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Pete Counter
Dec-12-2009, 2:56pm
I have heard of a few people having problems with this model, but I was looking for an A model that I could drag around to work and save a little wear on the F-model. A guitar player at work and I get together at lunch a couple times a week and I hate taking my F-model back and forth so I wanted one I wouldnt mind leaving at work and just putting those hours and hours of exercises and work on. A beater basically. I like this model cuz it has solid mahogany back and sides and a solid spruce top. Solid tailpiece looks pretty good and not too expensive. For a cheaper A model its not too bad, not perfect...a little not very neat at the end of the fretboard by the extension but I can clean it up. A few obvious wood mismatches, but not ugly. Its very tight sounding but has a pretty good tone actually, It got a lot better after I took the strings off and re-fitted the bridge. I stopped at goodwill on the way home and picked up an old belt to make the strap. I usually have to re-braid these but I found a good one.The mando is already starting to loosen up a bit after chopping on it since yesterday when I got it. All in All its a pretty good mandolin for what it is. Too bad Morgan Monroe has decided to discontinue this model. I got it for $369 online. Pretty happy......Now on with the pictures.

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg262/pickinpete/cafe/Front22.jpg

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg262/pickinpete/cafe/Front21.jpg

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg262/pickinpete/cafe/Headstock.jpg
Pete Counter
Dec-12-2009, 3:02pm
The back

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg262/pickinpete/cafe/Back1.jpg

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg262/pickinpete/cafe/Back2-1.jpg
Malcolm G.
Dec-12-2009, 3:33pm
She's got a few interesting touches - extended board, semi F headstock, Ashton Bailey tail piece.

How do you find the mahogony sound vs maple?

Pretty little thang!
Pete Counter
Dec-12-2009, 4:01pm
She's got a few interesting touches - extended board, semi F headstock, Ashton Bailey tail piece.

How do you find the mahogony sound vs maple?

Pretty little thang!

The tone seems a little warmer but at the same time tighter, Ive never spent any time with an A model to speak of, But compared to my F-style it pops and is very clear. The A models Ive played in the stores seem high and harsh compared to this, but this is a little tighter sounding than those. I actually like the alternative woods, I dont want to have multiple mandolins that all sound the same or even similar.
Malcolm G.
Dec-12-2009, 5:34pm
Pete,

I wholly agree about alternative woods. I have an A style with a graduated spruce back. When I hold it away from my body, it roars. Sometimes I think the back is louder than the front. Makes for some "interesting" tones. I can play with the volume like I can on my open-backed banjo, using my ample paunch as a mute.

Enjoy it - she hasn't opened up yet.
bigbike
Dec-16-2009, 9:41pm
I know the music "officianodos" usually snub their nose at Morgan Monroe instruments. I have to say the 2 that I have had (both banjos) have great all around tone. Since I hate "tinny" sounding instruments I look for great bottom, mid and top end-and my version of great is clear tone all over the strings and find it consistantly with the mid and top end Morgan Monroe instruments.

Good luck with your new baby and may it bring you many years of enjoyment.