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Thread: acoustic/electric mandolin in 2021

  1. #1

    Question acoustic/electric mandolin in 2021

    As the title says, I am looking for a decent A/E mandolin to be able to plug in and play but also strum without the electronic setup. I am learning jazz, but also play classical tunes and some bluegrass...
    I cannot find a godin A8 on sale currently and Ovation mm68 in USA (I need it to ship from USA). The Ovation mm68 AX models are not well review according to some threads on the forum.
    What are my options. both used and new are welcome
    Would also appreciate if someone is selling a Godin in excellent condition.
    Thanks

  2. #2

    Default Re: acoustic/electric mandolin in 2021

    To give perspective, A friend is coming from the US to an asian country where I live in 20 days, and is willing to carry the instrument for me. Ordering directly to where I live will impose around 100% extra customs duties which has stopped me from playing a decent instrument while I have been learning for more than a year..
    Currently have a cheap <100$ instrument which has its limitations. I am thankful though to have what I have and enjoy playing the instrument I have, at the same time excited to level up my instrument

  3. #3
    Martin Stillion mrmando's Avatar
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    Default Re: acoustic/electric mandolin in 2021

    A lot of Eastmans are available with pickups these days.
    Emando.com: More than you wanted to know about electric mandolins.

    Notorious: My Celtic CD--listen & buy!

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  4. #4
    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
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    Default Re: acoustic/electric mandolin in 2021

    Your friend may have to negotiate with Customs if bringing back an instrument purchased in the US; leaving that up to him/her, you can find MM-68's here on eBay and at used instrument dealers. Price listings seem to vary greatly, between one and two thousand dollars.
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  5. #5

    Default Re: acoustic/electric mandolin in 2021

    Quote Originally Posted by Bhiyao View Post
    As the title says, I am looking for a decent A/E mandolin to be able to plug in and play but also strum without the electronic setup. I am learning jazz, but also play classical tunes and some bluegrass...
    I cannot find a godin A8 on sale currently and Ovation mm68 in USA (I need it to ship from USA). The Ovation mm68 AX models are not well review according to some threads on the forum.
    What are my options. both used and new are welcome
    Would also appreciate if someone is selling a Godin in excellent condition.
    Thanks
    PM sent.

  6. #6
    Martin Stillion mrmando's Avatar
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    Default Re: acoustic/electric mandolin in 2021

    Here is a good price on an Ovation MM68. NFI.

    https://www.musicgoround.com/product...-mm68-mandolin
    Emando.com: More than you wanted to know about electric mandolins.

    Notorious: My Celtic CD--listen & buy!

    Lyon & Healy • Wood • Thormahlen • Andersen • Bacorn • Yanuziello • Fender • National • Gibson • Franke • Fuchs • Aceto • Three Hungry Pit Bulls

  7. #7
    Registered User Mandobart's Avatar
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    Default Re: acoustic/electric mandolin in 2021

    I've installed JJB pickups in about 25 instruments from fiddle to ukulele to all mandolin-family instruments, banjos, guitars and an upright bass. Coupled with a decent external preamp/DI its great for amplified or unplugged playing. Get the best acoustic mandolin you can afford then add a pickup.

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  9. #8
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    Default Re: acoustic/electric mandolin in 2021

    I agree 100% with Mandobart. Over the years I have tried every electric mandolin or acoustic electric that I could get my hands on. Never was I fully satisfied with the sound, if you want it to truly sound like an acoustic mandolin. But adding a decent pickup to your favorite mandolin I believe will get you the closest. And then it's easy to transfer the pickup to your newest mandolin when you upgrade or switch instruments in the future. I currently use the L.R. Baggs Radius and I'm very satisfied with it. Mandobart seems to be quite happy with the JJB. I'm sure there are many recommendations and reviews on this site. I recently learned about the Myers pickup https://www.myerspickups.com/product...icro-gooseneck and I might give it a try at some point.

