Vietnamese Mandolin. Anybody know anything about 'em?
Vietnamese Mandolin. Anybody know anything about 'em?
I'm in Vietnam at the moment on hols. I'm a banjo player flirting with the idea of buying a mandolin. Checked out a few in England, but didn't buy any. However,in vietnam, I've stumbled across mandos that are very cheap. They look great, seem quite well made, and sound as good as some of the ones I've messed around on in shops in England. At about $70 they're a bargain. Thought they might be a cheap, fun introduction until I know if I want to spend more. Lots of entry level banjos are made inthe far East, so it's not like they're new to the game. Any info appreciated.... Am I liklely to have problems getting one on the plane? Will British Airways consider them a terrorist tool?
Cheers....
Re: Vietnamese Mandolin. Anybody know anything about 'em?
Well, if the airlines don't consider it a terrorist tool, the folks at your session will. ;) I haven't heard much good about Vietnamese mandos but keep in mind that any info I've heard comes from other mandolin players and we're a very snobby bunch. (more so than fiddlers!)
Seriously tho, At $70 you cant really go wrong for a beginners basher. It probably looks good and sounds half decent but I'll bet it has a very poor set up and lower quality tuning machines and bridge which will make it difficult and frustrating to play. And it's an instrument that will most likely only last a few years before it starts falling apart. Having said that, tho... If it's $70 in Vietnam, it's probably one that they sell in the west for $300 under one of the popular brands so it may actually be a great bargain. I say what the heck go for it, bring it home and get a luthier to give it a thorough set up. Then have fun with it!
I hope I am as helpful as i am confusing. ;)
Re: Vietnamese Mandolin. Anybody know anything about 'em?
For a starter mandolin they're amazing but the playability and workmanship is variable. They usually need some setting up work to be playable. The one I just bought on ebay from Antoniotsai had some frets of uneven height but I fixed that by putting electrical tape between the frets to protect the fingerboard, borrowing a large diamond flat file then using a smaller file to smooth the edges . The quality of woodwork is usually good and the inlay is incredible, The tops are spruce. If you're on site you can play before you buy. Check the neck is straight. Check too by playing each note. You'll probably get a few buzzes which are fixable . Check also that the frets are all parallel and the spaces are decreasing evenly. The F5's generally have a truss rod but F4's and A styles don't. You might find one that doesn't need any work. An entry level instrument for sure but some are a lot better than that. If I was there I'd bring another one home.
Vietnamese Mandolin. Anybody know anything about 'em?
Vietnamese Mandolin. Anybody know anything about 'em?
I'm in Vietnam at the moment on hols. I'm a banjo player flirting with the idea of buying a mandolin. Checked out a few in England, but didn't buy any. However,in vietnam, I've stumbled across mandos that are very cheap. They look great, seem quite well made, and sound as good as some of the ones I've messed around on in shops in England. At about $70 they're a bargain. Thought they might be a cheap, fun introduction until I know if I want to spend more. Lots of entry level banjos are made inthe far East, so it's not like they're new to the game. Any info appreciated.... Am I liklely to have problems getting one on the plane? Will British Airways consider them a terrorist tool?
Cheers....
# Posted on July 29th 2008 by gilezzznik
Re: Vietnamese Mandolin. Anybody know anything about 'em?
Well, if the airlines don't consider it a terrorist tool, the folks at your session will. ;) I haven't heard much good about Vietnamese mandos but keep in mind that any info I've heard comes from other mandolin players and we're a very snobby bunch. (more so than fiddlers!)
Seriously tho, At $70 you cant really go wrong for a beginners basher. It probably looks good and sounds half decent but I'll bet it has a very poor set up and lower quality tuning machines and bridge which will make it difficult and frustrating to play. And it's an instrument that will most likely only last a few years before it starts falling apart. Having said that, tho... If it's $70 in Vietnam, it's probably one that they sell in the west for $300 under one of the popular brands so it may actually be a great bargain. I say what the heck go for it, bring it home and get a luthier to give it a thorough set up. Then have fun with it!
I hope I am as helpful as i am confusing. ;)
# Posted on July 29th 2008 by greybeardd
Re: Vietnamese Mandolin. Anybody know anything about 'em?
For a starter mandolin they're amazing but the playability and workmanship is variable. They usually need some setting up work to be playable. The one I just bought on ebay from Antoniotsai had some frets of uneven height but I fixed that by putting electrical tape between the frets to protect the fingerboard, borrowing a large diamond flat file then using a smaller file to smooth the edges . The quality of woodwork is usually good and the inlay is incredible, The tops are spruce. If you're on site you can play before you buy. Check the neck is straight. Check too by playing each note. You'll probably get a few buzzes which are fixable . Check also that the frets are all parallel and the spaces are decreasing evenly. The F5's generally have a truss rod but F4's and A styles don't. You might find one that doesn't need any work. An entry level instrument for sure but some are a lot better than that. If I was there I'd bring another one home.
# Posted on July 29th 2008 by cabers
Re: Vietnamese Mandolin. Anybody know anything about 'em?
I have never paid that much for a mandolin, the one I have had now sells for about £75 but I got mine 30 years ago.
If it sounds good, get it. Unless you are topping the bill at the Albert Hall or Glastonbury, then you may want an Ozark semi-acoustic for £150.
# Posted on July 29th 2008 by bodhran bliss
Re: Vietnamese Mandolin. Anybody know anything about 'em?
Thanks guys for the information. Very helpfull. I'll take a second close look, and probably go for one. Thanks again.....
# Posted on July 31st 2008 by gilezzznik