Overall Comments

Great case to protect your gem; at an affordable price.

Overall Rating

10

Sound

Although I bought this mandolin from Ebay without playing it, which was a big risk, but I had a good feeling about it--especially since the setup was done in Gibson's Nashville shop and the mandolin was tweaked and signed off on by Ray Dearstone. God was smiling on me--this is an AWESOME mandolin--excellent sustain, bark and playability.

Sound Rating

not rated

Appearance

Does not have the fancier appointments of some of the really high-dollar Dearstone models like frilly inlays. Still, has a nice flowerpot on the headstock. Very high-quality, rich finish and nicely etched tailpiece. No pickguard, but I don't like them.

Appearance Rating

9

Customer Service

Custom mandolin--N/A

Customer Service

not rated

Overall Comments

I don't mean to brag on this mandolin because I own it--but God really smiled on me by putting this in my hands. I've had to pry it out of the hands of every picker friend who's played it. It blows away the most expensive mandolin I've every played, a Doyle Lawson signature model Gibson F5.

Overall Rating

10

Sound

This was my first "good" mandolin. I upgraded from a beginner and for the money, this seemed to be the best available. I liked the plain look and mahogany finish. The sound was a little brighter than I wanted, but it also was not extremely expensive. With J74's the sound was an improvement and acceptable. As I got better, it did also. I didn't have experience with any instrument aging, but with play, this mandolin has gotten better.

Sound Rating

9

Appearance

Great looking. At jams, I am often asked what it is and if I will allow another mando player to try it out. I keep a tuner on the headstock so the label is not visible and most people in my are area not accoustomed to MM's. Finish is matte, wood grain is distinctive and fit/finish is good.

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

No need for contact.

Customer Service

10

Overall Comments

This is my everyday, take it to the lake, backyard, hot humid night jam mandolin. The finish is durable, and surprisingly, it doesn't have any significant dings. The sound improves incrementally with play and age. If I lost it, I would look for another rather than subject my Weber to some of the places I take my mandolin. Highly recommended for a learning or backup instrument. I considered it a low end instrument on purchase, but now that I have a better quality mandolin, I am seeing that this is also a pretty good instrument. It is not a Weber or Gibson, but for value, it is a 10.

Overall Rating

10

Sound

I play bluegrass and also own a Gibson F9 for comparison. The Larrivee is much brighter, with a significantly less "woody" sound. On the good side, this means it cuts through when playing with other musicians very well, particularly when miked.

Sound Rating

7

Appearance

Has a wonderful bookmatched back. Very pretty--thumbs up all the way on the aesthetics. This is an early F33 model, so it doesn't have the binding around the headstock like the later F33's do. However, I think it's still a beaut.

Appearance Rating

9

Customer Service

Customer Service

not rated

Overall Comments

On par with a Gibson F5 or custom shop mandolin in terms of looks. In terms of setup, plays very similarly to a Doyle Lawson signature model F5 a friend of mine has. However, considering that I paid about 1/5th the price, I think I got a pretty good deal.

Does not, however, have the resonant low-end sound of, say, my Gibson F9. A much more "crisp" sounding instrument that doesn't sound as subtle. But when it's miked, I'm more than satisfied--and it plays much more easily that any of the three Gibson F9's that I've played.

Overall Rating

7

Sound

I play bluegrass and, obviously, it fits the style perfectly. As with most Gibsons, this has that rich, full, "throaty," "woody," sound. It isn't particularly bright, but I don't mean that as a bad thing. It's a good "full spectrum" mandolin.

Sound Rating

9

Appearance

Straight up, bare bones satin finish. Still, though, the finish is very beautiful with a nice dark flame. It is what it is--and if you like this look, I doubt you'll be disappointed.

Some believe the satin finish makes for better projection, and I tend to believe it--my mandolin has a very good low-end "whomp."

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

Customer Service

not rated

Overall Comments

To my mind, if there are any compromises on this mandolin, they're only cosmetic. The more expensive Gibsons have all kinds of inlays and glossy finishes and all that. If that's what you're into and can afford it, I say go for it. But if you're just looking for tone, this will go toe to toe with any higher end mandolin of double its price or more. My only concern with mine is that it could play a little easier, but I can't fault Gibson with that--I just haven't had the setup tweaked yet.

