Sound

Great sound, decent sustain

Sound Rating

9

Appearance

Beautiful!

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

Customer Service

not rated

Overall Comments

What a great starter mandolin. Not much more than the cheapies and has a solid top, back and sides.

Overall Rating

9

Sound

There is a story on this mandolin. I had seen it at Guitar Center at a close out price, but it was a busy weekend day and the sales force was very busy. I went back when they opened Monday morning figuring there wouldn't be a crowd and I could spend as much time as I liked with the instrument.
When I played it, the first string wouldn't do more than buzz. I knew that there had to be an issue. Under close examination I could see that the bridge was cracked. I figured that was a cheap fix, and if that didn't work it could always be. Returned to Saga under warranty for repair, so I bought it.
$30 later for a replacement. Bridge and new strings it sounds like a dream. It is as good as my KM-900, so I have a great instrument at a moderate price.

Sound Rating

10

Appearance

Extremely although I prefer a light sunburst finish.

Appearance Rating

8

Customer Service

Fine.

Customer Service

8

Overall Comments

Love it!

Overall Rating

9

Overall Comments

This pick has become my preferred pick. The corners are good for picking, and the one rounded off edge suits tremolo just fine (at least for me). Just a little flex in this one. Some folks don't like the clear acrylic, but you can get colored versions too; easier to find when dropped. This is a nice pick that won't break the bank.

Overall Rating

9

Sound

I play mostly bluegrass and I have used it once or twice on stage as a back up. This is usually my lay-around-the-houe mando. I practice on this one daily. The sound is full and bright, and it has a nice chop.

Sound Rating

8

Appearance

This mandolin is very attractive. Mostly mahogany construction with a satin finish, it is certainly appealing to look at. The fit and finish are very polished and smooth. I find the headstock to be especially pretty; simple and elegant. This one draws a lot of positive comments.

Appearance Rating

9

Customer Service

N/A

Customer Service

8

Overall Comments

I have been very pleased with this mandolin. It is very attractive, and has good volume and a nice bright tone. Gretsch's YouTube video with Jon Rauhouse shows what this little one can do in the right hands. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3xxrZ94wuU

Overall Rating

8

Sound

I got this mandolin online with a Birthday Gift certificate mainly because I needed to redeem the certificate on Ebay, and I love the look of this natural wood model -- a refreshing change from the usual sunburst mandolins that flood the market.

It is a solid pressed mahogany top and back with f holes, completely unbound and unstained. I love the look. Gretsch calls it part of their "roots" series which are copies of Gretsch New Yorkers from the 1950s.

The sound? Well, not bad for what it is -- a bit darker than my Rover rm50, but rather soft in volume (this might be a problem for some folks, but is great for those who live in, or plan to live in, close quarters like an apartment building). I have only had it for a day, so possibly the volume/tone may develop with more playing. In any case, it's no banjo killer and probably won't irate the neighbors too much.

Sound Rating

7

Appearance

All mahogany wood with what appears to be a clear varnish. Very nice looking wood grain. The finish is lovely to look at -- from a distance at least. Close up, the varnish has some dust specks buried in it, most of which I was able to remove with 0000 steel wool. Overall workmanship seens pretty good, but with a few crudities such as the f holes and the finish under the fingerboard extension.

The f holes are very poorly cut, as if someone did it on their back porch with a barlow knife.

The only inlay is the mother of pearl fret markers (with two dots at both the 7th and 12th frets, something I haven't seen before). There is no binding and the edges of the mandolin are nicely rounded.

The head stock is lovely, with a vintage shape and what appears to be rosewood or ebony overlay with very nice logo, just like the original models. The pick guard is very thick and is a kind of marbled black, not the more transparent tortoise shell imitation that I was expecting from the item description. Looks appropriate to the instrument, however.

Appearance Rating

8

Customer Service

Have not dealt with Gretsch but the folks at Austin Bazaar on Ebay were terrific in handling my initial ordering mistake (I ordered without the gift certificate, then cancelled the order and was issued a refund promptly. I then reordered the mandolin using the certificate). Outstanding Customer Service from the dealer and I wouldn't hesitate to purchase from them again.

As for Gretsch, they offer a limited lifetime warranty on this puppy, which ain't bad for such a low end instrument. .

Customer Service

10

Overall Comments

Over all this is a fine looking instrument with a vintage 50s mojo about it, and with about the tone you'd expect from an all mahogany instrument for under 250 bucks. It isn't gonna set the mandolin world on fire by any means, but it is quite pleasant and I am pleased with it. I think it would probably make a very good beginner instrument, but maybe not loud enough for ensemble playing with fiddles and banjos. Doesn't matter to me, though, since I play mostly alone and don't require a loud mandolin.

