Wondering?

[grsnovi]

I just visited the Fender site to see what specifically they announced at Summer NAMM and was somewhat surprised to see they announced both an Octave Mando and a 'zouk!!

Both look to be of the traditional "teardrop" flat (as opposed to carved top/back). Have spruce tops and maple sides and backs as well as built-in pick-ups.

No idea on price.

I wonder what Fender marketing is seeing as far as market trends that would suggest to them that they can make money here? I also wonder if they are doing the building or if they are having them built?

[Mandobar]

most of the instruments from tyler and trinity college and some of the other overseas companies are made by the same korean and chinese factories. these are the same people who are making the fender mandolins and guitars.

[Ted Eschliman]

I took pictures of them at NAMM (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=15;t=17058).
They play & sound like an import product. Fine for entry level players or doublers.
Nice to see a major instrument line pay attention to this product.

[ira]

hey prof., what is a doubler???

[Mandobar]

ira, a doubler is someone who doubles on another instrument, like a sax player who plays clarinet on a few numbers, or a mandolin player who also plays fiddle on a few numbers.

[Unseen122]

I just went and looked on the website these have pickups in 'em Trinity College and Tylers don't and the street price is only $20 more. I think I might buy one as my first octave because I am on a budget and was going to get the Morgan Monroe. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif