Just got a Tone Gard

[Johnny60]

Hi folks,

just to say that 4 of us here in the UK recently decided to bite the bullet and place a "bulk" order for 4 Tone Gards. They arrived yesterday, and I just want to say that it's great!

I've only got an Eastman 505, so it's not exactly a high value instrument, although it's always sounded good. The Tone Gard has done exactly what it says on the tin! It's increased the volume, but most of all it's increased the tone, sustain and punch of the instrument. The sound "pops" more if you're sitting in front of the mando and, as the player, the sound of the instrument really envelops you.

One of the other guys has a Summit (F100 I think?). It's always been a very loud and punchy mando, but with the Tone Gard on it has turned into the proverbial bluegrass cannon.

Very, very happy with my purchase. I have zero financial interest in this, but just wanted to pass on my thoughts.

By the way, whilst perusing the Tone-Gard website I noticed that they can even do one for a banjo. Just what we all need, banjo players with EVEN louder instruments!!

[Sterling]

I have one for my Eastman 615 and it also fits on my Crystal Forest Army-Navy mandolin. I am amazed at the difference it makes in volume.

[Bill Baldridge]

Lots of discussions on the Cafe about Tone-gards. You can do an advanced search if you are interested. I like mine very much and would recommend it before considering a mandolin upgrade.

[Zissou Intern]

Bill, is it even possible to upgrade a Daley?

[Bill Baldridge]

Bill, is it even possible to upgrade a Daley?

Was for me. Got to have Sim build my mandolin just the way I wanted it....but I had a tone-gard first, and I moved it to my Daley. Getting the back of the mandolin off your belly will help any mandolin. Thanks for asking.

[Canoedad]

Can you keep it on in the case?

[Ken Olmstead]

Tone Gard is a no-brainer for me. My gut sucks loads of tone from my mandolin! In fact, I'm sending off a custom order today for my Eastman mandola! Tony is a great guy to work with and he provides a truly useful product, not just curb feelers for your mandolin!

Congrats on the Gard, you probably won't play again without it!!

[Bill Baldridge]

Can you keep it on in the case?

It depends on the case. I have three different brands of cases that I have used with a tone-gard left on the mandolin. Rather than provide a complete list, which is something I couldn't do anyway, it would be easier for you to get an answer about your particular case.

[fatt-dad]

I love the tonegard!

f-d

[SincereCorgi]

Yeah, I love the ToneGard too, and the fella that makes them has always been extremely quick to respond to any questions. He definitely deserves to own that niche.

[dhbailey]

I'll add my support for the tonegard! It definitely makes a difference to both me (the mandolinist) and my wife (violinist and audience member).

[roysboy]

Next to my mandolin my Tonegard is just about the best money I've spent on music gear . Not only did it improve the sound of an already great- sounding mando but the back of my instrument looks like the day I bought it ...shiny sunburst -unsmudged and unscratched ! Congrats on biting the bullet .

[DataNick]

+12...a no-brainer if I ever saw one in the mando world...

[Amanda Gregg]

I finally broke down and ordered a Tone Gard last night. I have been using a viola shoulder rest (costs about $10) for years, and while the effect (I think) is similar, the pain in the butt of carrying it around and having it shift and fall off finally got to me. At Joe Val, it shifted and hit the back of the mandolin, causing a deep scratch that still hurts when I think about it. So, enough is enough, time for the Tone Gard. I think it may actually sound better, too.

[Brandon Sumner]

I have one on order for my Weber Gallitin and am thinking about getting one for my Girouard also. Hope they do as advertised, I have not seen any bad press about them what so ever. Tony is very prompt in responding to quires. Wish he had a Deco style to fit the Weber though!

[Brandon Sumner]

Update, just got my tone gard, just as I was writing the last post! Installs super easy, fits great and DOES fit in the Weber case. I am going to get one for the Girouard!

[Steve Zawacki]

Just got one for my The Loar 400. All the previous posts are spot on regarding how good this is.

[Brandon Sumner]

I like this thing so much I just sent Tony a request for a Deco Gard for the Girouard!

[roberto216]

I had one but sold it. It did improve the tone but I don't really need that for just playing around my house like I do. I also found that my mando bounced around on my belly when I stood up. My belly is not that big either. For folks playing out or in groups I do see a definite benefit.

[fentonjames]

just ordered one this morning for my weber hyalite, based mostly on this thread.

[Steve Zawacki]

After a few trades, purchases and other such stuff, took my Tone Gard that was on a The Loar 400 (which was traded) and put it in an Eastman MD504. Worked well, but the Eastman doesn't get as much playing time as my RedLine Traveler. So, off the Eastman and onto the RedLine. In one word, WOW!

The RedLine is a loud mandolin anyway. With the Tone Gard it seems amped, it's that loud. I finger-strum a lot more than I pick, and the volume change (upward) is remarkable. I didn't know how well it would work with a Flat-Top, and it just blew it away. Best investment of all out there!

[Iron]

Tone-Gard best money I ve spent this year.

[fentonjames]

my gard shipped today!

[neil argonaut]

Just last night was asked, and not for the first time, whether my mandolin had been amplified at a gig where it wasn't. And it's even worth it alone for the fact that there's a bit of air between the mandolin and my shirt when in a roasting hot venue or in the sun.

[Ben Cooper]

I really love my tone gard for several reasons, but two most of all. Chief is the sound, truly lets my Girouard ring out. Second is that it keeps the back of my Girouard blemish free (shirt buttons and such dont rub on it). I recommend to everyone I can.