Mandolins with on-board electronics

**Tim2723** · Nov-27-2007, 9:55am

Hi guys,

What are the current offerings for mandolins (any style) with on-board electronics built in at the factory? I know of two MKs and the Ovation models, but what else is there? I need to replace mine, and I don't want to go the route of outboard preamps and carpenter jacks. I'd rather not resort to having someone drill holes after market to install things.

Thanks

**Tim2723** · Nov-27-2007, 10:13am

As a little more info, I used an Ovation MM-68 for ten years. I jumped on the bandwagon in '95. It was destroyed in a pub 'accident' in 2005, so I got my money's worth out of it. I replaced it in 2005 with a Michael Kelly FS-E which is fine for my line of work, since I don't really like destroying good mandos. But the top has started to collapse prematurely (I thought I'd get five years out of it at least, sheesh!), and the battery compartment is damaged.

I'm going to limp through the year with the MK, as we only have ten more shows this year and I'm maxed out for deductions for 2007. So I won't push the button until January 2.

I can get either of those as a replacement, but there MUST be some other acoustic-electrics out there by now, right?

**Chippster** · Nov-27-2007, 10:18am

I've got a Fender - FM62E i think is the model. It's a pretty good mandolin without the piezo bridge. I often wonder how it would sound with a nicer bridge, as i've heard the Shadow brand bridge is not exactly high end. Any thoughts ? Rigel is pretty famous for their 'acoustic/electric' models, though i've never used one. I have heard several on stage and the sound was good. I think the main thing to stay away from is a magnetic style pickup, like you see on electric guitars. Something about that kind of amplification just screws up the double string thing that makes a mandolin sound like a mandolin, IMHO.

**Tim2723** · Nov-27-2007, 10:31am

Thanks Chippster. Yes, I want to stay away from the magnetic pickups. I could go the Fender/Epiphone piezo bridge route, as they are inexpensive enough to replace every year or two (I eat mandos). The Rigels are nice, but too good for me to beat up.

Are the Fenders still passive electronics, or do they have a battery inside?

**Tim2723** · Nov-28-2007, 7:04pm

Wow, 95 views and nobody has anything to add? Does that mean that Ovation, Rigel, and the Fender/Epiphones are still the only choices after all this time?

**mandroid** · Nov-28-2007, 7:32pm

TIM
electric mandolin resource page is ready and waiting for your visit.. [home page links]

Ill add: Godin A8,
and if you have to have a scroll, Zeta, the electric violin company offers an F type with onboard preamp.

how much electronics?
Brian Moore has a synth access ready 8 string
and Steve Ryder will fit what ever you would like on his RMC synth ready versions.

RMC pickups can be divided 4 separate signals or wired mono to 1
1/4" jack , thats what Godin does.. preamp, EQ & 9v battery.

or ask Jon Mann
, I expect he is ready to please.

if not another MM68, then 'applause' level import may be set up to work OK.

**wichitamando** · Nov-29-2007, 1:29pm

The only other thing I've seen is a Crafter, which I think is a just a knock-off the Applause line. I played one at a store and thought it was kind of cool. Sounded more like a guitar, I thought. Didn't get around to plugging it in though. I think it was under $300.

I like Mandroid's advice. I've been thinking about calling Jon Mann and asking about a 2-point acoustic with built-in electronics.

**mrmando** · Nov-29-2007, 3:53pm

Godin, Veillette, Lakewood, Tacoma ...
Weber will throw a pickup in just about anything they build. So will a lot of builders.

**Jim Broyles** · Nov-29-2007, 4:21pm

Agile has one. Their other stuff is pretty nice, had a LP Jr. copy which was sweet. Rondo Music has them.

Just went to the site. They had an F style, looks like it's discontinued. Sorry.
Washburn makes one too. They're usually all over eBay.

**Chippster** · Nov-30-2007, 3:23pm

The Fender FM 62e has a passive piezo system. I've found that running in through a tube preamp really warms up the signal.

**jackstrat** · Nov-30-2007, 4:01pm

My two cents...

I have decided to not purchase another guitar or acoustic instrument with an inbuilt pickup system. I have been greatly disappointed in them. I recently added inexpensive K&K pickups to my Martin D-15S and Tribeca OM and found not only do they sound better than the inbuilt elecs, they don't require batteries and large holes in the instrument.

If I get along well with my latest mando, it will also get a K&K or similar pickup.

JackStrat

**Tim2723** · Nov-30-2007, 5:19pm

Thanks everyone for the replies. That gives me a lot more to work with and think about. I'm personally a fan of on-board electronics for the convenience. I don't like carrying extra boxes and cables. I just prefer everything in a nice, neat little package.

Thanks again!

**Joe Mendel** · Nov-30-2007, 5:28pm

Mix A-5, it would be pretty hard to beat it up, too.

**Tim2723** · Dec-01-2007, 1:09am

Well, I just got home from our Friday job and I've smashed another one. This time I managed to knock the scroll off the headstock. I definitely shouldn't buy any of these higher end mandos you've all been kind enough to list. No self-respecting luthier would supply me with an instrument to turn into kindling. I just have rotten luck.

**swampstomper** · Dec-01-2007, 2:33am

Ithaca Stringed Instruments makes gorgeous mandolins, with solid bridges with built-in piezos. I have one that I play acoustically, but I've plugged it into my son's electric guitar rig and I can sound like (not play like!) Hendrix.