View Full Version : Morgan monroe mam 200
icuker
Aug-20-2008, 4:53pm
Hi,
I am a new poster here. I play some guitar and Ukulele. I have noticed these all solid Mahogany top/backs Morgan Monroe mandos in a local store (for a good price compared to even on line). I am not sure of the stores set up personnel, so I will ask that, but my general question is if anyone has played these and what are your thoughts? Or on maybe a step up Morgan Monroe model. It is an "A" style and I do like the look of it.
And if you were able to compare to a similar Kentucky or Rover, what did you think?
I will post another general question in a seperate topic later.
Thanks for any advice.
Jim Broyles
Aug-20-2008, 5:05pm
I have never heard or played one of those, but I have wanted to try one. I'd bet the mahogany would sound warm and woody. The tailpiece on the MAM-200 is a plus over the generic stamped piece on most lower end instruments. I'd bet it would be better than a Rover A, but you should probably A/B it with similarly priced Kentuckys. The Kentucky line has gotten great reviews here on the cafe. I had a KM-250s and a KM-380S. I liked the 250 better but they were both real nice for what I paid for them. It's hard to beat a lifetime warranty.
JEStanek
Aug-20-2008, 5:21pm
Welcome to the Café Rus.
I think the Morgan Monroe all mahog model is the same as their former budget lined Bean Blossom. Here is a thread on them. (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=13;t=35728;hl=morgan+and+mo nroe+and+mahog) I agree that it will sound different from the other two models you mention. Not better or worse, just different. You decide if you like the tone. Those mandolins needa good set up and fresh strings when you get them (if they don't come from a shop that really sets them up first (see a Cafe sponsor for example)). An A style mandolin is just fine. In fact, you get more mandolin for your money in an A than an F with no significant change in tone between the styles of similar construction quality.
There are a couple of other members that have played these all mahogany mandolins. I hope they will chime in.
Jamie
icuker
Aug-21-2008, 4:43pm
Thanks for the replies. I had noticed the cast tailpiece and wondered if that would give more sustain or not. Glad you chimed in on that. Unfortunately, there aren't any Rovers in my area, so I can't A/B them, the Rover is cheaper by some, though.
But thanks!
JEStanek
Aug-21-2008, 5:08pm
If the cast tailpiece outperforms the stamped one, the effect won't be drastic, and it may be minimized if you dampen between the bridge and tailpiece as well (grommets or leather or a Weber Wood Nymph). Those tailpieces are nice for string changes. IIRC those A style all mahog models are about $300, right. For about $400 you can get a used Eastman 505. Those new Kentucky's are nice too. When I had my Morgan Monroe the finish was thicker and it was a bit less responsive than my Eastman. It was still a good to me mandolin, though. Unfortunately, there's no way to compare the models. Kentucky and Eastman don't make a all mahog instrument and their tones will be pretty different. If you like what you hear, go for it.
Jamie
Mandorev
Aug-21-2008, 5:25pm
I have owned a few Morgan Monroe mandolins and still have one F5. I have played the mahogany and they do have a smooth warm woody sound. As is any mandolin at this level, set up it a top priority. New strings and a good bridge set and you should enjoy this mandolin. The Bean Blossom is a lower grade than the MM, even though they look close. The customer service is excellent at the company level. For the money, I think that you will be pleased.
SleepyCreeker
Oct-02-2008, 1:44pm
I tried several Bean Blossom Mandolins an was not impressed with anything but the price until I tried the all mahogany A and F models. I bought the A model on the spot, about $230 at the time. It really has a sweet tone and is an attractive thing too. I haven't tried any other mahogany Bean Blossoms to know if it is typical or not (other than the F style which did sound good but cost quite a bit more). I have tried several other mandolins costing 10 times as much and am quite happy with mine. The only thing I would change would be to have a slightly wider neck, though I'm beginning to appreciate playing two courses with the same finger.