It reminds me very much, in both tone and appearance, of some of the better Harmony models from the 50s and 60s. Not a great mandolin, but not a huge price either. You can do worse. I'll be keeping it, if for no other reason than its looks.

UPDATE: After playing this instrument for five days now, I have to say, in baseball terminology, Gretsch may have hit a triple on this mandolin - the tone seems to have deepened and become mellower and woodier (though only marginally louder), or at least I've become more accustomed to it and it seems so. It's developed a nice vintage sound and vibe and I think it may give other low end makers a solid competitor for those wanting an old string band sound and look. I do think, however, Gretsch needs to get better with quality control and eliminate the crude f hole carvings and dust in the finish if they expect to sell a lot of these.

Overall Rating

8

Sound

It has a decent volume commensurate with the depth of the body and the F holes. I found the tone initially bright and punchy but much fuller if using a thicker pick. (I use a 2mm Small Dunlop Stubby.)

This is a lovely instrument. Solidly constructed, it's a comfortable mandolin to play, the neck is neither too thick nor too shallow. The tone is very pleasant as you would expect from a solid maple back and sides and a solid carved spruce top.

Sound Rating

8

Appearance

A highly attractive mandolin, with the usual abalone decoration and maker's logo on the headstock. The fret markers are decorative and somewhat unusual, each one of a different design and very Victorian in appearance.

The finish is flawless with a flamed maple veneer used on the back.. The antique sunburst is warm without being harsh or garish as on some low end or intermediate mandolins.

The hardware is gold plated with a decorative embossment on the top of the tail-piece cover which slides on and off rather than the usual push/pull fitting. The tuners have "crushed ice" pearloid knobs. The gold plating on this instrument is immaculate with no bumps or blemishes.

This is an F5 clone and is very well done. The pickguard is raised away from the body of the instrument by means of a small gold-plated bracket on the underside.

The double binding also adds to the attractiveness of this instrument.

Appearance Rating

9

Customer Service

This instrument comes with a year's warranty.

I've never dealt with Vintage before as I've never needed to, therefore I can't enter a rating..

Customer Service

not rated

Overall Comments

The quality of this mandolin is in excess of its RRP of £459. I count myself very fortunate to have got it so cheap due to the shop's clearance sale.

It compares favourably with more expensive mandolins but I've learned to trust the Vintage brand which has improved considerably over the past 6 or 7 years.

It's a pleasure to play, is very attractive and seems solidly made. As I said, this isn't my first Vintage instrument and it says a lot for the quality emerging from the Dae Won factory.

Overall Rating

8

Sound

So reviled by the mandolin community is Rogue that it isn't even listed as a choice on the long list of brands on this review form -- and yet, it is (so I've read) the largest selling mandolin brand in the U.S. What accounts for this negative reputation? Well, maybe it's the laminated construction, the low price, the thick, heavy finish, and the expectation of lousy tone.

So imagine my surprise when I got this oval hole model on a whim and discovered that the darn thing is actually a remarkably good instrument for the price. Virtually flawless in construction (as far as I can see), well setup (see exception below), and with a very nice, albeit thin, trebley sound. In other words, perfect beginner instrument and a great "beater" IMO, and not at all the "junk" that many folks have referred to on this and other forums.

Sound Rating

7

Appearance

For a poly coated gloss mandolin with a painted on rosette around the sound hole, it looks very nice. Nice, if a bit abrupt sunburst over a nice looking spruce veneer on the top, boring and basically figure-less maple veneers on the back and sides. The finish is thick and of the typical "student" grade found on most low end mandolins, guitars and fiddles. I can live with it.

Appearance Rating

6

Customer Service

Musician's Friend is a fast shipper, has a good return policy and I have no complaints. Haven't had a reason to contact them but they have a good reputation on the Internet. I do not have enough information to give a rating.

Customer Service

not rated

Overall Comments

Look, everybody knows Rogues are bottom of the barrel instruments, and no one is likely to take one to a recording session. But my experience with this one is simply this: it is much better made and much better sounding than it has any right to be, and is better (or as good) as any laminate instrument I've ever seen. In fact, it is competitive with the all wood Rover rm50 I owned in many areas - just as well made (better tuners than the Rover), just as good sounding to my ears (a bit brighter, less "woody," but pleasant due to the oval sound hole, I think) better setup out of the box, and better looking. All at 1/3 the price of the Rover.

Perhaps my experience with good setup isn't typical for these instruments, and is maybe hit or miss when ordering something at this price from an online dealer, but I'm impressed with the thing and will not badmouth Rogue again. They ain't Gibsons or Webers, but neither are they crap, if this oval hole I received is any indicator.

Overall Rating

7

Sound

Good, rich sound with ample volume and a ringing sustain on all strings.

Sound Rating

8

Appearance

Well finished for the price. Near perfection doesn't come in mandolins at this price.

