Just arrived ... my new electric manndolin

[Don Christy]

I ordered this back in January.

It's a Jonathan Mann SEM 5. I've read a lot about Jon's manndolins here on the cafe and couldn't wait to get it. Wait I did though.

And the wait has been tough, but Jon was easy to work with and sent me photos to keep updated.

Here's the first photo, with the flamed maple top roughed out:

[Don Christy]

Here's another in process.

You can see the through neck constuction and the mahogeny wings on the back.

[Don Christy]

And another of the front with the stain on. Starting to be able to see the flame.

[Don Christy]

I really like the streak in the ebony finger board. You can see it well in this photo.
Don

[Don Christy]

I finally received it this past week.

WOW - it's stunning. I'm having a hard time playing it for wanting to just look at it.

As you can see, the carved maple top is highly flamed and Jon's finish work is awesome.

[Don Christy]

Sorry for all the photos, but I'm like a proud new parent.

Just a couple more ...

[Don Christy]

Last one for now.

[Glassweb]

VERY nice... does he do an 8-string as well?

[Ken Olmstead]

That is bleepin' beautiful!!!! Congradulations!

[Don Christy]

VERY nice... does he do an 8-string as well?

Thanks! And yes he does an 8-stringer too.

Here's a couple of pictures of the SEM-8.

[wichitamando]

Love it!

[Chief]

Awesome!!! I have a Mann EM5 that I love. I would dearly like to get a solid body one like yours. Maybe someday.I'd be interested to hear the sound difference between the EM and the SEM. Jonathon does a wonderful job indeed. A true artist.

[mandroid]

Same bridge, I see, no matter what strings are on there how does that work out?

For those of you that Got one, intonation work out accurate all the way up the neck?

amplifying a rather off note loud could have 'em throwin' chairs,
.. If they are actually listening..

[david blair]

Dude...You're gonna let me borrow that. Right?
That is so cool. You must be so happy. What are the specs for the pickups if I may?

Listened to your playing. Only three years? Sounds great.

[Don Christy]

Thanks everyone.

Hey Chief, maybe we can have a Manndolin gathering at some point and do some tasting.

Mandroid, from what I can tell, the intonation is quite good. The bridge has a ridge across the top that acts as the saddle. The bridge can be adjusted, but not on individual strings. I don't have a strobe tuner, but with my TU-2 it intonates well across all strings at the open, 5th, and 12th.

David, you're welcome to come sample anytime.

OK, time to fess up. I've been playing more like 4 years now. Just sounds more like 3 years. I'll have to go edit that post.

Thanks,
Don

[crazymandolinist]

Reminds me of a Pual Reed smith guitar. Really nice finish, nice mando, should be fun to play.

[Don Christy]

Reminds me of a Pual Reed smith guitar. Really nice finish, nice mando, should be fun to play.

I believe PRS was indeed the inspiration. Dfyngravity had Jon build a custom Manndonlin for him. The SEM 5 is different, but based on that model I believe.
Thanks
Don

[Jim Nollman]

what kind of amp do you plan to use with this mandolin? I've been playing my Godin through a Peavey practice amp, and more recently through a Roland 60. I notice that both amps really stress the mids you find on an electric guitar. The Roland is a little better because of the EQ, but the speaker is NOT optimal for a mandolin.

Any suggestions on an over-the-counter amp that will really let rthe highs of a mandolin sneak through?

[Dan Margolis]

Beautiful mandolin; I'd love to own one.

[Don Christy]

Thanks dmargo

Jim - i have a Fender Blues Jr Deluxe that I intend to use. I don't have a lot of experience with emando, but this amp is pretty well reviewed here on the cafe. I've also picked up a handful of discrete effects pedals. Should be fun!
Don

[Ken Sager]

I think Jonathan's SEM-5 is simply the sexiest 5-string around.

Congrats on the new acquisition.

Best,
Ken

[Don Christy]

Thanks Ken, it really does look great.
Don

[Chip Booth]

Beautiful!