New Fender Emando

[mtm]

I'm not really in the know about mandos in general, but wouldn't the Kentucky KM-300E be serious competition for the fender at $376 at "Folkmusician" ???

any insights?

[delsbrother]

I suppose. But most people on this thread aren't just looking for something cheap. They really want a Fender mandocaster. They just don't want one bad enough to pay vintage prices. So the budget price is a great thing. Now it may turn out to be a disappointment (Fender's reissue lap steel and Martin's ukulele come to mind), but we're hoping the new model can at least be modified into something fun.

It's kind of like this: say I really wanted a Shelby Cobra, then I found a kit car that looks like a Shelby. You then tell me for the same price I could buy a Corvette. I mean, you're correct, but it's not really what I want.

[Ed Goist]

OK, back in a week with some pics of that new Fender...
Anyone want me to focus on anything in particular?

* Fretsize
* Playability in general
* Factory set-up
* Pickup quality
* General build quality

[Ed Goist]

I'm not really in the know about mandos in general, but wouldn't the Kentucky KM-300E be serious competition for the fender at $376 at "Folkmusician" ???

any insights?

What makes the Fender more desirous that the Kentucky (even before it's on the market and played) is it "Fenderness".
This gives it demand in the marketplace, and higher resale value than all its competitors before it's even left the starting gate.

[rico mando]

The last mandocaster I had hung on the strap really well and the neck was easy to play . just a very comfortable instrument to play . so I would like to know if it has the same feel as the vintage mandocasters do ?

[mandroid]

So Nobody found one, delivered, at Their Door yet?

Are they even shipping to dealers yet?

[Bill Stokes]

What makes the Fender more desirous that the Kentucky (even before it's on the market and played) is it "Fenderness".

Off-topic, but ya know Otis Redding recommended trying a little Fenderness:

[F-2 Dave]

got tuh got tuh got tuh got tuh try a little Fenderness. Thanks for that Bill.

[Spruce]

* Fretsize
* Playability in general
* Factory set-up
* Pickup quality
* General build quality

Got it...

I hope-to-hell that the maple is US Eastern hard, and not some of that wood you see on some of the Asian instruments with the distinctive worm-track...
We shall see...

[Ed Goist]

Thanks Spruce.
Oh, and maybe where it's made? (Hoping against hope its MIM).

[delsbrother]

Has anyone here been to the factory in Mexico? Where is it? How big is it?

[mrmando]

The new Kentucky KM300 feels like a toy next to a vintage Mandocaster ... if Fender gets the new instrument right, it'll be significantly better than the Kentucky.

[Ed Goist]

Has anyone here been to the factory in Mexico? Where is it? How big is it?

Have never been there, but would love to visit.

The Fender Mexico production facility is in Ensenada, Baja, Mexico. (It's about a three hour drive from the US production facility in Corona, CA). The general consensus seems to be that the training and equipment at the Mexico facility is on par with Corona, and that the materials/parts used there are better than those used in the overseas facilities, but not quite as good as the parts/materials reserved for Corona.

Here's a photo & a video tour:

* "Fender Mexico Turns 25: A Factory Photo Tour", Guitar World

* A video tour:

[Daniel Nestlerode]

Spruce,
One more item please? The CASE!
Does it come with a hardshell case, and will Fender be selling them separately? If they have examples of the case, a quick review of that would be great too!

Man, I miss going to NAMM!

Thanks!
Daniel

[Steve Perry]

So Nobody found one, delivered, at Their Door yet?

Are they even shipping to dealers yet?

Musiciansfriend says they ship on March 15. The street price looks to be $299.99

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/folk-...ctric-mandolin

[Spruce]

Musiciansfriend says they ship on March 15. The street price looks to be $299.99

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/folk-...ctric-mandolin

It says:

"Fender MandoStrat Solidbody Electric Mandolin Black"

Missprint, or is it going to be available in other colors, like Black??
A white one would be cool...

[Steve Perry]

It says:

"Fender MandoStrat Solidbody Electric Mandolin Black"

Missprint, or is it going to be available in other colors, like Black??
A white one would be cool...

Probably a missprint on MF's part. The Fender site only lists sunburst. I guess we'll see at the end of the week. I'm looking forwar to your report.

[Ed Goist]

Unfortunately, I'm thinking "sunburst only" and "no bag or case".

[delsbrother]

I'm guessing (branded) gig bag, a la Epiphone. I'm also guessing overseas production, but you never know.

Enesnada, eh? If they do end up being made there it may be time for some fish tacos..

[bonzibob]

Wow - $299.00 - this changes everything! Spruce, can you find out if Fender will issue a metal bridge cover plate ( I think they used to refer to them as "ash trays")? Thanks!

[Ed Goist]

Yes, "ash tray covers".
Like these on the new American Vintage Series '74 Jazz Bass.
Man, I LOVE the look of these things...

[Spruce]

Wow - $299.00 - this changes everything! Spruce, can you find out if Fender will issue a metal bridge cover plate ( I think they used to refer to them as "ash trays")? Thanks!

Wow, forgot they had those...
Will do...

[Eddie Sheehy]

Seafoam Green?

[Spruce]

Seafoam Green?

Yep, and antiqued...
Whoops, I guess then I'd be a noob trying for some street cred...

[F-2 Dave]

Seafoam, Sonic blue, heck at $299 get a small assortment of colors. Maybe even Antigua?