Default Re: Got the Bug: Low Priced E Mando

    The Epi Mandobird can be somewhat of a crap shoot. Some runs were good and others really sucked. If you're looking at that one, I'd try to buy from a place with a good return policy.
    I think of all the ones mentioned so far, the Eastwood is the best. The single coil pickup is going to be better than any of the others, and besides ability to setup properly, that's really what makes the electric or breaks it. Most people who are serious about electric sound will end up upgrading the pickups in the to an Almuse in some of these, but not really necessary on the Eastwood.

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    Default Re: Got the Bug: Low Priced E Mando

    Hi Robert and Al, I really appreciate the good advice from both of you. Al, The Eastman's certainly look like winners for the price. Robert, I did start by saying that I played a Kentucky, as you know, and that one hooked me. It had great tone and playability. The problem was the bone or plastic saddle, which wasn't notched appropriately and the strings kept popping out of place. The tuning would slip subsequently, though it wasn't the tuning machines. They seemed solid. Thanks guys. I am going to keep shopping and I will look a bit more at the KM300.
    2014 BRW F5 #114
    2022 Kentucky KM 950 Master Model

    YouTube Original Recording of My composition "Closer Walk"

  21. #14
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    Default Re: Got the Bug: Low Priced E Mando

    Quote Originally Posted by Folkmusician.com View Post
    The Kentucky is one of the top choices. As others are suggesting, most all of these mandolins will need setup. Many shops won't be doing any, some shops will, even fewer shops will do it well.

    A word of caution (I won't mention any brands). There are some solid bodies that I have tried to setup that had issues that couldn't be addressed. One thing that came up was the neck angle being too low (as in no angle) and you can not adjust the bridge low enough. That is fixable with a bolt on neck that can be shimmed, but not on a set neck.

    Again, I am not picking on any particular brands (well, actually I am, just not saying which).
    Robert, I like the new website design! Very professional, attractive and great for navigation. Thanks for that!
    2014 BRW F5 #114
    2022 Kentucky KM 950 Master Model

    YouTube Original Recording of My composition "Closer Walk"

  22. #15

    Default Re: Got the Bug: Low Priced E Mando

    Thanks, still a work in progress. A tone of products are not tied in to our inventory system yet. I got tired of waiting until it was 100% ready and figured I would continue working on it while it was live.

    I have had that same thing happen on the KM-300E. It just needs the notches cut better. You could even do it with the string itself as a file. The ones to watch out for have a sort of P-bass style bridge and you can't get the saddles low enough. I have seen it on more than one brand (I assume they were from the same factory though).

    The tuning slipping would most likely be a poorly slotted nut, or the string actually pulling out of the post. All in all, it sounds like poor setup was the culprit here.
    Robert Fear
    http://www.folkmusician.com

    "Education is when you read the fine print; experience is what you get when you don't.
    " - Pete Seeger

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    Default Re: Got the Bug: Low Priced E Mando

    I have a KM-300 and I really like it. Unlike a cheap 8-string mandolin I ordered for silent practice purposes, the Kentucky is a real nice musical instrument. It stays in tune, intonation is OK, plays well and sounds great!
    Here's a little tribute I recorded to my E-mando: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ljLWr-Z19U

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    Market Man Barry Wilson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Got the Bug: Low Priced E Mando

    Feliz navi dad haha
    Kala tenor ukulele, Mandobird, Godin A8, Dobro Mandolin, Gold Tone mandola, Gold Tone OM, S'oarsey mandocello, Gold Tone Irish tenor banjo, Gold Tone M bass, Taylor 214 CE Koa, La Patrie Concert CW, Fender Strat powered by Roland, Yamaha TRBX174 bass, Epiphone ES-339 with GK1

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    Default Re: Got the Bug: Low Priced E Mando

    Quote Originally Posted by Barry Wilson View Post
    Feliz navi dad haha
    That's a chuckle, all right! Hey Robert-- thanks for the pointers. Also, Crisscross, for your testimonial. I do really like the four string arrangement better.
    2014 BRW F5 #114
    2022 Kentucky KM 950 Master Model

    YouTube Original Recording of My composition "Closer Walk"

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    Default Re: Got the Bug: Low Priced E Mando

    I have it narrowed down to the Eastwood Warren Ellis, Mandobird IV, and Kentucky KM300e-- all the four string variety. I will post which one I pull the trigger on, if it works out. Thanks for the help!
    2014 BRW F5 #114
    2022 Kentucky KM 950 Master Model

    YouTube Original Recording of My composition "Closer Walk"

  30. #20
    fishing with my mando darrylicshon's Avatar
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    Default Re: Got the Bug: Low Priced E Mando

    I've been thinking about getting a Eastwood Warren Ellis i like the look but it will have to wait , i have a few items i want/need before i can get it
    Ibanez 70's 524, 521, 3 511's,2 512's,513,1 514,3 80s 513's, 522
    J Bovier F5-T custom shop
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    The Loar lm600 Cherryburst
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    Emandos Northfield octave tele 4, Northfield custom jem octave mandolin 5 octave strat 8
    2 Flying v 8, octave 5, Exploryer octave 8 20"
    Fender mandostrat 4,3 Epip mandobird 2,4/8, Kentucky. KM300E Eastwood mandocaster
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  32. #21

    Default Re: Got the Bug: Low Priced E Mando

    Quote Originally Posted by crisscross View Post
    Wow that was quite a tour, from Bonanza to John Dowland to Elvis! Well done, sounds great!

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    Default Re: Got the Bug: Low Priced E Mando

    Quote Originally Posted by JL277z View Post
    Wow that was quite a tour, from Bonanza to John Dowland to Elvis! Well done, sounds great!
    Very interesting recording-- authentic-- well done. Some awesome song choices and highlights the fun of playing it your way, right at home! Plus one for electric mando!
    2014 BRW F5 #114
    2022 Kentucky KM 950 Master Model

    YouTube Original Recording of My composition "Closer Walk"

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    Default Re: Got the Bug: Low Priced E Mando

    Found this little puppy for $200 plus shipping! Kentucky Km300e in XLT condition! can't wait to play some blues through my old tube amp.

    Thanks for the advice. Click image for larger version. 

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    2014 BRW F5 #114
    2022 Kentucky KM 950 Master Model

    YouTube Original Recording of My composition "Closer Walk"

  35. #24

    Default Re: Got the Bug: Low Priced E Mando

    Congrats on the new to you KM-300E. I just set one up this week and am still really happy with the build quality on these. I am pretty sure you will enjoy it.


    Bonanza! Loved that show as a kid, and now I live right at the tip of the Ponderosa.

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Robert Fear
    http://www.folkmusician.com

    "Education is when you read the fine print; experience is what you get when you don't.
    " - Pete Seeger

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    Default Re: Got the Bug: Low Priced E Mando

    Quote Originally Posted by Folkmusician.com View Post
    Congrats on the new to you KM-300E. I just set one up this week and am still really happy with the build quality on these. I am pretty sure you will enjoy it.

    Thanks Robert! You are a true gentleman. It is always a good thing when you agree with our "finds."
    Click image for larger version. 

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    Bonanza! Loved that show as a kid, and now I live right at the tip of the Ponderosa.
    2014 BRW F5 #114
    2022 Kentucky KM 950 Master Model

    YouTube Original Recording of My composition "Closer Walk"

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