Ernest Instruments

[ChrisWallace]

Hey guys,
Back in early April, I put in an order for my first electric mando. It's going to be built by Joel Eckhaus (Ernest Instruments). I can't wait to get my greedy little paws on this thing!!

Anyway, I was just wondering if any of you guys own (or have played) any of Joel's emandos? If so, what do you think?

CWallace

[Ted Eschliman]

Joel makes seriously good instruments.
You will not be disappointed. I certainly enjoyed the five-string Boomerang I had.

[Seth Rosen]

That's right...Joel does wonderful work. #His instruments are an amazing value in a world where instrument prices have gone crazy. #I've had my 5 string deluxe 'Junior' for about 3 years now and I am still delighted with it.

Joel's a very good musician as well.

--seth

[mikeomando]

Hey ChrisWallace, what model did you order? I bought Mandohack's Boomerang, and it's a very good instrument. How long until you get yours?

[ChrisWallace]

Hey Mikeomando,
I went w/ the four string Junior 'Junior'. Actually, I took a ride up to Joel's shop to demo his 'Deluxe' and got a chance to check out his shop which was really cool. Seems like a really nice guy and, from what I hear, makes a great mando as well!!

Joel said that my mando should be good to go somewhere between 3-6 months (w/ early July being the "3 month mark") Keep your fingers crossed for me!!

[Jim Garber]

I think that the Junior is one of the best e-mandos ouit there. I play primarily vintage ones and it has the look and feel of a 1930s EM150 without the noise and the hassles (like pickguard crystallizing).

Joel is building me an incredible tenor guitar. Stay tuned for details.

Jim

[Spruce]

Joel at Earnest Instruments is a great guy with some interesting (and sometimes hilarious) ideas about making instruments...

I've played quite a few of his electric mandolins, and all of them are winners....

I've owned a Teleulele (a uke that looks like a Telecaster) and a Hoochulele (pictured here), and both are real head-turners...

It's nice to see someone doing something different at a reasonable price in the world of luthiery, and Joel's doin' it...

[ChrisWallace]

Spruce,
That is too funny!! I wonder how much extra Joel would charge me to have a mini cooler attached to my emando...maybe just big enough to fit a six pack? That way, if I'm playing a gig, and it starts to turn ugly, I won't have to go far for a little relief!!