Garrison Mandolins

**JGWoods** · Jun-17-2006, 10:50am

Garrison Mandolins finally Garrison has updated their webpage to show off their line of mandolins and Octave mandolins.
Now if I could locate one around here to try out....

**Fliss** · Jun-17-2006, 11:10am

Yes, I spotted that too! I wonder if it means they're going to step up the distribution to match the marketing? TAMCO has now started stocking Garrison, so they may be spreading a little further.

I'm also interested to note the launch of their new small bodied guitars - I want to try out one of those Grand Concerts.

Fliss

**steve V. johnson** · Jun-17-2006, 6:16pm

Wasn't there one in the Cafe Classifieds recently?

I corresponded with the guy, but I don't remember if it was here or on that auction site... I think it was here.

Finally, they've decided to own up to 'em. <GG>

stv

**JEStanek** · Jun-17-2006, 8:44pm

I've not heard of them but think they look nice from the webpage. How do they compare to the Mid Mos in terms of tone, playability, price and customer service? That cedar top looked neat...

Jamie

**Richard Russell** · Jun-17-2006, 11:25pm

Nice website. It didn't realize they offered several tonewood choices, very impressive. I have an Octave coming my way, just picked it up from the classifieds this week. Not sure which model it is, but it does feature sapele wood for the sides and back. Should arrive about Wed. I would love to play one of the Mandolins, if anyone out there has one, let us know how it plays and sounds.

**Fliss** · Jun-18-2006, 9:02am

Steve, #Richard, I have a Garrison M-4 mandolin, which you can see on their website, it's the one with a sitka top and sapele back and sides. #I've had it for about six months now, and I love it. #

I'm not sure I can give an informed opinion on how it compares to some of the others such as Mid Mo. Martin Jonas has a Mid Mo and has played my Garrison so perhaps he'll offer his observations. #But I'll try and give my opinion for what it's worth. #

In terms of tone, I like it better than anything else I've tried, including several mandos that cost a lot more. #It's always difficult to describe sound, but to me it sounds rich, warm and responsive. #I have played one of the cedar top ones. When I bought mine I was choosing between the two different versions, and it was a very close choice. #

Price - probably similar to Mid Mo. Mine was around £550 (sterling) including the hard case, but the cedar version was something like £430.

Playability - is good, I would say. It has a wide nut width, same as the wider Mid-Mos. #

Customer service - the only contact I've had has been from e-mailing Garrison to ask for more info about the mandolins. Since I'd bought one I was interested, and there wasn't any info on their website at that time. #I e-mailed several times with various questions, and they always came back to me with an answer.

Other than that, I'd also say the finish is very good. #It feels well made. #One of the things I've noticed compared to other mandolins, even other flat tops such as Mid Mo, is that the strings are a lot lower compared to the top; the fingerboard is close to the top, and the bridge is very low compared to the high bridges which many other mandos have. #Subjectively, I like the low string position, but you may have different preferences. Also, I like the visual detailing in the rosette and the binding, it has enough decoration to be interesting and distinctive, whilst still having a look of simplicity.

I'll be interested to hear what you think of your Octave when you get it, Richard.

Edit: I've realised I can add some info from a more authoritative source, for those who want to know how a Garrison mandolin sounds. There was a feature in this month's "Acoustic" magazine in which Simon Mayor reviewed four mandolins, one of which was a Garrison M-20. #I won't try and write out everything he said, but his view of the sound was "my first impression was of good volume with a full and rounded bass response. #The mandolin sounded rich and fruity on slow tunes with lots of chords in them, but on faster single note playing I found myself having to work hard to get a sense of the music. #The sound was short and "quacky" rather than free flowing and bubbly. #I was a little disappointed but kept playing. #Fifteen minutes later and my opinion began to change, the mandolin was settling down and the top end was responding more freely." He also said that all four of the mandos boasted good playability, and he described the Garrison as "made for a serious player on a budget rather than someone who wants a bit of eye candy hung round their neck", but he wasn't being derogatory about its looks, he did also say it's handsome in its minimalist way.

Fliss

**Ray(T)** · Jun-19-2006, 11:49am

I asked this about the guitars so I'd better ask it about the mandolins - has anyone tried to repair one? Drop it or tread on it there's a chance of repairing it if the bracing is wood but integrated "active bracing" - how does your luthier deal with that?

