My E-mando

[Lt.Sam]

ok... so i get a mando bird and take my chances?


Sam

[delsbrother]

LOL, sorry, Sam. I'm not deliberately trying to screw you up! As always, try to find real examples of any mandolin and try playing it before you buy! But if you can't do that..

I guess there are two limiting factors - how big your hands are, and whether you can find a Mandobird. If you have big hands, I wouldn't buy a Mandobird sight-unseen (or just make sure you have a trial period). You might want to make a cardboard mock-up using the dimensions listed earlier in this thread and see if you think you could handle it. Remember, there are only 4 strings, not 8. If you think it'd be OK, then by all means I would recommend the 'Bird.

Unfortunately Mandobirds are kind of scarce. If you can't find a Mandobird to try out and you're concerned about the neck - even a little - then go for the Kentucky.

Of course, all my $.02