Appearance Rating

8

Customer Service

Robert at Folk Musician provided excellent customer service.

Customer Service

10

Overall Comments

This is a sweet sounding mandolin with great intonation and a ringing sustain. I would easily buy the same thing again from the same dealer.

Overall Rating

9

Sound

sounds great, rich&full

Sound Rating

10

Appearance

looked at 3-4 600s an 700s this is as good as i've seen.

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

not used.

Customer Service

not rated

Overall Comments

robert fear @folk musician was very helpful. will always use his service.

Overall Rating

10

Sound

An A style with wide nut that made play with chubby fingers easier to play. The Mandolin has a full bodied rich sound with good volume. Plays clearly all the way up the neck with no buss. Crisp high notes and deep chop. Great for all music styles.

Sound Rating

10

Appearance

Blonde maple back and sides, black spruce top, rosewood fretboard. Drop dead gorgeous. Superb varnish finish. Nice inlay work on fretboard. Quality craftsmanship.

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

Highly service oriented and extremely helpful and friendly. Many follow up e-mails during shipping and good follow up to check satisfaction. It does not get any better. Great packing job.

Customer Service

10

Overall Comments

Given the quality and sound of the Mandolin this is great value for the price paid. I have tested Mando's at 3 times the price and none looked as good or play as well as the Girouard. The Mando is produced by a husband and wife team and I was attracted to invest in them and the local economy. This company will grow and their products will be in high demand.

Overall Rating

10

Sound

This is the F-style solid wood model by Rover. I bought it based on reviews online. It had a very "woody" sound, not a lot of brightness compared to my friend's Kentucky mandolin. It also wasn't quite as loud as I thought it was when playing it in the store.
It's a good bluegrass starter instrument.

Sound Rating

7

Appearance

It's a very nice looking F-style mandolin. I had the darker finish, not the lighter sunburst finish. The tuners were cheap but functional.

Appearance Rating

6

Customer Service

No issues with the company - never tried to deal with them.

Customer Service

not rated

Overall Comments

It's a decent instrument for the price. Don't expect more than it is and you'll be happy. I keep it in my office for when the mood strikes.
It made me want to buy a better instrument.

Overall Rating

7

Sound

The sound is brilliant and super crisp. There's are marked difference in volume compared to a standard mandolin - in fact, most other acoustics would have to compete with it for volume. While its tone is very much one-of-a-kind, its not necessarily great for any genre, its more of a specialty sound.

Sound Rating

9

Appearance

If you're into odd looking instruments it's a thing of beauty. Definitely a head-turner and sure to get plenty of inquiries from audience members or whoever. Its got a somewhat typical banjo-style head and the rest is all mandolin. its super stubby looking and a bit heavy. Its got the works as far as wood; authentic mother of pearl inlays and ivory pegs; 28 peg silver-plated nickel tone ring. Frankly a prime example of master craftsmanship

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

Customer Service

not rated

Overall Comments

Being quite the instrument enthusiast with a small collection of my own and innumerable encounters with some great instruments, I can truthfully say that this here VEGA "Whyte Laydie" Banjo-Mandolin is the finest instrument I've had the pleasure to know.

Overall Rating

10

Sound

very good all rounder i try and play a selection of all genres

Sound Rating

8

Appearance

lovely looking instrument , sunburst

Appearance Rating

7

Customer Service

Eagle music in the uk was very helpful and always ready to answer any questions , the warranty is a year but the feel of the instrument makes me think i wont be needing it

Customer Service

9

Overall Comments

excellent beginners mandolin at an excellent price , the build makes it feel like a more expensive model

Overall Rating

9

Overall Comments

Although they are expensive, Brossard Picks are certainly worth a try and make for an ideal gift for guitar or mandolin players. There are many options for package sets in the 20-30 dollar range.

I received a set of four Brossard picks as a gift last holiday season. The set included picks made from ebony, rosewood, bone, and horn. Each pick is truly a work of art. They are visually appealing and are designed so that they may be attached to a chain and worn as a necklace or bracelet. The true appeal, however, lies in the sound. The use of exotic materials results in an extraordinary range of timbres and tonal varieties. Each pick is approximately 2.5 to 3 mm thick, so they are well suited to jazz or flatpicking styles. My personal favorites are the bone and ebony picks.

The bone pick has a very clear and pronounced articulation. The tone is loud and clean, and basically jumps out of your instrument. The ebony pick has a similar effect, but is slightly warmer than the bone, with a less punchy sound. The horn pick is more mellow than either the bone or ebony, producing a softer sound perhaps better suited for strumming. The rosewood pick, while beautiful, is too soft for my liking. It is fine for strumming, but does not produce the "pop" of the others.

