Submitted by slarkin (see all reviews from this person) on 1/22/2012

Where Purchased: Indianna Guitar Man

Year Purchased: 2009
Price Paid: about 300 ($US)

Sound

This was my first "good" mandolin. I upgraded from a beginner and for the money, this seemed to be the best available. I liked the plain look and mahogany finish. The sound was a little brighter than I wanted, but it also was not extremely expensive. With J74's the sound was an improvement and acceptable. As I got better, it did also. I didn't have experience with any instrument aging, but with play, this mandolin has gotten better.

Sound Rating: 9

Setup

I didn't know any different, so for me it was good. At least it was and is much better than the cheapo I started on.

Setup Rating: 9

Appearance

Great looking. At jams, I am often asked what it is and if I will allow another mando player to try it out. I keep a tuner on the headstock so the label is not visible and most people in my are area not accoustomed to MM's. Finish is matte, wood grain is distinctive and fit/finish is good.

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

After almost 3 years, the gold tuners are beginning to discolor, so I would have to rate them as less durable than expected. They are still very functional and other hardware, tailpeice, bridge etc are holding up very well. Holds tune as good as my more expensive mandolin, even after time in case, travel, time on the wall, etc..

Reliability Rating: 8

Customer Service

No need for contact.

Customer Service: 10

Components

Tailpeice is very good. MM refers to the tailpeice in their ads, so I guess they consider them a strength. I tend to let my finger brush the surface just below the strings and it has taken 3 years for a shiny spot to develop, so the finish is very durable.

Components Rating: 9

Overall Comments

This is my everyday, take it to the lake, backyard, hot humid night jam mandolin. The finish is durable, and surprisingly, it doesn't have any significant dings. The sound improves incrementally with play and age. If I lost it, I would look for another rather than subject my Weber to some of the places I take my mandolin. Highly recommended for a learning or backup instrument. I considered it a low end instrument on purchase, but now that I have a better quality mandolin, I am seeing that this is also a pretty good instrument. It is not a Weber or Gibson, but for value, it is a 10.

Overall Rating: 10