**RichM** · Jun-19-2006, 1:39pm

I played one Garrison mandolin, and I liked it a lot-- nice playability, good flattop sound. Not that different from a Mid-Mo, although perhaps a little more lively in tone. I would have bought the one I tried out were it not for the fact that I already have a couple of good flattops.

I was really interested in that octave listed in the classifieds, but an email glitch somehow stopped my emails before they got to the seller. I, too, would be interested in a report once Richard gets it.

**Greg Ashton** · Jun-19-2006, 2:53pm

The classified ad for that octave listed the scale length. Does anyone recall exactly what it was?

**Richard Russell** · Jun-19-2006, 4:46pm

The scale length, if I remember correctly, was listed as approx. 20 3/4 inches. I could be off by a bit. The seller mentioned that it probably could be tuned as a mandola with the proper strings. I'll be completely new to the whole OM experience, so, I'll give the best review that I can once it arrives. One thing I love is the fact that it has a satin finish. I've really come to prefer instruments that feature this. I currently own a Mid-mo M-0, so I love the sound of flat-top, mahogany mandos (sapele is supposed to be similar to mahogany?). Hope the Garrison make a good companion to the Mid-mo.

**Richard Russell** · Jun-24-2006, 11:48pm

Well, I recieved the Octave and have had a couple of days to play it. It is the OM-4 model which features spruce top and sapele back and sides. Scale length is about 20 1/2 in. I am very impressed with the build quality. I really think garrison did a fine job designing this model. Mine happens to have TI strings on it, which are wonderful to play. It also has an allen style tailpiece, which was added by a previous owner. The tuners are inexpensive, similar to what Mid-mo uses on their mandos. The instrument is not heavy, seems to be average weight considering it's size. Satin finish is very nice. It came with 2 bridges, the 2nd one is shorter than the one in place now. It has an adjustable truss rod. For some reason, the adjusting nut at the headstock end protrudes out a bit so that the little cover will not seat flush w/the headstock. I don't know why that is or why they would not notice that at the factory. Strange!

Sound: It's my first OM, so, nothing much to compare to. I think the sound is very warm, lots of resonance, nice overall tone. Volume is decent, but my guess would be that it's not a "loud" OM compared to Petersons and other serious OMs. I just don't know. Also, perhaps the TIs are not going to give as much volume as other strings? Also, I'm used to mandolin, which seems louder with it's higher frequency range. All in all... very well done by Garrison and I plan to hang onto this one!

**steve V. johnson** · Jun-28-2006, 3:23am

Fliss, Richard,

Great info, good reports! Thanks very much!

I'm excited, in fact. I'm interested in 20" - 23" octave mandolins and the prospect of an alternative to the Mid-Mo, a quality mandolin at a super price, is exciting too.

Thanks again for the detailed reports!

stv

**Richard Russell** · Jun-29-2006, 10:04pm

I have spent a considerable amount of time in the past week getting used to the Octave Mandolin as far as playing style, pick attack, chords and such. I have learned how to get better tone out of this beast and have found that one's playing style really must change in order to achieve optimal tone, as compared to playing style with the mandolin. At first I wasn't able to get good tone out of the G string. I had to pick closer to the bridge in order to get better bass response and better volume as well. With mandolin, I've never really had to do that. I listened to a cd with a player by the name of Danny Carnahan(dannycarnahan.com) on OM. The cd is titled DEEP STILL and is celtic hymns and praise songs. Excellent octave work. I noticed that the approach at times was not strumming full chords, but actually just two strings at a time. Nice effect. Lots of drone strings seem to be used,which of course gives nice resonance. In the songs where OM is used, it is a very distinctive voice. Like a guitar, but different enough to stand out.

The Garrison is really impressive. It really is one of the best purchases I've made, musically speaking!

**Frank Russell** · Jun-30-2006, 6:08pm

Glad you're still happy with it Richard. Let us know if you tune it up as a mandola. I'd be interested to see what I missed. Frank

**acousticphd** · Jul-06-2006, 1:43pm

Those interested in the Garrison mandos, if you haven't noticed yet, there are a couple beginning to show up on ebay. #
For ex:
<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Garrison-M20-Mandolin-with-Hardshell-Case_W0QQitemZ130004556951QQihZ003QQcategoryZ10179 QQr
dZ1QQcmdZViewItem" target="_blank">demo Garrison</a>
This seller is auctioning two, for $500 and $300 - although he uses the exact same two photos for each auction.

Prices in the U.K. for North-American made instruments always seem way too high to me, so I don't know if this is about where you would expect these to be discount-priced here.

