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Upgrading my mandolin

Posted: Sun Apr 02, 2017 9:51 am
by Fergmaun
I have a Mandolin by Blue Moon Model number: BM-05 I would like to upgrade.

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Any one recommend reasonable price mandolin in Ireland or UK the A style with oval sound hole.

Wood used for
Neck
Fingerboard
Top
Bridge
Back
Sides

Nut/Saddle
Tailpiece
Geared tuner

Specifications
Nut width:
Width at 12th fret:
Scale length:
Max body depth:
Body width:
Number of Frets:
Overall body length:

Cheers

Fergus

Re: Upgrading my mandolin

Posted: Sun Apr 02, 2017 10:30 am
by s1m0n

Re: Upgrading my mandolin

Posted: Sun Apr 02, 2017 10:51 am
by Fergmaun
Yes I have listed also the same topic on the www.mandolincafe.com/forum as well.

Cheers

Fergus

Re: Upgrading my mandolin

Posted: Sun Apr 02, 2017 4:45 pm
by Kypfer
Fergmaun wrote:I have a Mandolin by Blue Moon Model number: BM-05 I would like to upgrade.

Image

Any one recommend reasonable price mandolin in Ireland or UK the A style with oval sound hole.


Cheers

Fergus
I upgraded from this very model to a Barnes & Mullins "Abbot" BM400 ... totally satisfied :)

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Admittedly it's got a circular sound-hole, but the significantly deeper body, 3" opposed to 2.25" gives far better response on the bass strings. I doubt you'd do better for the price!

Re: Upgrading my mandolin

Posted: Mon Apr 03, 2017 3:22 am
by Fergmaun
When I said
"Any one recommend reasonable price mandolin in Ireland or UK the A style with oval sound hole"
Around £100 to £500 price range.

Re: Upgrading my mandolin

Posted: Mon Apr 03, 2017 4:11 am
by kkrell
Perhaps an Eastman MD304. Just outside your range at retail, but perhaps a deal can be found?

http://www.scayles.co.uk/ProductDetails?ID=MjI2Mg==

https://www.eastmanguitars.com/mandolins-a-style-md304
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Re: Upgrading my mandolin

Posted: Mon Apr 03, 2017 4:18 am
by kkrell
If you can stand F-holes, than The Loar has some products in A-style.

Re: Upgrading my mandolin

Posted: Mon Apr 03, 2017 4:30 am
by Thomaston
I'm really tempted to "upgrade" to an oval hole myself, but realistically I'm halfway skeptical that anything would really be much of a step up from my Fullerton Gloucester. Are oval holes actually louder than mandolins with f holes, or is it more aesthetics?

I looked at this one in the link below, but the description seems to contradict itself. Can it really be said to be in good structural condition if there is "top sinkage?"
https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/109466#109466

Re: Upgrading my mandolin

Posted: Mon Apr 03, 2017 4:51 am
by kkrell
Thomaston wrote:I looked at this one in the link below, but the description seems to contradict itself. Can it really be said to be in good structural condition if there is "top sinkage?"
https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/109466#109466
No. I'd think it would indicate either extreme humidity issues, a problem with bracing, or the neck tilting down in towards the soundhole.

Re: Upgrading my mandolin

Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2017 3:59 am
by Fergmaun
Was thinking about this Mandolin Gold Tone GM-50 A Style.
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Or a mandolin similar looking to my Freshwater Irish Bouzouki

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Cheers

Fergus

Re: Upgrading my mandolin

Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2017 4:01 am
by Fergmaun
Found this link on the forum http://www.johnalveyturner.co.uk/page5.html mandolins for sale.

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I like the look of this one
Price £195 anyone know anything or about this mandolin or even recognise the maker.

Cheers

Fergus

Re: Upgrading my mandolin

Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2017 11:10 am
by Fergmaun
What is the different between the Eastman MD304 mandolin and the PILGRIM VPMA60 REDWOOD SERIES A-STYLE MANDOLIN.

Both look very similar

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Cheers

Fergus

Re: Upgrading my mandolin

Posted: Sun Apr 30, 2017 11:15 am
by Fergmaun
I have now decided to get the Secondhand Kentucky KM 172 Mandolin from Hobgoblin Music £299 with gig bag.

Mandolin will be delivered next week by Parcel Force.

Cheers

Fergus