    In conclusion I now much prefer adding a pickup to my favorite and main mandolin, that trying to find a model with pickup system built-in that won't play as nice or sound as nice as my main instrument. Something will always be lacking. Just stick with a attachable pickup system that is easy on easy off.

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  11. #9
    Worlds ok-ist mando playr Zach Wilson's Avatar
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    Default Re: acoustic/electric mandolin in 2021

    Although I agree with the others above, I too would buy the best acoustic Mandolin I could afford and add a pickup, I did see this Ovation on the GC website.

    https://www.guitarcenter.com/Used/Ov...n-117386661.gc
    Worlds okay-ist mandolin player

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  12. #10
    Martin Stillion mrmando's Avatar
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    Default Re: acoustic/electric mandolin in 2021

    Yeah, that is an Asia-made Ovation. Not what the OP is looking for. Only the Ovation MM68 (not the MCS148, MAE148, or MM68AX) was made in the U.S.
    Emando.com: More than you wanted to know about electric mandolins.

    Notorious: My Celtic CD--listen & buy!

    Lyon & Healy • Wood • Thormahlen • Andersen • Bacorn • Yanuziello • Fender • National • Gibson • Franke • Fuchs • Aceto • Three Hungry Pit Bulls

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  14. #11
    Martin Stillion mrmando's Avatar
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    Default Re: acoustic/electric mandolin in 2021

    Another Ovation MM68 for sale. Prices do seem to be going up.

    https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/m...416296084.html
    Emando.com: More than you wanted to know about electric mandolins.

    Notorious: My Celtic CD--listen & buy!

    Lyon & Healy • Wood • Thormahlen • Andersen • Bacorn • Yanuziello • Fender • National • Gibson • Franke • Fuchs • Aceto • Three Hungry Pit Bulls

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  16. #12
    Worlds ok-ist mando playr Zach Wilson's Avatar
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    Default Re: acoustic/electric mandolin in 2021

    Quote Originally Posted by mrmando View Post
    Yeah, that is an Asia-made Ovation. Not what the OP is looking for. Only the Ovation MM68 (not the MCS148, MAE148, or MM68AX) was made in the U.S.
    Oops! I must missed that part.
    Worlds okay-ist mandolin player

    Relative newcomer

    Weber Yellowstone F (2015)
    Red Valley EM (2018)
    Howard Morris Blue A4 (2023)
    Flatiron 1N (1982)

    https://youtube.com/@zachwilson54?si=iGum4xPlSj0pbcjj

  17. #13

    Default Re: acoustic/electric mandolin in 2021

    Thanks to all the reply, I was able to lock in on a Godin A-8 from a fellow forum member. Hope it reaches me in time and in beautiful condition!
    Happy playing and thanks to all the well meaning replies

  18. #14

    Default Re: acoustic/electric mandolin in 2021

    To everyone recommending the best possible acoustic mandolin I can buy and add a pickup to it, I feel you. It is just that I only had a week, 10 days max to get the final product for a friend to carry it back home, where quality luthiers are rare to find. Also, the level I am right now, Godin A8 seems to provide every opportunity to learn and improve atleast for a couple of years and over time I might definitely invest in a classic Eastman or Kentucky mandolin with pick-up. The forum has never disappointed me so far, and always been helpful and guided me forward! you guys are awesome cheers!!

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  20. #15
    Worlds ok-ist mando playr Zach Wilson's Avatar
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    Default Re: acoustic/electric mandolin in 2021

    Quote Originally Posted by Bhiyao View Post
    Thanks to all the reply, I was able to lock in on a Godin A-8 from a fellow forum member. Hope it reaches me in time and in beautiful condition!
    Happy playing and thanks to all the well meaning replies
    Right on! Congratulations on your new mandolin!

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    Chief Moderator/Shepherd Ted Eschliman's Avatar
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    Default Re: acoustic/electric mandolin in 2021

    For future reference, posting Guidelines discourage soliciting personal instruments. The Classifieds section is the appropriate place, Want to Buy.

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