A-Style Oval hole: any recommendations?

[Cathal Whelehan]

I also briefly played two Hathaways in the hobgoblin shop in London about two weeks ago.

Others tested at the same time were a Fylde Signature model which I found a little bulky for my liking, particularly the neck, although it couldn't be faulted in terms of sound/tone and a rather lovely carved top by Phil Davidson which was super comfortable to play (thanks mainly to its more slender V-shaped neck and radiused fretboard) albeit a long way out of the OP's budget range.

The two Hathaways were very comfortable to play, with lovely tone and looked to very well made - both were fitted with internal pickups (although I don't know what type, at the time I was more interested in the acoustics). The comment made by PseudoCelt above regarding sustain certainly also seems to apply to Hathaway mandolins, in fact it was immediately noticable on the two I played and seemed to go on for much much longer than I expected and was used to. Pricewise, they look to be extremely attractive, although - again - a new one would be most certainly out of range. No idea what they go for used but it would certainly be worth keeping a lookout for one.

[Nele]

Thanks again for the recommendations! I decided not to buy the Paul Hathway, because of the extra shipping costs, and I still hesitate buying something I've never seen or played. London is nearby but still a bit too far. And I'm not planning to travel there in the nearby future..

But I think I have some good news as well! Mentioning Jimmy Moon: I found someone nearby who sells his Moon, so no shipping costs AND I will be able to try it! Seller sent me some pictures and it's looking nice, says it's in very good condition apart from some cosmetic 'damage', approx. 12 years old. I've only read good comments about them around here, but more are welcome! I read on their website they are suitable for rhythm and melody playing…particularly for Celtic players, but I was wondering if they suit for other genres as well. I don't like to be stuck in one kind of music.
Only minus point about the mandolin is it's slightly above my budget and comes without a case. Anyone knows a case that would fit (preferably a cheap one, the one on the Moon website is quite expensive)?

Can't wait to actually try this mandolin!

Thanks again!

Nele

[Dagger Gordon]

I would say that, all things considered, you might as well get that Moon if you like it. I think it would be quite straightforward to get a case which would fit it.

[Kevin McELvanney]

Hi Nele, I own a Moon standard that i've had for 2 years now. You can't go wrong really in terms of buying a very playable instrument. Plus a 12 year old Moon should be well played in. They have pretty decent volume too. The cases on his website though appearing pricey are excellent value for money I think. He generally doesn't build them with truss rods so I use light/medium strings on mine.

Kevin