The only downside to Brossard Picks is that they wear down relatively quickly. This is obviously due to the nature of the materials. I have always been rough on picks, as well, so my personal playing style certainly is partially responsible for the accelerated wear and tear.

Overall Rating

8

Sound

Sounds great for entry level mandolin

Sound Rating

10

Appearance

Nice satin finish, not too shiny.

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

Haven't had any problems, it's under a typical 1-year warranty

Customer Service

8

Overall Comments

All in all, this is a good entry-level instrument. This is the 3rd instrument I've purchased and I got this one because it was acoustic electric and it seemed to get good reviews on the net.

Overall Rating

10

Sound

I play bluegrass, old-time, celtic, folk, rock, whatever. I have had a Stiver F since 1989, and have owned Rigel, Ludewig,Weber, a couple old Gibson A models, a couple Martin A models, a couple Kentuckys, and have played just about everything on my pilgrimages to Elderly Instruments, so I can make some comparisons. Other than my Stiver, this is the best sounding mandolin I have owned, by quite a bit. Loud, full, clear, all the standard adjectives. It is not inferior to my Stiver, nor better, just different. Sweeter sounding is probably the best I can describe the difference. The Pomeroy has a varnish finish, adirondack top, and one piece back, all of which probably help the sound. But Don clearly knows how to make mandolins; this is a wonderful sounding mandolin.

Sound Rating

10

Appearance

This is a beautiful mandolin. Top of the line everything. Triple bound front, back and headstock, bound fretboard, sunburst is lighter brown than the traditional dark Gibson look, but not as light as my 1984 Stiver. Gold hardware, James tailpiece, nice flowerpot headstock inlay, topnotch workmanship on everything.

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

When I got it, I emailed the maker, Don Paine in Colorado. He was very helpful and friendly.

Customer Service

not rated

Overall Comments

Pomeroy is not as well known a name as some makers, but I have played a lot of mandolins and this is absolutely among the top tier of small shop mandolins.

Overall Rating

10

Sound

Have had for a few weeks. I bought this one to add an acoustic/ electric to the mix. It's perfect electrified thru my Fender Acoustasonic SFX. What really knocks me out is the tone acoustically. Really good high end and perfect low end. A great mandolin for a reasonable price. Best asian model I've played. This is Dennis own line. Dennis and the guys are great people. They really want to see you happy. The neck width is in between your regular 1 1/8" and 1 3/16" wide neck. The 1 3/16 is too big for me but the 1 5/32" this one has is real comfortable. Check them out and take one for a drive.

Sound Rating

10

Appearance

This mandolin was one of the prettiest mandolins I've seen. It has a cremona sunburst top which I would describe as brown around the edge and light yellow in the middle. highly figured curly maple back and sides. Abalone binding on back,sides and neck.

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

It comes with a lifetime warranty. I've dealt with The Mandolin Store for a good while and I'm sure tha they would take care of any issues.

Customer Service

10

Overall Comments

You really ought to give one a try. You won't be disappointed.As a matter of fact, I have the deluxe american made LF-5D on the way and can't wait!!!

Overall Rating

10

Sound

This instruments chirps and sparkles like a mandolin should. I imagine it will only get better with age. It's certainly superior to cheapo mandolins that sound like cardboard. I play in church, accompanying a piano, bass, and guitar that are all amplified in some fashion-- but this mandolin needs no amplification.

Sound Rating

9

Appearance

The tobacco-y satin "vintage" finish is beautiful. The problem is that the finish is fragile. I used a plastic peg winder when changing strings, and this easily caused the finish to flake off the headstock. Boo! But that's not all. The finish does not like moisture or humidity. Watch out if you sweat-- you'll get cloudy spots very much like the ring left by a cold glass of water on varnished wood. The finish gets downright gummy in places. My reaction so far has been to hand buff the surfaces with guitar polish. The finish sort of slushes around and re-solidifies. It's stable now, but sheesh....

Appearance Rating

4

Customer Service

I sent a message about the finish to Eastman over a month ago. It was a polite note, starting out with a compliment about the instrument. Then it continues"...and by the way there's an issue with the finish, etc." Never heard a peep back from them.

Customer Service

1

Overall Comments

Are you reading this Eastman? It would serve you well to respond to customer inquiries. It's a good little instrument. In retrospect, it may have been wiser to step up to the next level, which has a solid gloss finish.

Overall Rating

7

Overall Comments

A great camp--short but intense and you can learn a lot. Roland White is teaching mandolin this year--can't wait! www.acousticmusiccamp.com

Overall Rating

9

Sound

Rich full sound

Sound Rating

9

Appearance

custom leather finish- lovely

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

Played great for years- then a slight buzzing from one side of floating fret board rising>
weber was great- did the repairs free with no hassel

Customer Service

10

Overall Comments

I do not have any reference to compare this to, or I'm sure it would be a 10

Overall Rating

9