Re: Mandolin players who bought or have played a Waterloo Mandoli
Here’s my review/ opinion after having it for 2 days:
I like it, except for the tailpiece design. The string loops have to be bent 90 degrees to get them to go into the hooks. It’s a pretty close copy of the Kalamazoo KM11 (I have two to compare it to). The headstock is longer(about 2 inches), probably because of the truss rod. The neck profile is the same. It has side fingerboard fret marker dots, the Kalamazoos don’t. The back, sides, and neck finish is probably just one coat of lacquer, so the wood grain is more exposed. Tone is similar, but a lot better. Playability is way better, hammer ons and pull offs are easy and clear. Nice sustain. Overall, I think it’s great, but I knew what to expect because of having the Kalamazoos. If you’re familiar with flat top/back mandolins, and appreciate the “retro” vibe, you’ll love it, But if you’re expecting a lower price version of Collings mandolins, you’ll be disappointed.
Re: Mandolin players who bought or have played a Waterloo Mandoli
I've been looking to upgrade my own mandolin situation, and even the regular Collings tailpiece leaves something to be desired.
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Re: Mandolin players who bought or have played a Waterloo Mandoli
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Tom Sanderson
I like it, except for the tailpiece design. The string loops have to be bent 90 degrees to get them to go into the hooks.
The one-piece design was my least favorite part of a Flatiron 1N and a pair of Redline Travelers that I previously owned. When I commissioned my Alrite Tribute from Andy Poe, I insisted on a vintage two-piece Waverly Cloud that I sourced from Dave Stutzman.
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There are more details here: https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/t...Alrite-Tribute
Re: Mandolin players who bought or have played a Waterloo Mandoli
I acquired my Waterloo sunburst about a year ago. I have a herd of mandolins and some were pricey. The Waterloo is my only flat top and the least expensive of the bunch. That being said, it has become one of my favorites. It was very bright at first but over time the sound has darkened and mellowed and it plays, as they say, like butter. The instrument opened up much more quickly than my archtops, but I don't know if this is an attribute of flat tops in general or specific to the Waterloo. Highly recommended, but I do agree it probably costs a few hundred dollars too much!
Re: Mandolin players who bought or have played a Waterloo Mandoli
I love the photos of the black Waterloo with white pickguard! Wow!