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Thread: Blem Mandolins

  1. #1

    Default Blem Mandolins

    Hi guys! I've decided to get a mandolin probably from The Mandolin Store. I was wondering how often the Eastman blems come up? I'm trying to be patient and wait until I can snatch up one of those!

  2. #2
    Registered User Pappyrich's Avatar
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    Default Re: Blem Mandolins

    You should probably talk to the guys at The Mandolin Store. My experience with them tells me they will do everything they can to help you get the mandolin you want at the best price possible.
    Richard

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    Default Re: Blem Mandolins

    Yes, talk to the guys there. Those tend to come in bunches with limited #s, iirc, so it would be a good idea to get on a list with them (if they anticipate future blem options), or get some guidance otherwise if they don’t think they’ll be getting any blems for a while...
    Chuck

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    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Blem Mandolins

    Bernunzio Uptown Music has been known to get B stock Eastman mandolins in the past...

    https://bernunzio.com/

    You might want to give them a call.
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

  5. #5

    Default Re: Blem Mandolins

    If you’re going to talk The Mandolin store do it soon, they’re closing

    NOTE FROM MANDOLIN CAFE: this information is not true.
    Last edited by Mandolin Cafe; Dec-15-2020 at 8:20am.

  6. #6

    Default Re: Blem Mandolins

    What? I've been put of the loop, but this???
    Jim

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    Orrig Onion HonketyHank's Avatar
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    Default Re: Blem Mandolins

    Quote Originally Posted by Donn1958 View Post
    If you’re going to talk The Mandolin store do it soon, they’re closing
    What? Rumor control, come in. please.

    Are you possibly thinking that they are closing their Surprise, AZ, store? They already did that early this year and they are now in Goodlettsville, TN.
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    Default Re: Blem Mandolins

    Quote Originally Posted by Donn1958 View Post
    If you’re going to talk The Mandolin store do it soon, they’re closing
    Really? I have not heard that.
    Yet to be confirmed.
    This would be a great loss to the mandolin world.
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    Administrator Mandolin Cafe's Avatar
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    Default Re: Blem Mandolins

    The information posted above about The Mandolin Store closing is not true. I spoke to Dennis not two minutes ago. He was as surprised and confused to hear this as we were. That discussion ends here. Back to topic, please.

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  11. #10

    Default Re: Blem Mandolins

    I bought a blem from TMS a few years ago. I think that is a wise thing to do, as you can get a better mandolin that way. The blemish on mine is not easily visible at all, and it makes no difference in the sound. Hang in there, Gardenmaid. I would also recommend calling TMS and talking with them.

  12. #11

    Default Re: Blem Mandolins

    They also get used ones. If you contact them and let them know what you are looking for when something comes up they can let you know.

  13. #12
    Worlds ok-ist mando playr Zach Wilson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Blem Mandolins

    A call to TMS would be best. But at the very least, get on their email list. I've seen communication about deals, blends, etc. through there many times.

    Happy Hunting!

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    Default Re: Blem Mandolins

    Quote Originally Posted by SOMorris View Post
    ...The blemish on mine is not easily visible at all, and it makes no difference in the sound...
    Geez, the mandolins I bought all seem to have acoustic blemishes: fluffed notes, unreliable timing, slow tempos, haphazard chords...

    Couldn't be my playing skills, could it? Those "blems" aren't visible, but they're sure audible!
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  16. #14
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    Default Re: Blem Mandolins

    Quote Originally Posted by allenhopkins View Post
    Geez, the mandolins I bought all seem to have acoustic blemishes: fluffed notes, unreliable timing, slow tempos, haphazard chords...

    Couldn't be my playing skills, could it? Those "blems" aren't visible, but they're sure audible!
    This is why it's great to purchase used. That way, you can hope the previous owner left some good riffs in there.
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    Default Re: Blem Mandolins

    I got my first mandolin (a Kentucky) on eBay. There was a seller who somehow had access to seconds and blems from Saga. Not sure if this is still “a thing” or not and I forgot the account he sold under (my eBay history doesn’t go back that far either). Point being, look around on eBay and see if you can find some sellers like this.
    ...

