Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 28

Thread: Arrow "Jazzbo" Mandolin

  1. #1
    Chief Moderator/Shepherd Ted Eschliman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Nebraska
    Posts
    4,382
    Blog Entries
    2

    Default

    What fun! I was give a couple weeks with a fabulous instrument. The intent was to write a review on it, a very dangerous proposition for someone like me, diagnosed with chronic MAS...



    This is one of Paul Lestock's "Arrow" mandolins. It's a 4-stringer from his "Jazzbo" mandolin line. What a treat!

    No financial interest; and if you want to read our review: Jazzbo.

    BTW: This guy liked it, too!
    Ted Eschliman

    Author, Getting Into Jazz Mandolin

  2. #2
    Site founder Scott Tichenor's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Lawrence, KS
    Posts
    5,220
    Blog Entries
    103

    Default

    I played it Tuesday night before the Jazz in June with John Jorgenson. What a fantastic mandolin, and one I wish I owned. Great work there on that ax.

  3. #3
    Registered User Bill Snyder's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Location
    Central Texas
    Posts
    7,316

    Default

    Maybe I am missing it, but I do not see in your review, or on Mr. Lestock's website just what the "longer" scale length is. Please enlighten us.
    BTW it is a beautiful instrument.



    Bill Snyder

  4. #4

    Default

    paul is a great guy and i think you will be seeing a lot more of his mandolins in the future.
    "your posts ... very VERY opinionated ...basing your opinion/recommendations ... pot calling ...kettle... black...sarcasm...comment ...unwarranted...unnecessary...."

  5. #5
    Registered User jmkatcher's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Location
    Puget Sound, Washington
    Posts
    676

    Default

    If it's like his other "G" model the scale is 14.66".

  6. #6
    Registered User Eric F.'s Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Georgia
    Posts
    2,400

    Default

    Too cool. Too, too cool. Makes me wanna swing like a pendulum do!

  7. #7
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Nov 2004
    Location
    Carol Stream IL USA (Chicago area)
    Posts
    3,358

    Default

    It's pretty, but it's missing a few strings.
    Mandolins:
    Mid-mo M11 (#1855)
    Ovation MM68 (#490231)
    New flute CD:
    Wellsprings 2: Joyful!

  8. #8
    Registered User arrowmandolin's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Mosier,Oregon
    Posts
    95

    Default

    Aw shucks......thanks everyone.
    Hey by the way,the fretscale is 14.866" and they come in 5&8 string versions as well.
    Paul Lestock
    Arrow Guitar & Major 5th Instruments

  9. #9

    Default

    Very nice!
    How much different would you say the sound is between the 4-string and the 8-string?

    /Magnus

  10. #10
    Registered User Bill Snyder's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Location
    Central Texas
    Posts
    7,316

    Default

    A question about strings for this mandolin. Since it is a 4 string instrument and the scale length is about 1 inch longer than the "standard" scale length what strings (gauge) d o you find works best?
    My understanding of why acoustic mandolins are strung in pairs is in part due to a lack of volume from one string, yet reading Ted's review it sounds like volume is not an issue with this instrument. I take it Mr. Lestock's choice of scale length was to tackle this as well as the tone he was looking for.
    Bill Snyder

  11. #11
    Registered User arrowmandolin's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Mosier,Oregon
    Posts
    95

    Default

    SOME ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS....
    The real diference in the tonality comes from the Yellow cedar top/walnut back and sides, as well as string[nickel or stainless] selection. the 4 and 5 string models have a more focused, warm, dark tone. The 8 string, though still "darker" has more of a crossover,traditional mando tone, you can actually get away playing fiddle tunes on it.
    As to diferent string guages, I carve the single string model tops proportionally thinner to be driven with less string tension. The range that owners are using varies from .009-.033 to .012-.052[five string] I prefer the stainless .011,wound.016,.024,.039.
    Paul Lestock
    Arrow Guitar & Major 5th Instruments

  12. #12
    Chief Moderator/Shepherd Ted Eschliman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Nebraska
    Posts
    4,382
    Blog Entries
    2

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by (Curious @ June 17 2005, 16:30)
    My understanding of why acoustic mandolins are strung in pairs is in part due to a lack of volume from one string, yet reading Ted's review it sounds like volume is not an issue with this instrument.
    Most definitely not an issue with this instrument!!!
    I didn't write this in the review, but the back is also EXTREMELY resonant. One can significantly muffle the sound (not that anyone would want to...) simply by moving the mando snug to the player's body. (I'd highly recommend a Tone Gard for someone who "cuddles" their instrument while playing.)
    Three of us who own/owned Hodson Djangolins tried the Jazzbo together, Scott T, John Jorgenson, and myself. It would be no exaggeration to say this had three times the volume.
    Nothing against the Hodson, it's apples and oranges, as those gems have their place, too, their own subtle charm (and about a third the price).
    Paul has made this instrument amazingly loud and full, yet not uncharacteristically piercing.
    As I wrote, it stands on its own as a solo, melodic instrument in any acoustic environment quite competently!
    Ted Eschliman

    Author, Getting Into Jazz Mandolin

  13. #13
    wood butcher Spruce's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Orcas Island, Washington
    Posts
    6,172

    Default

    Paul also builds a killer J45 clone (along with a lot of other stuff), for those of you so inclined...

    I've been looking for a J45 to record with for many years now, mentioned it to Paul, and he showed up at Wintergrass this year with a guitar that took me one strum to OK....

    Just a great instrument....

