TKD quality and tone?

**Sothoth** · Aug-09-2017, 2:06am

Anyone played one? They seem quite affordable and look nice. YouTube clips sound good but they're played by pros and sound quality is never ideal on clips.

They have an oil finish. Thoughts on that vs varnish or lacquer? Mostly wondering how it holds up to moisture like sweat.

Any experience is appreciated.

**William Smith** · Aug-09-2017, 3:43am

What is a TKD?

**Ron McMillan** · Aug-09-2017, 4:40am

A shop in Florida operated by Kyle Dunn. His instruments are apparently made in China to his own specs. One friend of mine has one, and is very happy with it.

**PiginaPen** · Aug-09-2017, 6:32am

Anybody that charges $500 for a refret doesnt get any of my business.

**Gene Lewis** · Aug-09-2017, 8:32am

I will start by saying that I am a relative beginner so not the knowledge that most here on the Cafe have.

I recently purchased a TKD Falcon from Charles Johnson at Mandolin World Headquarters. I believe he sells here in the classifieds but I saw the mando on his website. I have had it for a couple of months now and continue to enjoy it more each day. This was a nice step up for me from the beginner Kentucky I started with and then the Olympia I had been playing for some time. The first thing I noticed, again comparing to what I had as well as several other pac-rim instruments like Eastman, was the volume and overall tone. Both a big improvement over what I was used to. Both volume and tone are better across all strings and up and down the fretboard. The instrument is very playable and while I still play my others regularly (mostly at the office) I look forward to my TKD.It appears to be well built and, IMO, a very attractive instrument.

As the seller told me, it is not a Gibson or other high end instrument but a very nice mandolin at that price point. I purchased for a very good price as it was traded in for a Martin guitar. Turns out that Kyle from the Mando Shop had traded it for that Martin. I contacted Kyle and he was super helpful, answering any questions I had about the instrument and really seemed to take pride in what he was putting out and wanting me to enjoy it.

Hope this is somewhat helpful, as much as it can be from my experiences. Overall this was a significant step up for me until I have that urge, as well as the funds, for that next step!

**Sothoth** · Aug-09-2017, 2:13pm

Originally Posted by skiboy1

have had it for a couple of months now and continue to enjoy it more each day. This was a nice step up for me from the beginner Kentucky I started with and then the Olympia I had been playing for some time. The first thing I noticed, again comparing to what I had as well as several other pac-rim instruments like Eastman, was the volume and overall tone. Both a big improvement over what I was used to.

Thanks for the feedback. How has the finish held up? I realize you haven't had it that long but I'm curious how you like the oil vs varnish or lacquer?

**Sothoth** · Aug-09-2017, 2:15pm

Originally Posted by bluegrasser78

What is a TKD?

Sorry I wasn't more clear. They make mandolins an OMs.

**Sothoth** · Aug-09-2017, 2:18pm

Originally Posted by Ron McMillan

A shop in Florida operated by Kyle Dunn. His instruments are apparently made in China to his own specs. One friend of mine has one, and is very happy with it.

Has your friend given any specific info that would help me understand how it stacks up? Perhaps not but I'm curious if I got it would it be better than an Eastman 815 or high end Kentucky? It's probably not a Gilchrist but I don't expect that for the price

**Gene Lewis** · Aug-10-2017, 7:53am

Originally Posted by Sothoth

Thanks for the feedback. How has the finish held up? I realize you haven't had it that long but I'm curious how you like the oil vs varnish or lacquer?

That is a tough one to answer as I have not had it long and, although it was listed as "used", I notice no wear. So, no sweat on it yet and it has mostly been played indoors and on the deck. I can say that I like it aesthetically.