Crafters Mandolin????

**Cape Cod Struggler** · Nov-18-2008, 5:10pm

Does anyone own a Crafters mandolin? Or does anyone had experience with an entry level acoustic/electric with an Ovation style plastic back mandolin with a non-adjustable bridge?

Look forward to your responses.

**Mando_Lynn** · Nov-18-2008, 7:00pm

I play the entry level Ovation. It's not a typical bluegrass look or sound, but I like it and it feels good to play. Sounds really good plugged in. I'm not that great of a player.... just over a year, but you can check out my Youtube page for how the instrument sounds:

http://www.youtube.com/user/TLMN8R

**EdSherry** · Nov-18-2008, 7:07pm

I've tried the Crafter at a local music store. I wasn't particularly impressed, but then again I don't like Ovation mandolins (or Ovation guitars) either. YMMV, but I'd recommend checking one out in person before you buy, if that's at all feasible.

**Andrew Lewis** · Nov-18-2008, 7:25pm

I once had one and had a lot of trouble with the bridge coming up - it happened three times despite my luthier's best efforts! I remember the neck was pretty chunky and the nut width small which is great, of course, if that's your preference.

**MikeEdgerton** · Nov-18-2008, 7:56pm

You might take a walk through these threads. You'll have to do some digging but there are some discussions of Crafter mandolins. Check out those with subject lines that contain Crafter first.

**billkilpatrick** · Nov-19-2008, 2:54am

i own a M-70 with a bubinga top - i've been trying to give it away for months and months. no one in my son's band(s) wants it; our carpenter, with a less than full compliment of fingers on his right hand - who used to play guitar and misses playing like crazy - even he wants to give it back.

it was the first mandolin i ever owned and at first, i loved it. it looks great ... but it's heavy; it doesn't project well at all and i think the bridge is slightly in the wrong place or the frets up the neck aren't placed properly ... either way, there are sharps and flats galore.

i checked out mando lynn's videos and her ovation sounds much better - even my epiphone mm-30 "beater" sounds better.

i also have - rare, this - a custom built case for it (there are several brands using the design) that weighs an absolute ton.

my advice would be to walk on by ... i even wrote a haiku:

sniffing my crafter's
carbon composite sound hole
- gibson sweet it ain't

**Cape Cod Struggler** · Nov-19-2008, 7:28am

Thank you for your replies

I was looking for a traveling beater as I have a very nice KM 172 that I don't like taking it to outdoor sessions. I saw a Crafter acoustic/electric mandolin in a local shop but after playing it, I had the same poor impression of the instrument.

Perhaps an inexpensive used Johnson or Rogue will fill my beater needs. Or just wait until my KM 172 gets its first ding and don't worry about it.

**susiakasinead** · Nov-19-2008, 10:49am

My husband had a Crafter mandolin when we first met. It was dreadful. If you want a cheap mandolin there are way better stuff to find out there.

**billkilpatrick** · Nov-20-2008, 9:14am

it's baaaaack ...

my carpenter friend returned my crafter this afternoon ... what am i going to do with it?

**Tim2723** · Nov-20-2008, 10:21am

Paddle a canoe?

Seriously though, I played an Ovation for ten years as my main mando and loved every minute of it. They are definitely NOT for everyone, and are a serious 'try-before-you-buy' proposition. Never played a Crafter, but I can only imagine that they fall into the same category.

**John of Patcham** · Nov-20-2008, 11:57am

Here's what happened to mine after I'd had it about six weeks:

It was a pity as it didn't sound too bad when plugged in. Luckily I was able to get a full refund which went towards my first proper mandolin,

**Tommy Wintle** · Nov-20-2008, 6:32pm

I'm gonna join in the Crafter bashing...they're horrible things. Definately go on the hunt for something else....for the good of mankind and your sanity!