My Two Newest Axes

Just got these.

a Fender FM-62SE Mandolin and an Epiphone Mandobird VIII

Both are 8-string Mandolins; the Fender is Acoustic-Electric and the Epi is electric only.

We're using the Fender on our cover of "Losing My Religion" and we're trying the Epiphone on a couple of different songs. It has a less traditional sound than the Fender - more 'electric' but still definitely a Mandolin sound.

Mike
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Wolfgang wrote and suggested that I take a photo of the Mandobird along side a 'real' guitar to show the difference in size.

I bought the Mandobird while in Heidelberg from Uli Rhode, who owns a very, very small music store just a block off Hauptstrasse.

Mike
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Those look cool - particularly the Fender.

I've heard mandolins are extremely difficult to learn to play and a documentary I once watched said that it took even George Harrison a fair bit of time to become proficient when he wanted its sound. What are your impressions of playing the mandolin?

All the best,
Andrew.

 

Very nice. I am making 3 Newman Jones style guitars like Kieth Richards used to play.
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Oh, I don't play stringed instruments. I'm the Piano Player.

But, I also provide all the instruments for the band. The other guys in the band don't make nearly enough money to have good instruments... So, I buy 'em, they play 'em!

But, my lead player was playing both at rehearsal last night, and said the Fender seems easier to play, but the sound on the Epi is really good for some of the stuff we're playing, so, he'll use both.

Mike

 

Nice! Is that Koa?

Mike

 

Very unique Mike, the Mandobird is certainly a VERY small guitar!

 

Are those really axes or maybe just hatchets?

I love that white custom.

 

Hmm, way cool...Mandys open up a whole bunch of new cover options

Lady Rain
Orange Blossom Special
Willin' (actually anything Little Feat)

gonna have to start looking for a fiddle soon .....oh, and a tele (didn't you sell that?)

 

Very nice, Mike - may you play them in good health

 

Nice Mike. Congrats sir.

 

Curly Cherry back
Quilted Maple top with a purple heart strip in the center
Ebony finger board


They are hollow inside as well

Neck Lace pickup

Bridge Schaller Pickup

 

awesome. i know this is about the mandolins, but i love that les paul custom. one day i'll get me a nice 59 reissue LP Standard!

 

Great stuff

 

Nice picks there Mike!

The mando bird has a really neat sound, and I like it, but I'm not sure I'd call it a mandolin. The thing lacks a LOT of the nuance a traditional mandolin does. BUT it also has a unique sound that fits well with a lot of stuff

And the fender is just gorgeus

 

Thanks, guys.

Bill, I still have the Custom Shop Tele... it's not going anywhere!

I did sell an axe tonight.

I paid $400 for an Ibanez Prestige, a Fender dreadnaught acoustic, and a small 30-watt Fender practice amp.

Just sold the Ibanez for $550.

We weren't using it anyway, and the guy that bought it is in a start-up metal band and needed a different sound than his Strat was offering.

Mike

 

That is VERY cool Steve. I particularly like the purple heart stripe.

I made a guitar in high school wood shop, and am going to a year long joinery class in college (starts in 5 days ). I would really like to continue building them when I'm done the course. Do you have any advice for a youngster wanting to get into the trade?

Did you ever start a thread on your luthiery work? If not I'd be really interested in seeing more of what you've made!

 

Yes this please!

 

I agree Steve!

Do it!

Mike

 

Very cool Mike!! I have a great old Kay acoustic/electric mandolin that I seldom play.

Your post makes me want to take the Kay off the wall this weekend and dig out
my Mandolin chord chart, dust it all off, and give it a whirl in the studio!

Jedi

 

Your generosity never ceases to amaze me, Mike.