Yes, another which mando to get question

**Folkmusician.com** · May-15-2012, 11:23am

If you decide that the Eastman nut/neck is not a good fit, the Breedlove would be among the top choices. There are not a whole lot of other options for an archtop Oval hole with a wide nut and larger frets. If you are ok with an F-hole, The Loar F-styles have a wider nut and larger fret wire.

If you are on the fence, I might ask if the trial period can be extended. You may get used to the Eastman with some more playing time.

**Sid Simpson** · May-15-2012, 11:44am

I came from a guitar background and have big hands. I have a Breedlove OO and it has been a joy to play. I've had it for a few months and the sound is opening up nicely. There have been a string of them on the list here for $800-900, and a few vendors are still selling them based on the old price from last year, meaning you may find a new one for about $1000 as opposed to $1500. They have the wider nut and the larger fret wire.

**taylor410** · May-15-2012, 12:42pm

I don't have what I would call big hands. Guess it's just the difference between the Taylor and the mando. There is a used OO listed and it's still available. I've sent an email and got a response as far as additional pictures, but nothing back yet as far as payment method or if they would do a 24 - 48 hr 'trial' period. A friend of mine, Jason Dennie, also recommended the Breedlove.

Haven't been able to find anyone selling a new one for the price you mentioned.

**Sid Simpson** · May-15-2012, 3:06pm

Originally Posted by taylor410

Haven't been able to find anyone selling a new one for the price you mentioned.

I looked and couldn't find one, either. Seems there was at least one as late as last week. I bought mine from TMS at the old price earlier this year, and I know they had a few "holdovers" from the older stock. There were a few others in the same situation, but I guess the stock is now depleted and they are on to the current production runs.

Good luck with it. Those two pointers do look nice, though. My first mando was a Kentucky KM-172 with the thinner neck, and you do adjust. I still play it, but it's the non-radiused neck that is a bigger issue than the thinner neck for me at this point.

**Ed Goist** · May-15-2012, 3:59pm

The JBovier's have a 1 1/8" nut, and as far as I know, are the only "sub-$1,000" brand with large frets.

**taylor410** · May-15-2012, 4:08pm

Thanks Ed. But try to find any....

**fatt-dad** · May-15-2012, 4:46pm

I'm 6'-6" tall and have big hands. My mandolin preference is the 1-3/16ths nut, which is what's on your Eastman. I think it's a matter of getting used to it. My mandolins do have the larger fretwire though.

I play both guitar and mandolin. (More mandolin.) and it does take different callouses to manhandle both. There will be some overlap, but you do need to build up different areas of your fingertips.

I think the Eastman mandolins sound great. A guy at work has a 800-series f-hole f-model with varnish and it sounds really great! I have no idea of the price though. . .

Have fun!

f-d

**taylor410** · May-15-2012, 4:51pm

f-d,
The specs for the Eastman are 1 3/32" which is quite a bit narrower than 1 3/16". I also realize that there is an adjustment period. My problem is that I have only 48hrs to decide if I'm keeping this. I feel I would like larger fret wire as well. True, I could have it re-fretted but that doesn't solve the nut width.

From the website
NUT WIDTH 1 3/32" nominal bone nut

**Ed Goist** · May-15-2012, 5:01pm

Originally Posted by taylor410

Thanks Ed. But try to find any....

J Bovier A5 Mandolin (Antique Vintage) at The Mando Shop

NFI.

**taylor410** · May-15-2012, 5:10pm

Originally Posted by Ed Goist

J Bovier A5 Mandolin (Antique Vintage) at The Mando Shop

NFI.

Yep, I found that after I posted. They also have an A4 Antique Caramel Gloss. Still, 1 1/8" nut is only 1/32" wider than the Eastman. Whereas a 1 3/16" nut is 3/32" wider.

This is the problem about trying to buy an instrument without being able to play them.

**fatt-dad** · May-15-2012, 6:14pm

O.K. my bad. Big Muddy and Collings (MT but over your budget) make "wide-neck" mandolins at 1-3/16ths. The old Gibson A models (paddleheads) are (I think) 1-1/4 in. I have one, but can't play quite as fast on that little-bit extra width. They also have a pre-truss rod "beefyness." I think the non-truss-rodded old Gibsons (pre 1921 or so) have the widest necks out there.

f-d

**taylor410** · May-15-2012, 7:15pm

Now I have a delima. A used Breedlove Quartz OO, mint or a new Jbovier A4? The Jb is less $$ but I'm leaning towards the Breedlove.

**taylor410** · May-16-2012, 1:50pm

After extensive conversations with Kyle at The Mandolin Shop, I have decided to go with the JBovier A4 Antique Caramel Gloss.

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**Ed Goist** · May-16-2012, 3:01pm

Congratulations!
I think you'll be happy with the JBovier A4. That's a beautiful mandolin!
Also, I suspect that you will get incredible customer support, as both Kyle at The Mando Shop, and Jeff Cowherd (the man behind JBovier) have great reputations for customer service.
Be sure to let us know what you think.

**taylor410** · May-16-2012, 3:45pm

Thanks Ed. Kyle spent alot of time last night way past closing time sending hi-res pictures and answering questions, etc. So far, CS has been great. Kyle was going to try to get the setup done in time for shipping tomorrow so it would be delivered by next Tuesday. We will be out of town from next Wednesday until the 29th. I emailed Kyle earlier today and told him there was no rush and to hold off on shipping until the 29th. I also inquired about a CA bridge or an Allen tailpiece. He told me that while the upgrades were nice, the A4 didn't need them. He could've easily said no problem and charged another few hundred dollars. I may do the tailpiece after I get it and find out if this one speaks to me. As a guitar player, I can see the benefits of a good solid anchor for the strings. In fact, I went to the Allen website and I already know which one I would get....... Supposedly a direct fit, no mods.

**taylor410** · Jun-01-2012, 4:13pm

The JB A4 arrived at my office today. It is a lovely looking mando. The setup appears to be excellent. Fretted at the 3rd fret, there is virtually no space between the strings and the first fret. Frets cleanly all the way up. The neck feels SO much better than the Eastman did. I like the larger fret wire also. Much easier to cleanly chord this one..... Now, I have it sitting on a credenza across from my desk with the case open so I can stare at it. Can't wait to get it home, tune it up and start learning how to play this thing. I know there is a thread going about technique. IMHO if one is playing just for the enjoyment of playing, not trying to be the next Bush or Thile, technique, schmechnique......

BTW, Sam is the better of the 2 IMO. To Me Chris is kinda like Steve Via. Has the flaming licks and technical ability, but lacks soul...... Just my .02