**trevor** · Jul-06-2006, 1:57pm

Re;
"Prices in the U.K. for North-American made instruments always seem way too high to me.."
That's because prices in the UK include shipping, VAT (17.5%), Duty (3.5%), customs clearance etc. All costs you would have to pay yourself if you import legaly, if you bypas these costs you risk confiscation and fines. Customs know how to use the internet, beware.
Also note that the prices on the ebay auction are starting prices and they are demo models.

**trevor** · Jul-06-2006, 2:00pm

frussel,
I had two Garrison octaves in, tuned one up as a mandola, CGDA, I am very impressed. I am getting more stock so I can keep one tuned each way. Let me know if you need string guages. Also expecting mandolins soon.

**acousticphd** · Jul-06-2006, 5:06pm

Originally Posted by

That's because prices in the UK include shipping, VAT (17.5%), Duty (3.5%), customs clearance etc. All costs you would have to pay yourself if you import legaly, if you bypas these costs you risk confiscation and fines. Customs know how to use the internet, beware.
Also note that the prices on the ebay auction are starting prices and they are demo models.

No doubt about that. I only meant that I had little idea whether $300-$400 for an in-shop demo Garrison would be a good deal or not, based on the only mention of what these instruments cost new in pounds sterling.

**clarksavage** · Jul-07-2006, 8:21am

Just visited "Divine Appointment Guitars" in Paso Robles (about 30 miles from my place, but I wanted to get out there to see what they had.)

They stock a Garrison Mandolin (maple) and an Octave Mandolin (rosewood, top model?).

I enjoyed playing them both. I did not spend a lot of time with them, but gave them a general taste test. The Octave has a shorter scale than my Darnton OM and also a wider fretboard. It was nice to play once my fingers got used to the wider spaces. It has some real clarity (for rosewood!) but is not "boomy" at all. Not loud, but very balanced sound. Sat in my lap very well, too. The size and shape are easier to handle than my larger instruments. The rosette is really simple and attractive. I thought it was worth the price and will consider going up there again to play around with it. My Darnton OM is a fine instrument with amazing volume and really boomy tones, but this Garrison would be an easier to handle and good all around instrument to play either for celtic stuff or even as a guitar substitute (it really could play mellow and have a nice broad tone, I think it would work well with a good singing voice.) Seemed like nice folks, too.

**Jim MacDaniel** · Aug-31-2006, 9:52am

Aside from the occassional eBay or classified listing, has anyone located a US-based Brick-and-morter retailer, or an Internet storefront, who routinely carries Garrison Mandolins at a good price?

**Mando-Loon** · Sep-09-2006, 2:04am

I got to play an m41 today at a local shop. Good tone, great action and a wider nut width than my Epiphone, which was great for fingers so used to guitar.

I'd list some of the specs but their wes site won't let me into the m41 link, it just goes back to their guitars. Does anyone know how good their electronics are? The one I played didn't have any. The web site said eq is an option but I could find any description or specs on the site. If they're good maybe I've found my next mandolin. Now just to convince my wife to let me spend the cash.

Robbie

**8ch(pl)** · Sep-09-2006, 6:09am

The thing with the Garrison is the novel construction of the top. The bracing and binding are one piece molded plastic. The top is pressed down into this and glued in place. I saw the process on TV. I am not sure if heat is applied or not, nor do I know what type of glue is in use. This is certainly an innovative, radical departure from traditional construction.

When their guitars came out a few years ago a friend of mine gave the opinion that they may be difficult to repair if there is a top problem.

The company has enjoyed a lot of growth. I believe it would be easy for me to get one in Nova Scotia,( they are made in Newfoundland) but I am not presently in the market.

**Jim MacDaniel** · Oct-27-2006, 9:42am

Found a couple of links for Garrison mandolins:

Garrison M20, at South Shore Music in Weymouth, Maine ($539US with HSC)

LA Music, a Canadian retailer with multiple store locations and an internet storefront (they carry more Garrison models than South Shore, and their US equivalent pricing after factoring in the exchange rate is comparable to South Shore -- do a search for "Garrison mandolin" for pricing on all of the models they carry)

**David Newton** · Oct-27-2006, 11:54pm

I played a cedar flattop Garrison at A&S Music in Nederland, Tx. yesterday. I was impressed with the whole build, mostly, but the top had already sunk in a bit. I think Garrison may have to arch the tops a bit more, or deal with returns.