Overall Rating

9

Sound

I play mostly bluegrass (85%), some old time, a wee bit of Irish. For Bluegrass, this F style really has a great chop. It cuts through the mix absolutely fine for breaks. There is a lot of "complexity" and note definition that makes it, IMO, sound good for anything. I've been playing it a little over a year now. Not really sure if it "broke in" or "opened" up, as it sounded great when I bought it.
I did try a few other MD515s and a MD615 when I bought it. This one seemed to be the best of the ones I tried, so there is a difference from mando to mando, even in the same model number. So try a few and "cherry pick" a good one.

Sound Rating

8

Appearance

I got the "Classic Sunburst" one. I've seen some 515's with just a brown finish. I love the looks of both. The difference between the 515 and the 615's is that the 615 has binding on the back etc. This one (MD515) is very understated, just binding on the front, none on the back or headstock, no pick-guard, really kind of plain. I like that. Good Nitro finish. The finish is thin, so if you aren't careful, it will start to show wear. (some like that, but I like keeping mine shiny and new as possible) but it looks like it will wear well, and look great as it gets older.

Appearance Rating

8

Customer Service

I don't remember the warranty details, but I did register it. Eastman seems like a good company from there emails and presence at festivals and such.

Customer Service

5

Overall Comments

I'm giving it a high eight (I ain't never played a 10, sooo..). I sincerely think this mando holds it's own at any picking party I've been in. I've tried some more "high end" ones, everything from vintage to custom one offs, and honestly (at least at my playing level), I think my Eastman is better sounding, or at least very equivalent to MOST all of them. It's a good affordable instrument.
Personally, I can't see myself upgrading for a long time, or ever. I do have a hankering for a oval hole A style, but I would still keep this one for it's "chop" and solid bluegrass sound.

Overall Rating

8

Sound

I play primarily bluegrass and needed a mandolin that would be tough enough to play outdoors in hot,. humid venues like Florida in the summer without giving up tone and volume. This one is loud, balanced, and has very respectable tone.

Sound Rating

7

Appearance

This model is finished with poly, and a fairly heavy coat. I would have been happier if the finish had been applied a bit more sparingly. I wanted the poly finish for reasons noted above.
Overall the mando is very lovely, and has the appearance of a much pricier instrument. There were no visible flaws in either finish, construction or hardware.

Appearance Rating

8

Customer Service

Steve Perry and I have done business several times over the last few years, and he is great to deal with. The Music Link (parent company for The Loar mandolins) has always seemed to have a good relationship with their authorized dealers, and honors all warrantly claims promptly. I didn't inquire about warranty when I bought the LM500, as it has never been a high priority for me.

Customer Service

8

Overall Comments

This mando is an 8+ in the realm of imported (pacrim) mandolins. By comparison I would give a Rover RM75 a 5, a Kentucky 1000 a 9. On the same scale, a Weber would earn a 12 and a good Sam Bush or Doyle Lawson model a 15.

Overall Rating

8

Sound

I am using this mandolin for mostly mediterranean mandolin solos and Christmas music. I had this mandolin set up professionally to get the best playability. The bridge had to be custom modified to fit the archtop as the one that originally came with the instrument from Saga was for a flat top. The sound is a sweet, woodsy bright, kind of soulful tone. There is consistancy throughout the range of this instrument. It is a very different character compared to my f-hole mandolins. Personally, I love this sound for the European melodies. This mandolin was designed to play Celtic music. I am sure it would excel at this if I were to put it to the test.

Sound Rating

10

Appearance

The mandolin is simply said elegant. The head is inlaid with silver and has ebony and rosewood combined for what I think is a classy art deco look. The black pegs on gold tuners add to the classiness. The fretboard is simple and classic. The woods are top line woods used. The sides and back are beautiful rosewood. The top is a nice carved spruce that is superior to any other carved oval hole A type that I have seen so far. Excellent value.

Appearance Rating

9

Customer Service

I tried calling Saga about the bridge. They said they would send me new one. But it has been two months since I bought this and no new bridge. I am very pleased with the custom bridge that my lutheir had made for me.

