Re: Getting into Mandocello
Unfortunately, you may have a tough time finding a mandocello for sale within a few hours of Omaha, which means that you're going to be taking on a new instrument without being able to road test it to see if your dream will come true.
So, it's going to be really important to buy a mandocello from a music store that is known for setting up their instruments well. Fortunately for you, most of the major mandolin stores that get mentioned regularly here are Eastman dealers. Unfortunately, though, they don't always have an Eastman mandocello in stock, and if they do, the shipping cost will be comparable to that of a guitar, rather than a mandolin.
re: the pick-up: I'm a huge fan of the K&K Minis, which I have put in several of my guitars. However, it is impossible to install one in an instrument with f-holes and is pretty challenging even with a mandocello's oval hole. They're really designed to be installed through the soundhole of a guitar.
There are luthiers who make a great mandocello, but not at anywhere near the price of an Eastman. That's just PacRim economics.
I agree that the oval hole "would work best to get the low growl," but I also agree with meow-n-dolin that the tone will cut through more with f-holes. So, it just depends on what you prefer.
re: mandola vs. mandocello: I agree with Jim that the mandocello has more overlap with guitar than mandola does, but it extends on the low end of the range, rather than the high end. Since you said that your trio is already treble-heavy, that may be a significant difference for you. Now that you have a mandola, you can try it out and see how much it overlaps with your other two bandmates --- assuming that you can actually get together with your trio these days. If you're happy with it, save your money. If you aren't, then let the hunt begin.
Enjoy the ride!
still trying to turn dreams into memories
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