Jbovier Zebrawood

[Carolina Rookie]

I am really starting to like the Jbovier blacktop zebrawood f5 model. Does anyone on here own or have personal knowledge about these mandolins? I am curious how it compares to the f5 special. Obviously they are both quality instruments. Just wondering if there is a noticeable difference between the two.

[sachmo63]

I have a Bovier "special" bought from the Kyle at http://www.themandoshop.com/. They are very nice instruments, not sure if they make the zebra any longer but worth a try.

Mine is very new, only a few months and just this weekend at a gig I heard signs of it really opening up and It really startled me. Honestly I was surprised that it happened so quick but its been getting better everyday.

As for the instrument themselves, it seems to me it has a pretty thin finish and is pretty well build. It has good tuners and decent tailpiece and bridge however i'm thinking of changing the both because i'm a "tinkerer". There are some issues with the binding but you really have to look and its a non issue for me. Kyle sets them up well and with the big frets they're easy to play.

I would recommend them highly and i'm not even going to say "for the price"

[vegas]

I told the story of getting mine through stupidly bidding low on an eBay auction and ending up winning the bid. I thought it would go for much more than half the list price. When it arrived, I was surprised at how good it sounded and played. MUCH better than the Loar LM-400 we both bought from the same seller with similar unpleasant results. There are several Cafe members who are more experienced players who rave about their JBoviers but I don't think they own the zebrawood model. I still see them for sale new and used. They are, imho, a great starter mandolin and the owner, Jeff Cowherd seems dedicated to putting quality affordable mandolins in people's hands.

[sachmo63]

I"m not sure about the zebra model but I would not consider my special a "starter" mandolin. I've played for several years and many years on guitar. Played and owned many many instruments and I would consider the bovier an affordable mandolin, not a starter.

Now, if your concerned with whats on the headstock then you should buy a well known name but if your interest is buying a good mandolin that sounds and plays good then these are great.

I also have, and selling a KM1000 that I would put up against any gibson/weber. The ky is made in china, granted but the quality is fantastic, like the bovier they're both affordable and sound great.

[Carolina Rookie]

The jbovier I decide to purchase will be my first mandolin.. I am only interested in learning bluegrass. Does anyone know if one of these two models will be better than the other for that "bluegrass sound"?

[Carolina Rookie]

OK Jeff at Jbovier just answered my question. Man, his customer service is not something you find everyday. Stellar! I'm going with the f5 special. Can't wait to get it.

[sachmo63]

SOOOOO What did Jeff say?

[Carolina Rookie]

He said the f5 special had more of a traditional bluegrass sound than the zebrawood did. I pretty much had my mind made up on the special. I just needed a little more coaxing.

[Carolina Rookie]

If I put 1/4 of the time practicing that I did on research and asking questions about my first mandolin all I can say is, " Watch'em folks cause he's a fairly dangerous man"!

[DataNick]

If I put 1/4 of the time practicing that I did on research and asking questions about my first mandolin all I can say is, " Watch'em folks cause he's a fairly dangerous man"!

Jeff,

Before you order, seriously consider the A5 Special...same mando at almost half the price. Unless you're really hooked on the scroll/points; it makes more financial sense...but they're both really good deals!

[sachmo63]

Nawwwww, be a man. Go with the scroll. All Real mandolin players have scrolls............

At least thats my opinion:grin:

[sachmo63]

Did you see the zebrawood he's offering on the classifieds.......this this is gorgeous

[Carolina Rookie]

Sachmo, i did see it. As a matter of fact i spoke with him bout that one today. Jeff is very helpfull and has gone above and beyond to help me.