Post by grayn on Apr 26, 2013 20:25:37 GMT
After selling my long time, Rod Button Octave Mandola, about a year ago, I haven't
since owned a replacement. Only having an electric mandola left.
Today I went down to TheMusicRoom, in Cleckheaton. To try out some octave
mandolas. The first was by British Maker, John Troughton.
This one had a no nonsense design, well apart from the cheesy, heart shaped
soundhole. I liked the look of this one and it's spruce/rosewood combination had
it's own sound. Being surprisingly warm and woody. However I felt it lacked a
little definition and separation. Also the finishing was not top notch. Neither
cosmetically, or with the frets. A nice instrument but perhaps a little over
priced.
Secondly I played the Thomas Buchanan Octave Mandola with Indian Rosewood Back and
Sides.
[img src="http://www.themusicroom-online.co.uk/images/Thomas-Buchanan-Octave-Mandolin-SOR260711071101-Front.jpg" alt="
Now this was more like it. Beautifully finished, with a clean, fullish tone.
This one has end pins instead of a tailpeice. It needed playing in, as it felt a
little stiff but to my mind was the best of the bunch.
Thirdly came a Mark Mawby Octave Mandola Decorated Maple Model.
omewhere between the Troughton and Buchanan in quality, this attractive mando,
through it's wood choices sounded far too toppy for my ears. Would probably cut
through, in an ensemble but I found it all middle and top end, with very little
subtlety.
So the Buchanan was my favourite but I have to say, I remember my Rod Button being
far fuller in tone, than any of these. Then again it had had 17 odd years of
quite heavy playing.
I mentioned this to TMR's ever helpful, knowledgeable and enthusiastic Hugh and he
produced from upstairs, a Buchanan bouzouki.
Now this far larger bodied instrument just had it. Even more tasty than it's OM
brother, it's tone rivaled the fullness of a guitar. Rich with bags of clarity
and separation. Most bouzoukis I have tried (pricey and cheap) sound thinnish and
jangly. This one is far more musical. I was ready to bite but Hugh informed me
it had flaws in the varnish, at the rear. And at closer inspection, he was right.
It had to go back the Tom Buchanan and would be away for at least 2 weeks.
Dammit!
Anyways, after coming away a little down hearted, I have since tracked down a
preowned Buchanan. I'm hoping to check it out, tomorrow.
since owned a replacement. Only having an electric mandola left.
Today I went down to TheMusicRoom, in Cleckheaton. To try out some octave
mandolas. The first was by British Maker, John Troughton.
This one had a no nonsense design, well apart from the cheesy, heart shaped
soundhole. I liked the look of this one and it's spruce/rosewood combination had
it's own sound. Being surprisingly warm and woody. However I felt it lacked a
little definition and separation. Also the finishing was not top notch. Neither
cosmetically, or with the frets. A nice instrument but perhaps a little over
priced.
Secondly I played the Thomas Buchanan Octave Mandola with Indian Rosewood Back and
Sides.
[img src="http://www.themusicroom-online.co.uk/images/Thomas-Buchanan-Octave-Mandolin-SOR260711071101-Front.jpg" alt="
Now this was more like it. Beautifully finished, with a clean, fullish tone.
This one has end pins instead of a tailpeice. It needed playing in, as it felt a
little stiff but to my mind was the best of the bunch.
Thirdly came a Mark Mawby Octave Mandola Decorated Maple Model.
omewhere between the Troughton and Buchanan in quality, this attractive mando,
through it's wood choices sounded far too toppy for my ears. Would probably cut
through, in an ensemble but I found it all middle and top end, with very little
subtlety.
So the Buchanan was my favourite but I have to say, I remember my Rod Button being
far fuller in tone, than any of these. Then again it had had 17 odd years of
quite heavy playing.
I mentioned this to TMR's ever helpful, knowledgeable and enthusiastic Hugh and he
produced from upstairs, a Buchanan bouzouki.
Now this far larger bodied instrument just had it. Even more tasty than it's OM
brother, it's tone rivaled the fullness of a guitar. Rich with bags of clarity
and separation. Most bouzoukis I have tried (pricey and cheap) sound thinnish and
jangly. This one is far more musical. I was ready to bite but Hugh informed me
it had flaws in the varnish, at the rear. And at closer inspection, he was right.
It had to go back the Tom Buchanan and would be away for at least 2 weeks.
Dammit!
Anyways, after coming away a little down hearted, I have since tracked down a
preowned Buchanan. I'm hoping to check it out, tomorrow.