had opportunity to "handle" a Zeta acoustic mandolin(not the version with the pickup built in) a few days ago. Only had an hour or less with it, but i was very impressed. Likewise very impressed with the very nice case(well made, mandolin fit snug inside and everything just said "well thought out" with the whole package.
pictures don't do it justice, i did these in my shop, and did them quickly. Case has a large heavy duty zipper, two outside storage pockets, nice compartment inside(11.5" x3.5"x 4"), and the mandolin slides down into a well designed "pocket" that holds it so there is no movement. Nice carry handle on the outside and two "backpack" straps. Case with mandolin weight 8.8 lbs(mandolin weight 2 lbs). outside dimensions of the case were 31.5" x 12" x 5.5". i would be happy to just own the case, i really liked it. i would feel totally safe with any mandolin inside, and throwing it down a 20 flight staircase-not just a push, but throw the thing, let some cartwheels happen.
The Zeta felt light in the hand, think Collings MT light. Neck profile was what i would call soft V that did not feel thick in the shoulders or that gained too much depth as it travelled towards the heel. I was feeling Weber/Gibson shape like. A true speed neck comes with this model and it felt dry and slick-the burst style finish at the speedneck looked very nice. everything was tight and clean(workmanship). I have always used Collings as my "gauge" for precise workmanship, and this Zeta stood side by side to any Collings i've owned. Finish was very nice and i've always been drawn to the headstock inlay. In person that inlay is very well done and looks even more cool.
Frets were excellent. neck was straight with very little, if any, relief dialed in(owner had not touched it or changed it). beautiful engraved James tailpiece. Nut was well shaped and slots cut as good as it gets. And i totally forgot to measure nut width, but i feel pretty sure it was 1 1/8". string courses were cut clean and spot on with regards to spacing.
i didn't measure due to lack of time, but i "felt" like the fretboard had a compound radius, very close to what i feel when i have a Collings in hand. I did not check specs regarding this, just going on feel.
Bridge/saddle were well made and the adjustment was from the top using a supplied allen wrench. Adjustments easily made under full string tension.
Tone was balanced thru the string courses, the mids really stood out on this one, trebles very present but not harsh.
overall thought: very well made mandolin and case, felt very nice in the hand, coming in under $3000 it offers a lot of bang for the buck and toes the line with some high quality A style mandolins in that price range. Its right there with Collings , Pava, and Weber. It has everything you need to grab and go. Everything has been well thought out to perform and work from the getgo. Adjust the saddle height, relief if necessary, and thats it. oh yea, inside label with serial number and ink signed Steve Carlson
came with nice quality truss rod tool, saddle height adjustment allen wrench, and double sided screwdriver that fits in the handle of the saddle height tool, speed neck treatment, info sheet on the mandolin, warranty card. the tools felt "quality" and fit exact, not cheapo metal and poor fit. i did remove the truss rod cover(i always do just to inspect it). the truss rod tool fit exact, the truss rod worked smooth and precise, TR pocket was easy access with the tool, both TR cover screws fit tight and were screwed in straight.
again, sorry for the pictures, but i had limited time. Oh yea, lots of very pretty flamed wood.
Sounded really nice, played very easy.
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