NMD-Eastwood Mandocaster Ltd

[Mike Scott]

I opted for the metallic green mandocaster. Now, the only other electric instrument I have (ever played) is a cheap lap steel I bought when I was waiting for my first dobro to be built. Can't play that one worth a lick except in GBEgbe. Anyway, at first I was not impressed with the Mandocaster. Although the set up was spot on with no adjustment to intonation needed. It is pretty but just didn't like the somewhat metallic tone (for lack of a better description). I was playing it through my Orange Crush 12L mini amp. I tried my Vox head phone amp as well. I bought this to use for travel because with the headphone amp I assumed it would be quiet to others, plus I figured that humidity changes would not have as great an impact as on an acoustic. I played it for an hour and a half or so....... Kind of thought I may send it back.

Fast forward to today. Got the amp set up a bit better, played around with the 3 way switch on the mandocaster and voila I LIKED IT! Still not the same as my fully acoustic mandolins (but then again - why would it). It sounded best on some Beatle tunes and more modern country rock sort of stuff. I don't sing much so most of what I play is melody. It will definitely get more play than just for travel. I'm pretty happy with it! Would be happy to answer questions for others curious about these too. Love the color. Fit and finish gets a thumbs up too!

Probably more than you care about.....

[lflngpicker]

Mike, That sounds like it would be a lot of fun, and creative options present themselves with that mandocaster. Enjoy it!

[Mike Scott]

Thanks Dan! That Country Boy you got should prove to be an excellent mando. I have only heard great things about them.

[maxr]

Mike - these electric mandolins appear to be made with any retailer name you want on the headstock and a few variations in the switching etc, but I think the Eastwood ones have the coolest colours. I suspect they might all be from one Chinese factory. I have a Thomann branded (big EU music retailer) 'Harvey Benton' one in very sudden sunburst (but hey, it's cheap). The stock pickups and wiring could be improved, but I think any Strat style pickup fits. That means there are any number of aftermarket pickups that fit including very affordable Chinese made dual rail humbuckers.

[Pittsburgh Bill]

Mike, FUN YES! Just wanted to reinforce your comments as my experience is similar to yours except that originally my sole purpose was to play silently unplugged for the benefit of my wife while practicing the same tune at nauseum.
BUT, then when plugged in I began to discover a whole new experience. For me the electrics will never replace the beautiful sounds of a good acoustic and I find that comparisons with acoustics makes little sense. Two different animals with two different uses and in my mind like comparing a Corvette with a Miata.
My first electric was an inexpensive "Hot Rodded" Pan Asian that I bought used here in the classifieds. Sound was OK but I wanted something with playability that mimicked that of my acoustics. This resulted in my purchase of a BIG MUDDY em8 solid body.
I still gravitate to my acoustics but the electric definitely has a place in my arsenal of mandolins and more importantly continues to provide enjoyment.