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    Default Re: Blem Mandolins

    I am confident that it is possible to get a decent deal on a blem on eBay and I also know from experience that you can get a bum deal on a blem on eBay. One person's "damage" is another person's "blemish". If you can work with any of our established advertisers here on MC, I heartily recommend it, even if it costs a few bucks more than eBay.

    It's funny how a "finish crack" can go right through the wood. And subsequently grow.
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  21. #17
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Blem Mandolins

    Quote Originally Posted by Caleb View Post
    I got my first mandolin (a Kentucky) on eBay. There was a seller who somehow had access to seconds and blems from Saga. Not sure if this is still “a thing” or not and I forgot the account he sold under (my eBay history doesn’t go back that far either). Point being, look around on eBay and see if you can find some sellers like this.
    Over the years Saga has had a a half dozen eBay ID's they've sold their 2nds and blems under. I would guess that your seller was one of those ID's. I will note that I seriously doubt they would ever admit to owning those ID's.
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  22. #18

    Default Re: Blem Mandolins

    Quote Originally Posted by allenhopkins View Post
    Geez, the mandolins I bought all seem to have acoustic blemishes: fluffed notes, unreliable timing, slow tempos, haphazard chords...

    Couldn't be my playing skills, could it? Those "blems" aren't visible, but they're sure audible!
    Yes I have heard those kinds of blemishes on Gilchrists, Loars, Dudenbostels, Montelleones, etc. It is amazing what seems to get past those guys. You would think top tier mandolin makers would have that under control.

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  24. #19
    Eschews Obfuscation mugbucket's Avatar
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    Default Re: Blem Mandolins

    Quote Originally Posted by allenhopkins View Post
    Geez, the mandolins I bought all seem to have acoustic blemishes: fluffed notes, unreliable timing, slow tempos, haphazard chords...

    Couldn't be my playing skills, could it? Those "blems" aren't visible, but they're sure audible!
    Well, if the Shmergel Devastator line should ever release a "blem", all of those problems will still exist, but no one will notice due to the magnificence of it's appearance.
    Despite the high cost of living, it still remains popular...

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    Default Re: Blem Mandolins

    Quote Originally Posted by mugbucket View Post
    Well, if the Shmergel Devastator line should ever release a "blem", all of those problems will still exist, but no one will notice due to the magnificence of it's appearance.
    Blasphemy! Mentioning the glorious Shmergel Devastator in proximity to the word "blem." May your fingertips peel and every note you play fall flat!
    Make America Grateful Again!

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  28. #21
    Registered User Russ Donahue's Avatar
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    Default Re: Blem Mandolins

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Screenshot_2020-12-18 Any recent sightings of a Schmergel .png 
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ID:	190621

    Lest we forget our lore, the above is guidance from The Cafe Authority on this marvelous instrument.
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  30. #22
    Eschews Obfuscation mugbucket's Avatar
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    Default Re: Blem Mandolins

    Quote Originally Posted by Russ Donahue View Post
    Blasphemy! Mentioning the glorious Shmergel Devastator in proximity to the word "blem." May your fingertips peel and every note you play fall flat!
    Too late Russ, my age, arthritis and ability (or lack of) - are way ahead of your curse!
    Despite the high cost of living, it still remains popular...

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    Default Re: Blem Mandolins

    I purchase a blem Loar LM-700 from Sun Valley Guitars. Saved $250.00. Totally satisfied. Only very minor cosmetic blem. Properly setup before shipment.

  33. #24
    rock in rôle Paul Statman's Avatar
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    Smile Re: Blem Mandolins

    Quote Originally Posted by Mitch Stein View Post
    This is why it's great to purchase used. That way, you can hope the previous owner left some good riffs in there.
    Maybe not riffs, but some tone, if you're lucky!

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