Customer Service

3

Overall Comments

This mandolin, because of its sweet sound is getting a lot of playing time. I can see why someone would upgrade from a less expensive mandolin if they were to hear this one. I was not able to appreciate this in some of the other greater than $500 mandolins that I have tried. However, the value in tonality is clearly evident for this Trinity College higher end mandolin. I am giving this overall a 10, as I will be using this mandolin as my standard to rate the sound of other mandolins that I come across.

Overall Rating

10

Sound

I have been playing two imports for 3 years and was satisfied with them for my level of progress, unless I was playing with someone who had a weber, gibson or other higher line mandolin. I play old time and bluegrass. I decided I should reward my practice hours with a better sound, and the Gallatin A is all the mandolin I ever expect to need or desire. The sound is deep, good volume and tone, and to my ear, sounds as good as my friends much more expensive models. $1500 range is nothing to take lightly, but many pay much more for name and cosmetics. I like the plain trim and rich dark stain. Best of all is the woody sound I couldn't find with my other mandolins.

Sound Rating

10

Appearance

Dark wood stain with nitro finish looks much more expensive than it really was. No binding or fancy appointments, but I like the look. Standard case is a vault. I expected to use my fiberglass case, but the Weber case is plenty of protection. Fit and finish is as you would expect in a USA made product.

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

Mandolin Store is so helpful, I probably will never get to interact with Weber.

Customer Service

10

Overall Comments

I am still in the honeymoon window, so I don't take the Gallatin outside at night, anywhere someone might want to play it, etc... This mandolin will be all I will ever need and I can stand next to anyone's highline model and not be ashamed of how it sounds and looks. I spend 3 years trying to get this sound out of an import, and while better players can, I can't.

Overall Rating

10

Sound

It's and A body FF style. It is quite loud with a nice, defined bass response. Also a clean, clear treble response. It plays very well anywhere on the neck. I use a lot of double stop tremolo and it sounds great with any combination of courses!

Sound Rating

8

Appearance

It's attractive in an understated way. The wood was well chosen for appearance but not flashy by any means. The binding and peghead inlay are attractive also and like the wood, understated. The fit and finish is flawless period! I'm not sure what type of finish was used. Nice, whatever it is.

Appearance Rating

9

Customer Service

Customer Service

9

Overall Comments

The interesting thing about this model is that it has two features that make most players cringe. Yet everyone who has played it likes it! It has a bolt on neck and the top was partially pressed before it was carved. I didn't know it until a while after I bought it. It doesn't bother me any, I liked it when I tried it out and that was all I was concerned with! I'm very happy with it.

Overall Rating

8

Sound

Played acoustic. Very nice rich, full sound. The oval hole mandolin sings. Love the playability. Sound gets better the more I play this.

Sound Rating

9

Appearance

Classic black mandolin with gold hardware. Lovely A style mandolin with an F style head. No noticeable finish flaws.

Appearance Rating

9

Customer Service

I have four different instruments from Washburn. Great products. Great value.

Customer Service

9

Overall Comments

I would purchase this mandolin again if given the choice. It is a nice variation on A style mandolins.

Overall Rating

9

Sound

F style acoustic electric mandolin. I play this eirher unamplified or thru a Fender 30 W amp. I usually do not use any effects. I turn the bass down so that the pickup keeps the picking thump to a minimum.
Unamplified the mandolin souns great. Rich and full. I had restrung this one with Flat top strings. These also help keep the fretting souns to a minimum. Especially important for when this is amplified.

Sound Rating

9

Appearance

Beautiful deep red color. Nice wood grain shows thru the transparent finish. F holes are nicely finished. No appearane flaws noted.

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

Customer Service

not rated

Overall Comments

Excellent value, classic shape and finish. Glad to have this mandolin.

Overall Rating

9

Sound

I play in a little church based band and was looking for something with a little more volume to compete a little better with a loud guitar and banjo. We play into a single microphone. So far, it has pretty decent volume and we are all learning to back off a little when another instrument is playing lead.

