To commemorate my 50th birthday, my wonderful wife said, "Say, wouldn't it be cool if you had a really nice mandola? You sound really good playing one." So, I gave it some thought and decided to go with Max and Lauri Girouard. I couldn't be happier with the result. I asked for a mandola that I could play in a bluegrass/Americana context, so less sustain and more percussive 'woofiness'. I also wanted a rustic finish with a very mellow, subtle sunburst effect for the finish. To top it off, I sent them a drawing of a headstock inlay that I thought would look nice. Max matched it perfectly.
The details: red Spruce top, red Maple back and sides, Ebony fretboard and head stock. The 15.9" course length is a happy medium from my 14" Manndolin (which I love) and a 17" TC mandola, so the left hand is comfortable for chords. Max's set-up is really good as well. I also had him install a K/K internal pick-up, which I tested out this morning. A-OK.
Overall, I am happy, no ecstatic to report that they nailed the details of this instrument entirely. It is a very easy player right out of the case; very big sound and even tone all over the fretboard. As for the fit and finish, it's as good as any I've seen anywhere. As I've said to my friends and family, I am a very happy guy right now.
Sound samples to follow shortly.
Your thoughts?
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