Classical Mandolin Society of America and First Quality Music announce The 2006 Mandolin Consumer's Survey

By Michael Schroeder
October 10, 2006 - 7:00 am

Classical Mandolin Society of America

Louisville, Kent. — The 20th Annual Convention of the Classical Mandolin Society of America will take place October 18-22, 2006, in Louisville, Kentucky at the Brown Hotel. This convention (the largest gathering of mandolin enthusiasts in the U.S.) will feature as its centerpiece a program called 'Mandolin Consumer's Survey.' This program is intended to compare and measure the acoustic properties of mandolins from various mandolin manufacturers/luthiers.

First Quality Music based in Louisville, Kentucky is a leading retailer of acoustic instruments and carries mandolin models from many mandolin manufactures. On Saturday, October 21, 2006 in the Crystal Ballroom of the Brown Hotel, product samples from mandolin manufacturers/luthiers will be tested and judged by a panel of experts to determine their differences. A single expert player, using a common set of strings and pick, will test-drive each instrument, eliminating all variables except for the sound of the instrument. Judging will score each instruments merits in categories such as volume and tone. Classes of instruments will be arranged those that sell below $2,500 and those that sell at or above $2,500) and 'Gold Medal' winners will be determined within each class.

Award stickers will be produced and placed inside the instruments recognizing them for their award. This is not a new idea—mandolins produced in the late the late 1800s and early 1900s were evaluated in a similar fashion at mandolin expositions in Europe.

This event is intended to aid the mandolin playing community with product selection and showcase the state of the art in mandolin construction. Those interested in having a newly manufactured mandolin presented in the survey should contact the parties above.

For Additional Information Contact:
Mike Schroeder
Classical Mandolin Society of America
(502) 451-0045

Mike Bucayu
First Quality Music
(800) 635-2021 ext. 7122