Sound Rating

7

Appearance

The KM-172 is a plain A-style in a honey color. The top has a smooth, even and shiny finish and is solid spruce. The top seems very thick compared to some other mandolins I have played with. The back and sides are advertized as solid maple, the finish is a solid, monolithic dark red color. The binding on the body and neck is an ivory color with a thin black and white line that almost appears painted in (some of the black bleeds into the spruce top). The neck appears to be of the same material as the back and sides. The fretboard appears to be rosewood with MOP dots on the fretboard. The peghead is a snakehead shape with a MOP and abalone inlay spelling out, in script, Kentucky and with a florally looking design between the G and A Tuners

Appearance Rating

8

Customer Service

All Saga instruments come with a 1 year warranty. I have not had to deal with any repair issues, so have no opinion. I did, however, contact the company about their advertizement. The mandolin was represented as a KM-174 - which is a little higher end finish (maple or mahogany color) but for the same price as the KM-172. It made no difference to me, the models are virtually identical. The picture on their website was of the KM-172, so I received what I thought I was ordering. They did respond fairly quickly to that comment.

Customer Service

not rated

Overall Comments

This A-style mandolin appears to be a good value. The oval hole will not fit in with the traditional bluegrass appearance, but it suits my purposes. It is plain in appearance, which is what I am looking for. The fit and finish seems pretty good. I think finding a solid wood mandolin for $300 is fantastic.

Overall Rating

8

Sound

This is a great instrument for old time outdoor jams. Plays like a mandolin but has that twangy banjo sound. I use a rubber pick indoors to dampen the sound, but for outdoor, especially without amplification, this instrument is a finger saver. I usually have to bear down on my mandolin to be heard over the guitars and other noise when asked to cover a break...not a problem now. Beware, sound is not like a madolin. Probably subs for a plectrum banjo best of all, but with mandolin fretboard and strings.

Sound Rating

9

Appearance

Finish was great. Built-in arm rest, new dark finish on the 850+. Everyone wants to know "what is that thing".

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

Goldtone is great to answer e-mails if you have questions. Warranty is standard, but I can't anticipate any failures. This unit is heavey, well constructed, and I expect it will be an army tank as far as holding up and lasting.

Customer Service

10

Overall Comments

This is a love it or hate it instrument. I was not trying to become a banjo player without learning how to play. I saw some demo's and uploads to YouTube and liked the sound for old time tunes. I still call myself a mandolin player. I have seen reviews that said things like "obnoxious little instrument" and so forth, but my playing partners like to see me unload the 850+, and if anything, I get called on to play more breaks than with my mandolin. Very unique sound, but perfect if you are playing old mountain tunes, fiddle tunes, older bluegrass, etc. Probably would work for Jazz and Ragtime, but I don't play much of either. The 850 is just fun.

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

I was expecting songs with some arrangements. All it is chords, lyrics and melody. I could have just as easily gotten it from the web. Be forewarned!!!!!

Overall Rating

2

Sound

This is a loud, woody, dark, but not a tubby sounding mandolin. Full like a good Cabernet!

Sound Rating

9

Appearance

It has a dark brown finish..Nice and plain.

Appearance Rating

9

Customer Service

No probs for years.

Customer Service

10

Overall Comments

Stiver is one of the BEST Mandolins, if you ever get a chance to buy one....DO IT!!!!!

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

I just got this two DVD set in the mail today and I'm going to give my thoughts on it. I'm going to review both DVDs individually.

DVD # 1-This is taught by Bill Monroe himself. I wouldn't exactly put it in the instructional category. This could easily qualify to be an interview type DVD due to the fact that John Hartford is the host and interviews Monroe about different aspects of mandolin playing and of bluegrass music in general. This is a great DVD just to observe Bill Monroe's hand movements on the fingerboard as he's playing each tune. This DVD closes out with a live performance of Bill Monroe from the White House in 1980. It's absolutely great.

DVD # 2-This is taught by Sam Bush. I would say this is way more instructional than the first DVD. Sam takes every tune from the first DVD and breaks them down step by step and teaches you how to play them. There are also clips of Bill Monroe playing from the first DVD as examples. This is where a lot of the observation from watching DVD # 1 comes into play. This also comes with a tab book with tab of every tune taught in the DVD as well as a brief history on Bill as well as recommended recordings to listen to which is pretty nice.

Overall this is a great DVD set and I would highly recommend it for anyone wanting to learn Bill Monroe's style of mandolin playing.

