MM68 v MCs 148?

[hellindc]

I notice that the Ovation MM68 is $600 more than the MCS 148. The main differences in the specs are that the MM68 has an ebony rather than rosewood fret board, and the 68 has a "High Output" pickup; the 148 has a "Thinline". I can't see the fretboard making that great a difference, so I assume the pickup is the main difference? What more do you get for the much higher price?

[steve in tampa]

The top is a higher grade spruce, the neck is 5 piece,the electronics are a better type, and it is made in the USA.
I have 2 MM68s and one 148, and there is a huge difference in quality.

[Ted Eschliman]

I agree with Steve. The MCS-148 was my very first mandolin, and served me well to start, but the MM-68 is an altogether different critter. (I upgraded not too long after.)
Fit and function, when you get it in your hands you can feel the difference, not only in the quality of wood, but the way the frets are finished, the longevity of the bridge. These are American craftsmanship at its best. (The MCS-148 is an import.)

[mrmando]

The top on the MM68 is solid spruce as opposed to plywood. I've tried out both, and the 148 had major problems: lousy string spacing at the bridge, and zero acoustic tone. The 68 is at least a real instrument.

[hellindc]

Thank you. That helps enormously. I haven't found an M68, so I could not make the comparison.

I'm not so concerned about where it's made. I've got fantastic, Japanese made mando from the 1980s, and I've played and heard some first class instruments from Asia. However, the other points made concern me. So my search goes on for a decent electric at around $500. (I've got a great old Harmony batwing, but the pickup's got a buzz that won't quit.)

[mrmando]

If it's made in Japan at some place that has great quality control, fine. But that is not the case with the 148.

[jefflester]

So my search goes on for a decent electric at around $500. (I've got a great old Harmony batwing, but the pickup's got a buzz that won't quit.)

The Godin A8. Maybe a little more than $500, but close. The Rigel-design Gold Tone GM-110 at a similar $600 might be another option, but I've never played one of those.

[WireBoy]

Steve and Ted,
#Since you are MM68 owners, perhaps you can check in. #i've played the 148 and found it uncomfortable. #first cause the finger board is narrow and second, the neck has a deep u shape. #i've never played a mm68, the specs say it has a 1 3/16 fingerboard. #How is the neck shape? also is the mm68 a radius fingerboard?

[glauber]

I have a 148 and it's not bad either acoustically or electric (except for the fact that the bridge came unglued, this must count for something). But i'm sure you get better quality control with the 68. I've never tried one of the Aplauses, but i wouldn't expect much from them.

There's a 68 in the classifieds right now for $700.

The one thing i don't like about the Ovations is that you're severely restricted on which strings you can use, because it takes ball-end strings. You can get T-Is from mandohack or Adamas from justrings.com, or make your own set with guitar strings... and the guitar-type bridge is not adjustable (at all).

[steve in tampa]

I really don't play the 148 much, and plan on selling it one day. The neck does feel different, and it is made from different materials.The neck on the MM68 is proportionally smaller than my Elite Standard guitar. Very nice and comfortable, and a bit wider than a lot of other mandos.
The MM68 gives the feel of quality and craftsmanship in your hand. Of all the instruments I own, it is the one that stays in tune the best.
Strings have never been an issue with the internet. Just order a dozen sets. The Adamas 8080 are very good strings. I prefer them to the GHS.
There was a cherry burst MM68 that went for 430 on e-bay about a month ago. There are some deals out there if you watch.
A good clean used cherry burst should go for up to 650. The natural finish seems to command higher prices.
My MM68 was the first pro level mando I bought, (new around 1k in '98), and it is still my main stage instrument. Have a Elite Standard guitar that matches it, and am trying not to look at the mandocello in the classifieds that matches also.
You simply cannot get better electronics than the Ovation top end stuff. Does not sound just like bluegrass, but I have a Gibson for that.

[glauber]

The natural finish seems to command higher prices.

Maybe because it's less ugly.

I would like to upgrade to a 68 someday. That mandocello also, i try not to look at it. I don't understand why it's still there.

[steve in tampa]

Here's one on e-bay ending in a little over 4 hours.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws....WN:US:1

[glauber]

Only one bid on that one.

[glauber]

Gone! for $520. Excellent price, if it's really in as good condition as the seller says.

[hellindc]

Yeah, I bid on it too, but couldn't hang around to up my bid. Congrats to whomever bought it.

[glauber]

Something else will come up. Maybe you can talk the guy who has one in the classifieds into lowering the price a little. It doesn't hurt to ask!


I'll probably hang on to my 148 for another year or two.

[Billiam]

Yeah, I bid on it too, but couldn't hang around to up my bid. #Congrats to whomever bought it.

Sounds like you need to start using esnipe...

esnipe