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Thread: ZETA acoustic mandolin question

  1. #1
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default ZETA acoustic mandolin question

    I noticed this ZETA mandolin in the classifieds and was wondering what the plastic "trapdoor" was below the button on the back. When I first saw this when they came out I assumed it was part of the electronics but this does not have that.

    Is it for access to the bolt on neck?

    https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/166037#166037

    I have been impressed by the videos I have seen of them.
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

  2. #2
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    Default Re: ZETA acoustic mandolin question

    While I can't confirm the access, I would say it would be for the bolt on neck.
    THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE!

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  4. #3
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: ZETA acoustic mandolin question

    The electronics are either side of the endpin in two separate compartments. It almost has to be for the neck. From the website:

    An internal 9-volt battery provides over 1,000 hours of service on average and is flush mounted in a special high-impact plastic case located to the left side of the endpin for easy access and battery changes. The 1/4″ output jack is also mounted on the side of the mandolin, right of the endpin.
    The preamp appears to be included in the jack compartment.

    https://zetaviolins.com/mandolin-acoustic
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  6. #4
    Registered User darylcrisp's Avatar
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    Default Re: ZETA acoustic mandolin question

    my $ goes on neck attachment points. i like the concept and i'm sure if it is such, its a solid design. has me wondering if there might even be possibility of insertion of shims to adjust neck angle if one wanted.

    i like the looks and sounds of this mando a lot. i think it has some very strong points, would love to play one.
    i like the headstock inlay mucho!
    classy look all around.

    d

  7. #5

    Default Re: ZETA acoustic mandolin question

    I’ve played one of these. If I needed a mandolin I could plug in, this would be it. Zeta makes great stuff.
    Ellis A5 Tradition, Red Diamond F5, Duff F5, D35, Gliga violin.
    http://www.michaelromkey.com
    http://www.bucktownrevue.com

  8. #6
    I really look like that soliver's Avatar
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    Default Re: ZETA acoustic mandolin question

    Quote Originally Posted by pops1 View Post
    While I can't confirm the access, I would say it would be for the bolt on neck.
    I was thinking the same... I have a memory of reading that somewhere.
    aka: Spencer
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  9. #7
    Administrator Mandolin Cafe's Avatar
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    Default Re: ZETA acoustic mandolin question

    Here's the news release with some comments from Steve Carlson about the mandolin.

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  11. #8
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: ZETA acoustic mandolin question

    Aha, I see mention of a "Proprietary Tone Port", fancy name for bolt on access? If it is intended as a sound port to give the player feedback, I don't get how the location would be helpful.
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

  12. #9
    Registered User Steve Carlson's Avatar
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    Default Re: ZETA acoustic mandolin question

    Quote Originally Posted by Charles E. View Post
    Aha, I see mention of a "Proprietary Tone Port", fancy name for bolt on access? If it is intended as a sound port to give the player feedback, I don't get how the location would be helpful.
    And we have a winner! Congratulations Charles E. We've been waiting for the first player contemplation regarding our mention of 'Proprietary Tone Port', and Charles nailed it. This 'Tone Port' is in fact a cover plate over the ZETA Mando bolt-on neck access. The name however, came from the 'tonal' adjustment access provided by all 3 'non-traditional' holes in the instrument, ie Battery Tray, Preamp/Jack-Plate and Neck Access.

    While our ZETA Mandos are both deflection tested/tuned and tap-tuned . . . we also string and play each instrument in the white . . . and can easily further adjust the interior top, back, tone bars, etc as desired. Finished instrument can also be adjusted from any of these 3 access or . . . should I say . . . 'Tone Ports'. Here's a look at one of our 'adjuster' tools.

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    Early on deflection testing was a beneficial and interesting part of ZETA's Mando project as we had the opportunity to test and gather data from a good number of nice instruments who conveniently lined up and 'volunteered' a peak into their personalities. Here are a few pics . . .

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    The amalgamation of info and data was/is both meaningful and fun to sift thru, and data collection and parsing remains an ongoing process.

    For ZETA mandolins build process . . . carving and deflection 'tuning' to specs, combined with 'tap tuning' tops w/tone bars placed, is giving us wonderful consistency in the final instrument . . . and a base for controlled adjustments as we go forward.

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    All the best,

    Steve

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  14. #10
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: ZETA acoustic mandolin question

    Steve, that is awesome! Thanks. Um... do I win a new mandolin?
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

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    Default Re: ZETA acoustic mandolin question

    Made my day Charley!!

  16. #12
    Registered User mingusb1's Avatar
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    Default Re: ZETA acoustic mandolin question

    Really interesting Steve, thanks. And way to go Charley--if you happen to have won 2 mandolins send one on up!

    Z
    Member since 2003!

  17. #13
    Registered User Russ Jordan's Avatar
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    Default Re: ZETA acoustic mandolin question

    With the recent thread on Flatiron Va Montana Gibson, and seeing Steve Carlson’s name, I was reminded of the Zeta mandolins he was building a couple of years back.

    Are the Zeta mandolins still being made? I did a search and didn’t notice any for sale.
    Last edited by Russ Jordan; Nov-25-2022 at 9:11am.
    Russ Jordan

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  19. #14
    Registered User Steve Carlson's Avatar
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    Default Re: ZETA acoustic mandolin question

    Quote Originally Posted by Russ Jordan View Post
    With the recent thread on Flatiron Va Montana Gibson, and seeing Steve Carlson’s name, I was reminded of the Zeta mandolins he was building a couple of years back.

    Are the Zeta mandolins still being made? I did a search and didn’t notice any for sale.
    With the reopening of many performance venues worldwide (early 2022) our ZETA violin sales went through the roof, forcing us to focus all efforts to meeting demand. That, combined with a complicated (to say the least) work force situation, served to put mandolins on hold for the moment. Very frustrating as our F model was/is ever so close to fruition.

    Now, almost a year later and hard to imagine, it is worse. Cost of living in Bozeman, escalating wages, etc. (I'm sure you see it all around you) . . . it seems all things have conspired to a level placing serious limits on our production capacity . . . for now.

    Ever an optimist . . . I continue (in whatever spare time I can find) to work on our mandolin models, remaining confident there will be news of some serious 8-string progress in the future. Hopefully in 2023.

    All the best and Merry Christmas to all,

    Steve

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  21. #15
    Registered User Russ Jordan's Avatar
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    Default Re: ZETA acoustic mandolin question

    Thanks, Steve. Best wishes on mandolin production going forward!
    Russ Jordan

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