  14. #14
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    Bucks Co., PA
    Posts
    2,745

    Default

    Very nice indeed!
    I wonder what case it fits into.
    Wye Knot

  15. #15
    Chief Moderator/Shepherd Ted Eschliman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Nebraska
    Posts
    4,382
    Blog Entries
    2

    Default

    I could not resist; it had to be mine:



    I had Paul install a custom Kent Armstrong humbucker (and pickguard), and needless-to-say, it did not disappoint. Incredible "jazzbox guitar" tone plugged in, uniquely more of a soprano register.

    Hard to describe in words, but run through a good tube amp, there's tremendous potential for new sonic ground I hope to explore. I'm becoming a huge fan of single course mandolinning.

    What a killer ax, and you'll not find better bang for your buck anywhere!
    Ted Eschliman

    Author, Getting Into Jazz Mandolin

  16. #16
    _________________ grandmainger's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Location
    Tokyo, Japan
    Posts
    1,673

    Default

    I spent some time with Paul at the symposium. He's a very great guy, excellent fun, and with a really cool perspective on life.

    I played the Jazzbo too.. Yum. Very different play, very nice!

    I picked on one of the mandocellos he had there. I can't stop thinking about it now... It felt and sounded so right!
    Paul makes really nice instruments




  17. #17
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Raleigh, NC
    Posts
    2,258

    Default

    Very nice! Only problem is that you will here that "nice uke" comment even more often. I would love to try a high end 4 string. The slightly longer scale is the trick? Hmmm...
    "First you master your instrument, then you master the music, then you forget about all that ... and just play"
    Charlie "Bird" Parker

  18. #18
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Daytona Beach, FL area
    Posts
    163

    Default

    So Paul or Ted---is this model named for Al "Jazzbo" Collins? I used to enjoy his radio show(s) many years ago.

    Steve D.

  19. #19
    Mandol'Aisne Daniel Nestlerode's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Location
    Picardy
    Posts
    2,176
    Blog Entries
    81

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by (grandmainger @ Aug. 19 2005, 04:04)
    I picked on one of the mandocellos he had there. I can't stop thinking about it now... It felt and sounded so right!
    Paul makes really nice instruments
    Not to steal the thread really, but I just wanted to second Germain's statement regarding Paul's other instruments. I played a guitar shaped octave mandolin and fell in love with its deep, powerful tones.

    Wonderful instruments, every last one.

    Daniel

  20. #20
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Location
    Central Iowa
    Posts
    1,878

    Default

    I'm kind of burned out on sunbursts in general, but the overall profile and design of that instrument is positively a "###### Moment" par excellence....

    Ron



    My wife says I don't pay enough attention to what she says....
    (Or something like that...)

  21. #21
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Aug 2003
    Location
    Los Angeles, CA
    Posts
    552

    Default

    Way to go Ted! You made the right decision.

    Seriously though, I am loving my G-style mandolin (8-string) Paul built for me and if I had any extra $$ at the moment I would be getting an archtop guitar octave from him. I played a 4-string through an amp that Paul had at his house and you're right, I got ideas left and right experimenting with that tone, even if only for a few minutes. If you come up with anything interesting I'd sure love to hear some clips.

    Enjoy

  22. #22
    Chief Moderator/Shepherd Ted Eschliman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Nebraska
    Posts
    4,382
    Blog Entries
    2

    Default

    I'm curious if any of you Arrow owners have considered a Tone-Gard.
    I wrote Tony, and surprisingly, he hasn't done one for a Jazzbo yet, and I think it would really make that walnut sing. (Especially for those of us horizontally enhanced, with built-in stomach "mufflers.")
    I can do the tracing and all he's needing to design one, but are there any of you out his way (CA) that can loan him one to measure?
    Ted Eschliman

    Author, Getting Into Jazz Mandolin

  23. #23
    Brentrup Evangelist Larry S Sherman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2003
    Location
    New England
    Posts
    1,793
    Blog Entries
    4

    Default

    Hey Ted,

    Any chance that you'll be bringing the jazzbo to Rigelfest?

    Larry

  24. #24
    Chief Moderator/Shepherd Ted Eschliman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Nebraska
    Posts
    4,382
    Blog Entries
    2

    Default

    Now that I have a Kent Armstrong Humbucker installed on it, here is a casual recording:
    Jazzbo through a Presonus TubePre preamp, no other effects.
    Ted Eschliman

    Author, Getting Into Jazz Mandolin

  25. #25

    Default

    Paul is really building some killer instruments. He was gracious enough to loan me one of his 'cellos to play for the ensemble piece during the symposium (I still owe you a couple beers for that, paul!)
    Others seemed to like it, too.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

Name:	temp_57af179ad7d3986082413ff1a29a4810.jpg 
Views:	401 
Size:	72.6 KB 
ID:	11358  

Similar Threads

  1. "ralph's banjo special" = "daybreak in dixie"?
    By lespaul_79 in forum Bluegrass, Newgrass, Country, Gospel Variants
    Replies: 5
    Last: Apr-17-2008, 6:33pm
  2. Arrow jazzbo @ ebay
    By John Hill in forum Jazz/Blues Variants, Bossa, Choro, Klezmer
    Replies: 2
    Last: Apr-11-2008, 6:40am
  3. "New" Mandos in "Used" condition at a shop
    By Gribs in forum General Mandolin Discussions
    Replies: 42
    Last: Sep-05-2007, 2:39am
  4. Primetime mandolin "sighting" (make that "hearing"
    By Jim MacDaniel in forum General Mandolin Discussions
    Replies: 0
    Last: May-19-2006, 9:36pm
  5. "Last Letter Home" from "Late as Usual"
    By Fretbear in forum Bluegrass, Newgrass, Country, Gospel Variants
    Replies: 4
    Last: Nov-22-2004, 3:42pm

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •