Cheap Mandocellos?

**McMahon** · May-13-2012, 10:26pm

Ive been looking at mandocellos and they are mostly all 2k+. I was wondering if anyone knows of a cheap mandocello (perferably under 1k), thanks!

Ryan

**Rvl** · May-14-2012, 12:39am

Suzuki in Japan makes a mandocello
They are around $1000
I have one
Hathway in the UK makes one for 830 pounds
I have one too

**mrmando** · May-14-2012, 12:54am

Bardsong, Wishnevsky, Soares'y ... all mandocello options under $1K.

**Bernie Daniel** · May-14-2012, 5:11am

Originally Posted by mrmando

Bardsong, Wishnevsky, Soares'y ... all mandocello options under $1K.

As Martin notes,

Bardsong video:

and link to Wishnevsky

I did not see any link directly to Soares'y -- but all kinds of links to stuff he sells on Google

**Bernie Daniel** · May-14-2012, 5:25am

I had another thought on this too. I have converted two vintage arch top guitars into mandocellos -- each for a total cost of around $1500 -1600 (including buying the guitar and then the conversion supplies & labor). Here is a pic of them together. Both are nice but neither is "perfect".

If I were to try it again I might consider either a baritone guitar or an 8 string guitar as the base. The barri would give you a longer scale to work with while the 8-string guitar already has 8 tuners and so it seems like (and seems = assumption) a new nut and some piddling with the bridge and/or tail piece plus a set of mandocello strings and you are off to the races?

**CES** · May-14-2012, 6:09am

I seem to remember there being a guy in Winston-Salem, NC, who builds MCs at < 1000 dollar prices. Have never played one, but hear they're decent for the $$$. If google doesn't turn him up try the search function in the archive, as I know I've linked to his website from this one in the past...just no time presently to do the legwork!

Also, used Ovation on occasion, and a used Weber flattop can get close to your range on occasion, though not with tremendous availability...

**Bernie Daniel** · May-14-2012, 6:49am

Originally Posted by CES

I seem to remember there being a guy in Winston-Salem, NC, who builds MCs at < 1000 dollar prices. Have never played one, but hear they're decent for the $$$. If google doesn't turn him up try the search function in the archive, as I know I've linked to his website from this one in the past...just no time presently to do the legwork!....

That is probably the aforementioned, Wishnevsky String Instruments!

see post #4 above for link..

**Eddie Sheehy** · May-14-2012, 10:22am

Walt Kuhlman will custom build one for you in that price range - contact him at Gypsy's Music. Walt is a Cafe Sponsor...

**Rvl** · May-14-2012, 6:24pm

Subway guitars builds electric mandocellos for $400
Looks like a Vox Bill Wyman bass

**lucho** · May-27-2012, 6:08pm

Has anybody tried out the mandocellos made by portuguese luthiers like Antonio Pinto Carvalho (APC) by less than 500 euros?
http://apc-instruments.com/web/produ...id_product=175

**Tavy** · May-28-2012, 3:05am

Originally Posted by lucho

Has anybody tried out the mandocellos made by portuguese luthiers like Antonio Pinto Carvalho (APC) by less than 500 euros?
http://apc-instruments.com/web/produ...id_product=175

That seems very low, where did you see that price - I can't see any listed on their website?

**Beanzy** · May-28-2012, 3:57am

Hobgoblin are doing them for £625 (750 Euro) Although at today's exchange rate that should be £600.

**lucho** · Jun-08-2012, 9:17am

Tavy.... from what I remember they have two mandocellos. Their lower basic model was lower than €500 and their fancier one with case was just above that figure. What I don't remember it was that they didn`t state what scale length they use. I guess you should send them a request through their website and they will send you their pricelist.

**mandotopia** · Jun-24-2012, 9:32pm

I had a 12 string guitar converted. Decent solid top 12 strings are usually available at pawn shops around here for about $100-$150. It sounds great. Really great. I was pleasantly shocked. It cost me about $300 to have the work done by a local luthier.

**FadeOutAgain** · Jun-24-2012, 10:53pm

Originally Posted by mandotopia

I had a 12 string guitar converted. Decent solid top 12 strings are usually available at pawn shops around here for about $100-$150. It sounds great. Really great. I was pleasantly shocked. It cost me about $300 to have the work done by a local luthier.

Really? That sounds great! how long did it take to complete?

**Bernie Daniel** · Jun-25-2012, 12:58pm

Research the topic to make sure you will be happy in the end. Almost all 12-string guitars are flat tops. I'm sure they will sound great as a mandocello but they will not sound the same as an f-fole mandocello. Not sure what sound you want but search YouTube for "mandocello conversion" and you will find videos to help you make up your mind on the sound.