New Fender Emando

[Spruce]

I'd be curious as what these things are weighing in at...
The one I played at NAMM seemed kinda heavy to me, especially for alder...

Don't knock yourself out by dragging out the scales, but do your new MSs feel light, heavy, or "just right"?

Thanks!!

[homermando]

Mine weighs 3lbs and 8.4 ounces. And I haven't noticed any intonation issues but it was set up at my local music store.

[Spruce]

Robbed these from another site....
Truss rod!
Look pretty faithful to the original routing...

[Verne Andru]

If that's how they come stock I'm impressed with the thought put into shielding the electronics cavity. That helps to keep the noise somewhat contained and is something you don't often see on a lower-end instrument. And that does look like a truss-rod on the heel. A couple of nice bonuses!

[bonzibob]

" And that does look like a truss-rod on the heel."

OK, I admit that my vision isn't what it used to be, but I don't think the photos above are proof positive of the existence of a truss-rod. But I do hope you're right.

[Verne Andru]

" And that does look like a truss-rod on the heel."

OK, I admit that my vision isn't what it used to be, but I don't think the photos above are proof positive of the existence of a truss-rod. But I do hope you're right.

It just so happens 2 posters in this very thread claim to be in possession of said Fender Mando-Strat. I would be personally grateful if one, or both, took a screwdriver to theirs so we can verify this once and for all!

[Not that it really matters - but I do love solving a good mystery]

[Soundfarmer Pete]

Also wondering what the string to string balance is like.....(worth developing an alternative pickup)?

[Verne Andru]

Also wondering what the string to string balance is like.....(worth developing an alternative pickup)?

I would think someone who developed a fairly hot 4-conductor rail that splits down to around a strat at a competitive price might just find a ready market.

[mtm]

Just got an email from Guitar Center that the MandoStrat is now in their warehouse, so those of you who ordered from GC should be in possession soon. I ordered mine from a local shop that has a full-time Fender tech, so hopefully mine will be here soon also.

[OKMike]

String to string balance seems good to me, remember this is my first e-mando though so.....
Ordered a moongazer bridge to replace factory POS, If I explore the truss rod mystery while replacing bridge I will let you guys know the results.

[mrmando]

If I explore the truss rod mystery while replacing bridge I will let you guys know the results.

I think all you'd have to do is take the screws out of the neck plate, pull out the neck and look at the end of it.

[OKMike]

Can confirm the presence of a truss rod. Also have my new bridge in place. Thought of replacing pick up but think I will leave well enough alone for now. I'm very pleased with this little monster.

[Ron McMillan]

Amazing amount of enthusiasm for this little monster. I might have to reconsider my baseless aversion to four-stringers

[Ted Eschliman]

My store had four of them yesterday, minus the one I bought for myself. Full review later, but first impression, it's a fantastic value. Nowhere near the quality of many American small shop emando builders, but if you're willing to invest in better than the stock pickup, it's a great starting point for someone wanting to dable in electric.

[Spruce]

...but if you're willing to invest in better than the stock pickup....

So, have we found the pup to be lacking?

I haven't played it plugged in yet, but all the videos and reports I've seen have reported the pickup to be well-balanced, which is the main bugaboo with some mandolin pups...
(Can U say "Mandobird"?)

I wouldn't rule the pickup out just because it's a cheapie...
There are lots of cheap Japanese and Chinese pups that I love, and this one--for all we know--might fit into that catagory...

I mean, check out a Maxon Humbucker sometime.
It came loaded on those cheapie Les Paul copies in the 80's, and sounds wonderful...
One of my favorite humbuckers of all time, and I'm currently loading one into a Keef Telecaster copy...

[OKMike]

I haven't owned anything electric since high school, but I am pleased with the stock pick-up on this. More experienced people may disagree, but for me it's doing what it needs to.

[tkdboyd]

I'll pick up mine this evening from my local music store...the last couple of days I had been trying to nail down Smoke on the Water (the solo) just for the grins and giggles when I plug it up and play it at the store. Didn't quite have it all worked out yet...I hope the sales people find some humor in my attempt!

Of course after playing the tune a couple of times it reminded me as to why I was such a fan of Ritchie Blackmore's and Jon Lord's playing--Mandolin version of Highway Star would be pretty awesome. Yeah, I'll admit it, I'll never grow up!

[MikeEdgerton]

Has anyone found a case for these yet?

[OKMike]

I'm wondering about a pelican case w pick and pluck foam if nothing else becomes available. Not sure if they make one of the appropriate size but worth checking out.

This thing needs a hard case!!

[mtm]

BTW.

The gig bag for the Enoch ukuele banjo fits this mandolin perfectly.

Scroll to the bottom - http://www.enochbanjos.com/cases-and-gigbags.html

NFI.

From an earlier post on a gig bag ... does this mean the actual test has been done and it's a fine fit?

[Michael Eck]

Mine's been living in the Enoch bag since I got it. I very much want to find an appropriate hard case, but in the mean time this is perfect.

Note: I did not buy my Enoch bag for the Mando-Strat, it had been given to me by a friend for me to use with a banjo uke that has since been sold. But, boy, I'm glad I held on to the bag (and yes, have all the fun you want with that phrase)..

[tkdboyd]

Also have my new bridge in place.

Did you have to do any modifications to the pick guard, etc...when installing the new bridge?

Bought the MandoStrat locally, but just got a 20% off coupon from MF, couldn't pass up purchasing a Roland Micro Cube. Been trying to purchase locally when I can but with free shipping that was a price I couldn't pass up!

[mtm]

so, I'm still waiting for mine, so when are all you gents in possession going to post pics and videos????

[Daniel Nestlerode]

Ted Eschliman reviewed his today. With pictures.
http://jazzmando.com/new/archives/001978.shtml


Daniel

[MikeEdgerton]

The truly annoying thing is that several years ago a guy on eBay was selling a mandolin case that was "faulty". They were too thin for a mandolin and we basically rectangular cases for this mandolin. I bought one for a mini strat I built from a Stewmac kit when my son was young. I wish I had more. The mini strat might be losing it's case. I think I pad 30 bucks with the shipping for it.