JBovier Electric Mandolins

By JBovier
July 29, 2009 - 10:45 am

JBovier Stringed Instruments EMC (left) and ELS (right) models

Walton, Ky. — JBovier Stringed Instruments is proud to announce the availability of a new line of electric mandolins. An homage to the highly sought after vintage Mandocaster electric mandolins of 30 to 50 years ago, the new 4-string EMC model (pictured in classic cream finish), and the hybrid ELS (shown in sunburst), the two prototypes were the hit of the recent July Summer NAMM show in Nashville, Tennessee.

Receiving initial rave reviews from industry experts and many of the local professional attendees, the two instruments drew accolades for their smartly ergonomic design, fantastic tone, cosmetic mojo, and playability.

List Priced at $799, the two instruments are expected to street price each at $599 with a deluxe gig bag, or a slight upcharge for Access rectangular hardshell case.

Jeff Cowherd of JBovier reports, "There has been such tremendous interest in JBovier E-mandos after NAMM that we have begun accepting 'pre-orders' with a tentative arrival date of November. Upgrades and positive revisions (to the prototypes) have already been made for the first batch, based on positive suggestions at NAMM from players that were extremely impressed."

Both will feature dual pickups and 3-way switch (not pictured on EMC prototype), with improved configuration of the controls, the volume knob closest to the bridge for easy "violin" volume swells, the selector switch closer to the perimeter to avoid contact or collision while strumming, and tone knob ergonomically between. A larger pickup cavity will be cut and "blank" pick-guards made available to allow do-it-yourself pickup modifications for those desiring custom upgrades, such as a Seymour Duncan "Antiquity" Mandocaster p/u, or a mix with a chrome humbucker, (etc).

The ELS model will sport a rosewood fretboard on future models, the EMC model will have maple, with .080 frets and fingerboard dots at frets 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, and higher. Headstocks include the signature logo, string spacer (EMC only), and deluxe tuners (Optional Sperzel "Sound-Lok" tuners shown).

Standard finishes include Sunburst and Cream; future colors may be available upon request, and plans for prototype 5-string versions of both models are already in process. Instruments will be available through many reputable JBovier dealers in November, pre-order information available soon.

Additional information:
emando@jbovier.net
(859) 801-9581