Electric mandolin recommendations?

[scruffyeagle]

I've had a thread going seeking recommendations on acoustic/electrics, and as it progressed I learned what the options in the type are. I also realized a couple of others things: One, that I couldn't afford the quality level I seek, within my budget limitations. Second, that any acoustic/electric (except the Godin I can't afford) is going to suffer feedback problems in high volume stage situations. So, I'm focusing my search for advice into the field of electrics.

What I seek:

*) Solid body instrument
*) Quality craftsmanship,
*) High quality tuning gears
*) Low action without buzz
*) 8 strings
*) Good balance
*) Separate adjustable intonation for each pair of strings
*) Under $500

At the moment, my knowledge about available alternatives fitting that list is limited to the Eastwood Mandocaster - although, I'd appreciate any comments about that, too.

The music genres I'm likely to be accompanying on stages will be primarily rock, country, blues, soul, & pop.

Thanks!

[lenf12]

I got this Morgan Monroe used for $225.00 in the Café classifieds. I still have not shielded the pickup cavity but otherwise it's a very serviceable electric mandolin.



Len B.
Clearwater, FL

[StuartE]

These might expand your options, if you haven't already come across them. There is an after market upgrade intonable bridge from Moongazer. Price is around $50.

Moongazer also has a selection of electric mandolin pickups geared to various styles and tonal preferences. Prices go from mid-$50s to just under $100.

There may be other upgrades around as well.

The emando website has a listing of electric and electric-acoustic mandolin builders, active and inactive. Best viewed in the "expand all" view.

[mmukav]

Look at the Eastwoods! They are very cool. Looks much like the Morgan Monroe above. Under $400.

[darrylicshon]

I am planning on buying a epiphone mandonird VIII i used to have a 4 string but sold it a few years ago

[CES]

Really enjoy my mandobird IV...haven't played an VII except for a mandocaster, which was pretty nice. If you're into bends and /or distortion, go with a 4 string. If not, enjoy the 8s!

[Verne Andru]

Used mandobird's go pretty cheap - usually around $200 and under.

[Ed Goist]

Fender Mando Strat 8

[lenf12]

These are very tempting Ed but I just hate the Villager (Gumby) headstock. If it were mine, I would be taking a band saw to it imho



Len B.
Clearwater, FL

[JeffD]

Fender Mando Strat 8

I agree.

[mandroid]

FM61SE is black Semi hollow body .. I had a Fender Villager 12 string guitar in the 60's

Its an instrument to make Music, get the vanity out of what you play , not what your Axe looks Like..

[darrylicshon]

I don't like that headstock either that's why i have the 4 string version and i am buying an 8 string mandobird

[lenf12]

.. I had a Fender Villager 12 string guitar in the 60's...not what your Axe looks Like..

And in the 60's, the design was stylistically advanced and quite unique for an entry level 12 string guitar. 50 years later, it doesn't retain the classic look of a Strat or Tele. It should have been allowed to reside with some dignity in the memories of folks who actually owned them. A fitting tribute would be a Villager 12 string re-issue guitar, not a diminutive little mandolin with that now grossly mis-proportioned headstock.

Len B.
Clearwater, FL

[lenf12]

I don't like that headstock either that's why i have the 4 string version and i am buying an 8 string mandobird

With the "classic" Fender headstock shape (Strat, Jaguar, etc.). I'm a big fan of these mandolin incarnations. Epiphone Mandobirds, not so much. I was never into the Gibson "futurama" guitars when they came out; the Explorers, reverse Explorers, Flying V's, etc. just didn't float my boat compared to your basic Telecaster.

Len B.
Clearwater, FL

[Verne Andru]

FWIW the new Fender's are actually very heavy little beasts. I have a semi-hollow Fender FM60 and find the weight perfect for the instrument.

I'm not one with the Villager headstock either. As noted above, it's a design that hasn't aged well at all, not that I liked it when it first came out back in the day.

[delsbrother]

What the heck is a Villager? I've always known those as a Hockey Stick headstock. Way cooler, IMO. :p

[MysTiK PiKn]

QUOTE =
Since the MM-50E Professional's electronics are mounted in the pickguard, you won't lose any of this beautiful instrument's acoustic potential. It's perfect for both unplugged performances and the biggest stages! Epiphone equipped this mando with the Quad NanoMag pickup system, which captures the true tone of the instrument. Beneath each string pair is an individual "coil" that can easily be adjusted via its own trim pot on the pickguard. Once you've dialed in the string balance you want, you're all set!

$ 599 $

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/EF5EVNNH/


Pickup is a magnetic - like an electric guitar - controls on pickguard - no feedbakk
F-style. 8 strings.
Play acoustic OR electric.

[Londy]

Go for he Bird. ... its the word you know

[MysTiK PiKn]

Naw, he wants the epi. He will if he looks at it. Unless he has a nice acoustic already.

Actually, I want the epi.

2 or 3 of his requirements are just setup items.
The epi will do everything the electrix will do, and more.
The stated desire for solid body is either based on limitation, or a desire for a strat guitar. Or a FireBird.

*) Solid body instrument - only one to consider is the mandoBIRD. - BASED on FireBird - methinks the rest are toys.
*) Quality craftsmanship = epi, maybe the Bird - Fender does not make good+cheap inst.
*) High quality tuning gears - Hi Q? none of them. HiQ tuners are expen$ive. buy later if u really want them.
*) Low action without buzz = SETUP item.
*) 8 strings - just like a real acoustic mandolin?
*) Good balance - try it on.
*) Separate adjustable intonation for each pair of strings = SETUP item - separate volumes for each pair of strings. quadNano
*) Under $500 - bottom line, your call. you need another hundred for the nice one.

If you really DON'T want to spend 5 bills, get the mandoBird. If you get the Bird, throw the tuners are put BanjoTuners on it - just like the original FireBird.

Please note, I don't really care what you buy - it's your money. For me, I'd buy the epiBird.

cheers
.