Romanian mandola by hora mfg.

[B25Gib]

Are the Romanian Mandolas by HORA decent entry level? I play guitar (Dell'Arte Hommage) in a Gypsy Jazz duo with another flute/guitar and wanted a small hole model with sustain to add a few songs with 'dola and flute. Should I pay more and get a used TC-275? Great forum here!
Thanks, Rocky

[violmando]

Can't tell you about the Hora's but I LOVE my Trinity College 'dola--there is one for sale in the Classifieds now. I forget which model I have; I bought it used off the 'bay and once I put new strings on it (I recommend flatwounds) it really sings! BTW, have you ever tried the Dell"Arte mandocello? I've LUSTED after those for AGES!
Yvonne in Ohio

[Greg Ashton]

Rockne,

you can find out all about the Hora instruments on this other thread in the CBOM section:

http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin....t=40131

David Kilpatrick, a Hora importer in the UK is very up front about their strengths and weaknesses.

[B25Gib]

.......I haven't tried a Dell 'Arte mandocello but they are about $3500, very beautiful, but since I can't play yet, I think a low end model is warranted.
.......I read the message string about HORA Mfg and David Kilpatrick's info which really helped alot. I have a much better idea about 'dolas now.
.......Thanks to you both! Rockne