Got me a Tone Guard

[Paul Statman]

I have two of them

How did you get the second one on there?

[shortymack]

Maybe one is for BBQ'ing fish.

[Drew Egerton]

Just to follow up on my previous post, I received my ToneGard on Tuesday and the Vintage fits like a glove on the Flatbush V4. I have spent a few hours playing with it and can definitely tell a difference in the overall sound. This mandolin had plenty of volume before, but I think it has a touch more now so I can play a little lighter. The biggest difference to me is in the sustain of the notes, as well as additional bark in the chop. The bass end is especially noticeable, presumably because I held that side tighter against me before. I also enjoy the extra weight on the body.

For the relative price of about 1.5% of the cost of the mandolin, I think there is definitely more than that percentage improvement in overall sound.

Thanks to the Cafe for all the great input I found in searches.

[AnitaM]

I've been considering purchasing a TG, but I have an Eastman MD305 which has a delicate finish and am wondering if it would mar the finish. Anyone out there using a TG on an Eastman with the satin finish?

[fatt-dad]

I just don't quite think the satin finish is "delicate." Rather I think the non-polished look a touch basic. Don't get me wrong, I spend my money on sound, so, basic is fine by me. I mean if you had a high-gloss varnish, I'd consider that delicate. That said, I use a Tonegard on my Cohen (varnish) and also my old 1920 Gibson A3. I love them and could care less if they leave a mark. They don't though. . .

f-d

[Mike Bunting]

Eastman finishes are no more delicate than many others. I've used a TG on a varnished finish with no problem for a number of years now and for what it's worth I recently removed an armrest that has been on that same mandolin for three years straight and there are no signs of it marring the finish.

[AnitaM]

Thanks for the replies; however, I get the feeling that you're not familiar with the satin finish that Eastman uses. I've already inadvertently scratched it as well as my luthier - who said that he's never scratched a finish before. There is no varnish on this mandolin and even Eastman themselves have told me that the finish is very delicate. I haven't yet decided if I will keep this mandolin or use it to trade up at some time in the future, so would like to know if I should expect a TG to potentially mar the finish.