Info needed: Washburn F4 M4SW

[musical mama]

Hi! I'm new, and have never been on a forum before. I am just learning to play the mandolin. I have purchased and am waiting on a Washburn F4 M4SW. It looks good, and because of my last name, wanted this brand. However, does anyone know how well made these are, and how well they play and sound? Any other information would be much appreciated! Thanks!

[skyblue]

I actually have a post asking for discussion and feedback
about Washburn mandolins. I am the proud owner of an F4
and it is a very beautiful instrument and after set-up it
sounds great. I don't have anything to compare it to with
regards to other F4 models. I've been playing for about 6
months and the Washburn F4 has been a good instrument to
begin with. I actually have had a problem with the tuners
and Washburn said they would replace it free but I want a
better quality tuner such as Schalers. So soon I will have
my luthier replace the tuners. The upper A tuner is loose and at the beginning it made tuning that A string a very big challenge. After my set-up was done it has been easier
but that tuner on the upper A string is still kind of loose.
Overall I think that the workmanship on the Washburn F4 is
excellent. The appearance is great.
I now would like to purchase an F5 and at first I thought
that I would go with a Micheal Kelly but now I want to check out the Eastman 515. My price range is around $1000.
Maybe I'll sell my Washburn F4 to upgrade but at this point
I want to keep it.
Why don't you tell us all your experiences with your F4 by
Washburn.

[musical mama]

I'm happy to hear that you are happy with yours. As of now mine is supposedly on the way, and it is a used model, not new. The individual I bought it from is the original owner, and he said he has it set up to its best potential. He also said it plays easily and sounds great. I paid $400.00 for it. Hope I didn't over-do it since I'm just taking his word for it. Thanks for your input!

[skyblue]

did you buy it on ebay??

[musical mama]

Yes, I did. There aren't that many good music stores close to me, so thought I'd go this route. Why? Did you see this one?

[skyblue]

I bought my Washburn F4 on ebay in August 2005 for about
what you paid for your mandolin. I got into bidding and I
decided to go for it. I originally wanted an F5 but kind of
fell in love with the appearance of the Washburn F4. There
is someone in the classifieds wanting to trade a Washburn F4 for an Ovation mandolin. I was told that the model F4
which I have was a limited edition model. So far I've heard
of three just here on Mandolin Cafe. What is your mandolin
playing experience?? What type of music are you into??

[musical mama]

Actually, I have hardly any experience with mandolins. My grandmother played one when she was young, and an aunt of mine played one when we played music as a family at Thanksgiving and Christmas. I've been learning on my own for about a month now, and I have quite a few of the chords down, plus I can pick some tunes. I start my first official lesson today, but am a stricly "ear" student, because I play everything by ear. It's how I've always learned, and it runs in my family. I've played guitar off and on since I was a teenager, and I play the bass, but I am best at the piano and accordian. Took fiddle lessons for a while, but the high pitches gave me too many headaches, being so close to my ear, so now I will probably sell it.

As for style, I love to listen to southern gospel, and will probably play more church music than anything, however I love the Isaacs! I sing in a small gospel group, so hope to incorporate my mandolin in there.

How about you? What's your experience?

[skyblue]

I am interested in an introduction into the Isaacs' music.
Can you recommend a couple CDs as an intro?? Actually I've
heard that Adam Steffey played mandolin with the Isaacs from 1998-2000 and appeared on a couple albums. I like the
playing of Adam Steffey in Mountain Heart.

My musical influences are varied. I've liked mandolin and
fiddle for many years. My favorite mandolin player is Sam
Bush. Others that I like:
David Grisman
Adam Steffey
Drew Emmitt
Andy Leftwich
Chris Thile
Mike Marshall
Matt Flinner
Peter Rowan

I like the Sam Bush Band, John Cowan Band, Nickel Creek,
Mountain Heart, Blue Highway, Bill Monroe, etc.

I have enjoyed the gospel songs by Mountain Heart and I am
interested in listening to music from the Isaacs and any
other gospel groups that you might recommend.

When you receive your new Washburn F4 I would recommend that you find a luthier to do set-up because when I bought
mine they said that the set-up was done but when I had work
done by my luthier it came back sounding so great and that's when my playing just took off.

Take care!!

[musical mama]

The latest cd of the Isaacs is "Heroes", and it's awesome! If you're interested their website is www.theisaacs.com. I'll have to try out Mountain Heart; I've never heard of them. And thanks for the tip about getting my mandolin set up properly. I'll ask my instructor where or who to take it to. Take care, and keep pickin'!

[JEStanek]

I'll second what Skyblue said about getting a set up on your new mandolin. Getting the nut and bridge right will really help you enjoy your new mandolin. New strings will probably help too. I have an F4 style mandolin and I really like the sound and feel of the Jazzmando flatwound strings (Plus you'll get a free Proplec pick that I really like). Check Mandohack's site here. They are very comfortable and have a nice tone (to me). At $13 a pair (half of the Thomastik Infield with comparable tone) these are great and for me they really seem to last longer than D'Addario J-74s. Good luck with the new mandolin, Mama.

Jamie

[musical mama]

It came!!! Would you believe it arrived about a half hour before I had to walk out the door and be gone for the evening?! Anyway, what time I have been able to spend with it, I can tell it is nicer than my other mandolin. The tone is prettier, and the strings are much easier to pick, plus they ring truer than the other mando. It is very pretty appearance-wise as well (I hate to admit that is important to me). I will be taking it to my next lesson and have my instructor tell me if it is set up correctly. It definitely is easier to play, even if it's not set up right. Thanks for all the tips, skyblue and JEStanek. You guys are great, and have made me feel welcome here. Now, I'd better go play my mando.......

[skyblue]

Good luck with your new Washburn F4. I remember how I felt
the day it arrived by UPS. It opened alot of doors for me
in exploring musical interests and the whole meditative
experience of scales, arpeggios and new tunes. I have come
along way from that day in August 2005. I wish I had more
hours in the day just for playing mandolin. My schedule is
very busy but I do try to practice as much as I can. Usually I practice when my wife is not around...Take care!