Re: Budget Mandocello
I have a Hathway mandocello, about 6 years old now (bought direct from Paul Hathway in London, so was able to try a few: they all seemed well made and my choice was based on a red cedar top). I love it, though I don't have much experience to compare it with, other than trying an Italian custom built bowlback mandocello (forget about wrestling an alligator, that bowlback was more like kickboxing with a ceratops). The Hathway has a truss rod, though the bridge is fixed. Intonation is fine, and the C string has a very good tone. The shape means you need to work on getting a comfortable and stable position, and I use a non-slip bit of matting on my lap. But it is well balanced, and it did come with strap buttons. For the price, I think it's a bargain: no fancy bling, just a good functional instrument. Here in the UK I haven't seen anything else at anywhere near the price - or indeed, anything much else at all
"To play a wrong note is insignificant; to play without passion is inexcusable". Beethoven
Eastman MD404
Angara e D'Isanto 1895 Bowlback
Eastman MD505 CC
Paul Hathway Mandocello
Bucketful of picks...still looking for the Magic one 🦄
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