bowl back mandola

[garryireland]

Has anybody got experience of Matsikas?
https://m.thomann.de/ie/matsikas_mandola_no_1.htm

[DavidKOS]

Yes, I used to work at a company that wholesaled Sakis bouzoukis.

The instruments are fine factory made (as opposed to small boutique shop) instruments overall, often the low end ones sound quite good!

I personally own a 4 course bouzouki and bowl back mandolin from Matsikas.

This should be nice instrument , although I am not sure about current prices.

[garryireland]

Yes, I used to work at a company that wholesaled Sakis bouzoukis.

The instruments are fine factory made (as opposed to small boutique shop) instruments overall, often the low end ones sound quite good!

I personally own a 4 course bouzouki and bowl back mandolin from Matsikas.

This should be nice instrument , although I am not sure about current prices.

They have a bouzouki for the same price. Do you think it would be up to the same standard David?

[DavidKOS]

They have a bouzouki for the same price. Do you think it would be up to the same standard David?

Probably. The instruments are fairly consistent, of course each one is an individual.

The other option is looking for a bouzouki by a small maker, and Greece has many such boutique makers these days.

[bratsche]

I've been curious about the mandolas, as well, but not enough to take the plunge, since an ebay seller from Florida has them listed regularly. Priced @ $600 or $900, depending on number of ribs, I guess.

bratsche

[DavidKOS]

I've been curious about the mandolas, as well, but not enough to take the plunge, since an ebay seller from Florida has them listed regularly. Priced @ $600 or $900, depending on number of ribs, I guess.

bratsche

Try to wait for a used one and get it a bit cheaper, if possible.

[bratsche]

I never buy an instrument new, so a used one is the only thing that'd tempt me anyway. ;-)

bratsche

[allenhopkins]

Try to wait for a used one and get it a bit cheaper, if possible.

Thomann has an MDA-202 for $375.

[derbex]

I have one, a model 202 and play it quite a lot -it was out last night for playing parts. I have had a about a year and so far it has held up well, despite me stringing it GDAE and people have been nice about the sound.

I made a video here just after I got it ;

At $600, there's quite a markup somewhere.

[Reinhardt]

Hi Garry, I bought a Matsikas 4 course bouzouki from Thomann this year. Really pleased with it. has a truss rod as well. Thomann sell really good cases as well. The bouzouki plus case cost about €500 or so. No shipping costs within EU. It's not my main instrument, I play a Tobin and a Forster usually. I got the Matsikas to try to replicate Alec Finn's style which is easier said than done. The matsikas is well put together with all solid woods.

[garryireland]

Cool which model

[Reinhardt]

BZ8 210T . it costs €444. well worth it in my opinion. plays perfectly in tune all the way down the fretboard, nice tone and pretty loud.

John

[johnbazgtr]

Hi ,
I've read your posts with interest regarding "Andy Tobin" bouzoukis.
Andy is currently making me a 620 scale large bodied bouzouki,with a headway system,which I'm hoping to pick up before Christmas.
Like you, I've played Bouzouki for many years, and now retired am in the process of "consolidating" the instruments I play and ocsasionally gig with.
The reason for a shorter scale Tobin, is the fact that I get a few problems with a trapped nerve in my left shoulder, and I know a slightly shorter scale instrument will help.
I currently play a wonderful 1997 Joe Foley bouzouki,which is a belter.
I will very likely be moving this on once I've got used to the new Tobin, as I know I won't play it a right lot,due to the playing fatigue issues with it's longer 25.5 inch scale.
Let me know if you have any pals looking for a top notch "Foley" bouzouki.
I'm just putting "feelers" out at the moment to see if anyone out there is on the look out for a great Foley bouzouki............ my e.mail is johncburge@gmail.com and I'm based in county Durham u.k. cheers john

[Reinhardt]

Will do John. you shouldn't have much trouble selling the Foley. they're great instruments. Best of luck with the Tobin. I'm sure you wont be disappointed.

John