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The mandolin reviews database is here to help educate people before they purchase an instrument. Of course, this is not meant to be a substitute for playing the instrument yourself!
90 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: Indianna Guitar Man
Year Purchased: 2009
Price Paid: about 300 ($US)
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
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
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
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
No need for contact.
Customer Service: 10
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
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
Where Purchased: Mandolin Store
Year Purchased: 2011
Price Paid: street ($US)
I have been playing two imports for 3 years and was satisfied with them for my level of progress, unless I was playing with someone who had a weber, gibson or other higher line mandolin. I play old time and bluegrass. I decided I should reward my practice hours with a better sound, and the Gallatin A is all the mandolin I ever expect to need or desire. The sound is deep, good volume and tone, and to my ear, sounds as good as my friends much more expensive models. $1500 range is nothing to take lightly, but many pay much more for name and cosmetics. I like the plain trim and rich dark stain. Best of all is the woody sound I couldn't find with my other mandolins.
Sound Rating: 10
Came from the Mandolin Store with perfect setup for me.
Setup Rating: 10
Dark wood stain with nitro finish looks much more expensive than it really was. No binding or fancy appointments, but I like the look. Standard case is a vault. I expected to use my fiberglass case, but the Weber case is plenty of protection. Fit and finish is as you would expect in a USA made product.
Appearance Rating: 10
The only complaint I have with the Gallatin A is that the stain on the back has what appears to be a smear at the middle seam. I saw one in a store with the same mark, but the pictures on the websites do not show the smear. Since I bought online, I couldn't pick out one without the smear. Not a big deald, but not sure why someone would finish a quality job with what looks like a smear. Worth asking about or looking for if it is a big deal to you.
Reliability Rating: 8
Mandolin Store is so helpful, I probably will never get to interact with Weber.
Customer Service: 10
All good quality.
Components Rating: 10
I am still in the honeymoon window, so I don't take the Gallatin outside at night, anywhere someone might want to play it, etc... This mandolin will be all I will ever need and I can stand next to anyone's highline model and not be ashamed of how it sounds and looks. I spend 3 years trying to get this sound out of an import, and while better players can, I can't.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Instrument Alley
Year Purchased: 2011
Price Paid: Don't Remember
historic exchange rates / currency converter
This is a great instrument for old time outdoor jams. Plays like a mandolin but has that twangy banjo sound. I use a rubber pick indoors to dampen the sound, but for outdoor, especially without amplification, this instrument is a finger saver. I usually have to bear down on my mandolin to be heard over the guitars and other noise when asked to cover a break...not a problem now. Beware, sound is not like a madolin. Probably subs for a plectrum banjo best of all, but with mandolin fretboard and strings.
Sound Rating: 9
Setup was perfect. I asked for direct shipment from Goldtone, and they are great. I have a GM-6 that also came set up and ready to play from Goldtone.
Setup Rating: 10
Finish was great. Built-in arm rest, new dark finish on the 850+. Everyone wants to know "what is that thing".
Appearance Rating: 10
Finish and hardware is as expected. Good finish, fit and I can't find anything wrong with this mando banjo. Stays in tune better than some of my more expensive mandolins.
Reliability Rating: 10
Goldtone is great to answer e-mails if you have questions. Warranty is standard, but I can't anticipate any failures. This unit is heavey, well constructed, and I expect it will be an army tank as far as holding up and lasting.
Customer Service: 10
No issues.
Components Rating: 10
This is a love it or hate it instrument. I was not trying to become a banjo player without learning how to play. I saw some demo's and uploads to YouTube and liked the sound for old time tunes. I still call myself a mandolin player. I have seen reviews that said things like "obnoxious little instrument" and so forth, but my playing partners like to see me unload the 850+, and if anything, I get called on to play more breaks than with my mandolin. Very unique sound, but perfect if you are playing old mountain tunes, fiddle tunes, older bluegrass, etc. Probably would work for Jazz and Ragtime, but I don't play much of either. The 850 is just fun.
Overall Rating: 10
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