Purchasing Your Second Mandolin Upgrading From Your First

Subject: Re: Fwd: Morgan Monroe Line
Date: Tue, 21 Dec 2004 10:32:31 -0800

Thanks for the quick response. I'm also confused on the Michael Kelly products. Several model have the " Made in Korea" line in the specs and others do not. Can I assume that if it is made overseas that the disclaimer will be made ? You also list several " discontinued" models. Are you still stocking these until they are gone ?

The discontinued models are left up for reference only; otherwise, we would still get myriad questions about their whereabouts. Additionally, many whom have purchased these original models, like to have a reference to their features and how they compare to the newer models offered.

As far as I know, all of the current MK mandos are made in Korea. When and if they introduce a model made in China, it would and should be listed in their feature list.

Are the Weber models that you list currenly available or are they all items to be ordered?

Because of the Holiday rush, we can only give a current inventory list directly over the phone; otherwise, we have customers that are given a status report by e-mail only to find within the same day, that the model went out the door. By January, we should be able to get back to normal on our online inventory lists. We have mandos that come in direct from the factory that sell within the hour that they arrived. So, as you can see, it's next to impossible to give a current inventory list during the Holidays.

I'll try not to drive you folks crazy with my questions , but I want to make a very informed decision prior to purchasing. I have owned two other mandolins which I finally sold , as I was unhappy with their quality. As is common when one is not happy , I got to the point with both of them that I eventually stopped playing . I don't need to purchase any instrument for prestige or " bragging rights' , I want it to be right for me. My biggest regret is that I didn't do this correctly in the past and have missed years of enjoying a mandolin.

If you weren't happy with two previous mandolins, then I would suggest to go straight to an American-made mandolin. The imports are great to start on, kick around with, and essentially learn on. However, they'll never compare to the quality of American-made mandolins. At least this is my experience to date. Some imports are exceptional, such as the Morgan Monroe and the Michael Kelly...and a few of the higher end Kentuckys...and if set up correctly, can make a superb entry to intermediate level mandolin. Only, there will always be compromises with an import. Weber, Breedlove and Rigel do not compromise...

Wishing you the best in your further research, Mickey

Thanks,

Jim M.

Date: Wed, 20 Nov 2002 11:53:03 -0600

Mickey,

I want to buy a new mandolin. I have a flat Flatiron from the pre-Gibson days that I cherish (I bought it new in 1983). I play mostly guitar, but enjoy the different, lyrical character of the mandolin. After not playing for a while, I have started again, and I'm earning money now--a least a steady income. So, I want to purchase a little finer instrument. I play mostly alone, as a hobbyist, or with one other hobby-level musician. But, I do have an appreciation for quality instruments and think of them as something to hold on to. As a non-professional who will not own a gallery full on instruments, I want a mandolin that is versatile in music styles and playing situations...that is my question for you...what are the features that would make one particular mandolin more versatile that another?

Many thanks,

Ray

Greetings Ray,

The features that differentiate mando to mando, and qualify one over another as versatile follows:

1. Choice of Soundholes:
F Soundholes: adds to a bright crisp tone...more versatile...great for bluegrass, jazz, fiddle tunes, country, etc.
Oval Soundholes: adds to a more open resonant tone...great for Celtic styles.

2. Choice of Woods for back and sides:
Maple: has more projection and crispness of tone...great for bluegrass...and other styles.
Mahogany: more warmth...more mellowness...great for a variety of styles...

3. Body Shape:
F Style: Set the standard within bluegrass settings...great for a variety of styles...more body cavity for sound to travel within...
A Style: Traditional and old-time settings...great for a variety of styles...

4. Type of Bracing:
Tone Bar: Desirable for bluegrass settings...tight and projecting...opens up over time...
X Bracing: More versatile in tonal range...great for a variety of styles...

Hope the above gives you some overview on the many construction characteristics available...

Be sure to get back with me if you have a specific question regarding the above...

Mickey

Date: Mon, 28 Oct 2002 10:31:39 -0500
Subject: New Mandolin

Hey Mickey,
I've been playing mandolin for just about 2 years now, I have a Tyler
Mountain F model, and I'm looking to upgrade. First of all the tone in the
Tyler Mountain isn't quite what I'm looking for, it lacks the bassy chop of
the gibsons and other high end mandos I've played. Being a college student,
however, I don't exactly have the money to buy an F-5 L. What would you
recommend? I really like the small, fast necks and shape of the new gibson
necks as well. I'm thinking about a KM-1000, but would I be better off
looking for a small luthier, or another one you carry?
Chris

Greetings Chris,

Glad to assist if I can:

I haven't really played a Tyler Mountain and therefore cannot pass judgment on how they compare...evidently, you've done your own comparisons...there's no doubt that a well-made solid wood instrument should at the very least have a good chop...with a decent low end. However, even on the high end, I've found that this can be untrue...it pays to do your research.

Both the F-5Ls we currently have in stock do have a solid bluegrass chop with an overall fat sound...these are great value when you compare them with independent makes which are priced at 3-4 times more...

The KM-1000 may or may not be the choice...they're nicely crafted and have an amazing aesthetic appeal...we're eagerly awaiting our first China model to see what kind of improvements have been made...

You might also consider trying a Morgan Monroe MMS-3 at the lowest price with the best value...I've played a few so far and all of them had a decent throaty bluegrass chop...

If you can afford a little more mando, you might consider a Weber Hyalite, a Breedlove Quartz or a Rigel A+ Natural...all of which are made in the US...all priced at around 1k and less...

Always remember, with us you have a full 100% trade-up value...therefore, you can start with a MMS-3 and eventually graduate to a Weber Yellowstone or a Rigel A+ Deluxe...or a Breedlove Premier model...

Hope this helps...Mickey