Second Mandolin

[robert.najlis]

I'm looking for a second mandolin, and I am trying to decide between a flat top, like the Redline Traveler or an Eastman 305.

In terms of other options: I am very open to used. I am not interested in The Loar, as I prefer a smaler neck profile. I like that the Redline Traveler has a 1 1/16" nut as compared to 1 1/8 or 1 3/16 of some other flat tops.

I already have a pretty nice F5 mandolin. I am looking for something that I can take out to play in the park, on the street, on the subway, general busking and fun.

I like the flat top idea for portability and non attention grabbing (safety). I worry about the flat top not cutting through though. I will be playing with 1 (or more) guitars, sometimes a flute, maybe a bandeñon and other non-bluegrass instruments (maybe a banjo now and again).

As for styles of music, I will be playing a variety: tango, jazz, klezmer, a maybe a little bluegrass and some fiddle tunes if I can manage to convince some of my friends.

So I guess my question is really about the sound, and the tone decisions to think about between these mandolins. I appreciate the ability of the Eastman to cut through better. I wonder, is the tone quality of the Redline Traveler superior to that of the Eastman (all things being subjective of course).

What do you think?

[Josh Kaplan]

In terms of sound and tone quality, most flat tops are just different from arched top instruments (the Arches might be an exception), so it is really apples and oranges. But I can tell you that some flat tops can play surprisingly loud, and I don't see why it couldn't fit in well with the music you have in mind. It won't sound like your F5, but it will be enjoyable in its own way. I played that Eastman recently, though, and was impressed.

Josh