I've read where these late 70's Japanese mandolins get some love and respect, but I was surprised enough to be blown away, and I may soon fall under the spell of this one, due to its unique voice.
It arrived Monday IIRC, I opened the box Wednesday and had a look, then yesterday I installed its original pick guard and strung it up. I played with it awhile and worked at settling the strings down. Picked it up this morning and spent a few minutes tuning and testing it a bit.
What I like about it: Sustain forever. A ringing quality and clarity to the notes. A super feel to the neck, good action, very easy to play. A light touch goes a long way. I like the original case, with a lone Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels sticker. I like the condition, hardly a scratch anywhere, though the back of the neck and the notched frets and the sweat-marred tailpiece cover says somebody played it often.
I also like the imitation tortoise headstock veneer & pickguard, and the abalone appointments look nice.
My wife likes the sound, says it sounds "more melodic" to her than the Washburn I've been playing. No surprise there, I'm sure. The Washburn is a truly entry level instrument that's overbuilt and I have had to work hard at getting anywhere near the tone I want from it.
A big thanks to Chris Bowsman for this little beauty; he even scooped the Florida for me before shipping it.
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