Overall Rating

9

Sound

I love it! Full rich sound. I use a Dean Markley pick p and a Vox amp for recordind tracks for bands. I play blues and some rock. This fine mandolin was my dad's. I became the care taker in 1969 when he past away.

Sound Rating

10

Appearance

Near mint, a small amount of fading frome time. I have the case t came it.

Appearance Rating

8

Customer Service

Yes I have sent it to Gibson for a new neck and head stock. They took a ver long time. The price was a shock way ovr priced, but no way would I let a local shop go near it. They don't see real wood to often.

Customer Service

7

Overall Comments

I know this is a very nce mandolin. I will never replace it. I do not show it off or let any one play it. I will record for people in my studio.
I nevr put it harms way.

Overall Rating

10

Sound

This mandolin has plenty of volume. The trebles are clear and ringing and cut through the mix. The mids are strong and the bass is decent and also strong, although not overpowering. It has developed a deeper voice in the few months I've had it. Still has more room to go, but sounds great right now. The sound is somewhat bright yet, but not too thin, and it is slowly beginning to develop a small amount of warmth, which I like. It has a good chop sound and the open chords ring with a lot of sustain and resonate very well. The back of mandolin vibrates when playing full chords...you can feel it against your chest.

Sound Rating

8

Appearance

The sunburst blends well on the top, and the finish is fine, although some say it is thick, I don't have any problems with it. The finish was applied well from the factory, and only a few very minor pin-point defects can be noticed when looking for them. The finish under the fretboard extension was rough and not sanded very well, nor was the dark finish applied thoroughly there. I understand this is not an uncommon problem with many mandolins, even some high-end ones. A little black magic marker darkened up the areas where needed. The inlay at the headstock is very well done and looks beautiful. I may upgrade the truss-rod cover (plain black) to a nicer, fancier looking version someday. The tuners are Grovers and work very well, and I don't feel a need to upgrade unless I decide to go with gold tuners some day. The body, neck, and headstock trim is done in ivoroid and is a vintage off-white color that looks like the bindings of a vintage mandolin...it really looks beautiful and sets the looks of the overall appearance just right. I get a little turned off by some guitars that have pure, bright-white plastic binding, so this is a nice refreshing look on the mandolin.

Appearance Rating

9

Customer Service

Purchased this used, so no warranty. I don't anticipate any problems in the future.

Customer Service

9

Overall Comments

An excellent mandolin with a sound that has some vintage qualities to it. It is finished very well and looks to be of decent quality construction. The "F" holes are a little rough on the inside edges, but again this is pretty common on many mandolins from what I understand. Some advocate sanding the inside bottom edge of the "F" holes to improve the sound. I haven't tried this, so can't verify if this is so or not. I've gotten compliments on the sound and the looks from other mandolin players. I am very pleased with this mandolin, which has the sound I am looking for. I traded my Mid-Missouri M-1 mandolin straight up for The Loar, and I couldn't be happier that I didn't have to put out any additional monies to acquire it!

Lastly, this mandolin has a serial #2, which means that it was the first production mandolin to be sold to the public. Mandolin serial #1 was a prototype, and may have been sold later on. The quality is very good, and I imagine that the quality of these mandolins will only improve as more are made and the factory perfects their production techniques.

Overall Rating

9

Sound

This is my travel mandolin, and the one that follows me around the house for playing 5 minutes here and 10 minutes there. It is on the small side, and so the tone can be a bit high and "tinny". Installing GHS Silk and Steels have solved that problem to a large degree. To me, the sound quality is best for Celtic music. Strumming open 2-finger chords sounds especially nice, and I think that the sustain might go on for days if you let it.

Sound Rating

8

Appearance

The MM-8 is very attractive. It has a spruce top, walnut back & sides, mahogany neck, rosewood fretboard and bridge, and Grover tuners.
The neck is a bolt-on, which unnerves some; I have no issue with it.
Also, the satin finish is pleasing to the eye, but shows wear easily---invest in an armrest.

Appearance Rating

8

Customer Service

Mike Dulak is very receptive to customer questions and comments.

Customer Service

10

Overall Comments

I am completely satisfied with this mandolin. This is a solid instrument, and a good purchase.

Overall Rating

8