MAS and short scale mandolins

[mark sinkoff]

I`m looking for info/suggestions re: mandolins with a shorter scale length ~13 " as opposed to ~ 14". I`m familiar with the martin A style ,but would would like to see what`s out there before I commit. I would prefer an oval hole or a mando with a side sound port . I anticipate using this mando primarily for classical pieces and am open to new and used mandolins. my budget is a max $2000. I am currently quite happy with both my breedlove f with a wide neck(used mainly with for rock/celtic) and my mowry f hole (for my attempts at jazz and choro). Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

[pheffernan]

My first thoughts are the old Lyon & Healy mandolins. They came in various levels of trim, from A to C, and in both 13" and 13.75" scales. There are several in the classifieds, but one that specifies the short scale is Andy Marshall's asymmetrical model (albeit above your budget) here: http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/80958.

[fatt-dad]

earlier this year (or late last year), Dave Cohen built a red, 13-in scale, arch-top, oval hole mandolin with 1-in nut. For a small-handed picker, which I'm not. That said, it was just great, but over your budget.

f-d

[JeffD]

I second the recommendation of the Lyon and Healy mandolins. They are beautiful, and have a wonderful sound. I have mine strung with Thomastic mediums and I love love love the sound. Very much like a fine bowlback, sweet but assertive.

[Jim Garber]

I third.... L&H C should be in your price range. Otherwise, you might contact Marty Jacobson and see what he can do for you in your price range with a classically-voiced (or voiced the way you like it) short-scale mandolin with a sound port.

[mark sinkoff]

thanks for the suggestions, the "L&H" in the classifieds is a looker but unfortunately above budget. I will definitely follow up re: other "L&H" models and look into a custom build.

mark

[pheffernan]

thanks for I will definitely follow up re: other "L&H" models and look into a custom build.

This one is under budget, but the scale is uncertain: http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/77303.

[allenhopkins]

My Strad-O-Lin's a 13.5 inch scale, but doubt you could easily find an oval-hole one; most were f-hole. Another vintage mandolin with a scale length around 13.5 is the Weymann mandolute.

[morgan]

The Vega Style C would fit your budget and Vegas are popular with classical players, but, as noted above, scale length varies. The Vega cylinder backs are also popular but I think (???) they are always at longer scale. Also consider a Howe Orme mandolinetto. They're hard to find, so much so that price is not well established and asking prices vary wildly, so you'd have to be patient to get one at a good price. They show up every now and then on the cafe. Players Vintage Instruments always has a few but generally at fairly high prices. Great little instruments with a big sound.

I believe that a lot of the old teens/twenties flatbacks have short scales too. Some of them can sound quite good and there is not that much of a market, so prices tend to be lower.

A friend has an oval-hole strad-o-lin and it's very nice, but, as Allen says, good luck finding another!

[billhay4]

Try Marty Jacobson. Great guy and will build you what you want for a good price. Here.
Bill

[Jim Garber]

This one is under budget, but the scale is uncertain: http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/77303.

I think that that L&H style C may be sold. I checked on the Banjo Hangout and I don't see it there. You can always ask that seller what the scale is.

[peter.coombe]

Again, Lyon and Healy is the direction to go, although you are going to find it difficult to find one in your price range. I have a short scale L&C reproduction in the works, but that will take a while to make and be out of your price range.

[fatt-dad]

have you considered trying a capo on the first fret and re-tuning to get the idea of short scale performance?

f-d

[pheffernan]

Again, Lyon and Healy is the direction to go, although you are going to find it difficult to find one in your price range.

Andy Marshall's asymmetrical A is down to "asking $2300" now: http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/81337.

[Jim Garber]

Andy Marshall's asymmetrical A is down to "asking $2300" now: http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/81337.

It is odd that he starts the description saying the scale is 13" but at the end he says it is 13.75". I would assume that is just an editing error. Most asymmetrical L&Hs are 13" with the exception of some uncommon transitional ones.

[pheffernan]

It is odd that he starts the description saying the scale is 13" but at the end he says it is 13.75". I would assume that is just an editing error. Most asymmetrical L&Hs are 13" with the exception of some uncommon transitional ones.

I noticed and thought the same, especially as he had previously listed a symmetrical L&H with the 13.75" scale.

[morgan]

I checked with Andy and he told me that the scale is 13 inches. He is in the enviable position of selling three Style As in a few days; it was probably just a cut and paste error. Close examination of the linked photos suggests it may actually be a Tonk Bros Washburn with a Lyon & Healy tailpiece. I think the absence of pick guard and leg rest may suggest the same?

[pheffernan]

I just noticed that MandoMutt has a Newell Custom A with a 13" scale in budget: http://www.mandomutt.com/products-pa...ewell-custom-a.