Hi there, I am currently playing a Moon Mandolin made in Glasgow, Scotland and am thinking of upgrading. Does anyone have an opinion on Breedlove Mandolins? Cathy
Have you had a chance to play any? They have wider necks and string spacing, which agrees with some folk and not with others. That said some people really like them, with many fans of them citing the wider necks/string spacing and radius fretboard as enhancing playability. On an aesthetic level, they're just not my cup of tea - bit too modern looking for my tastes. Breedlove do a great line of "revival type" guitars, with old school features such as slotted headstocks etc. I'd love to see them do a similar series with their mandolins. Just my tuppence worth...
I am not a particular fan of the Breedlove mandolins. But a mandolin is a really personal choice. Whatever you buy, you should try playing first, if at all possible. And if you can, you should try playing a number of instruments side by side. I have found that it's difficult to get a good feel for what a mandolin really sounds like without comparing it to others. At the very least, take your own mandolin along to compare... Good luck!
I always give the same advice on this - make friends with the local shops and play every mandolin you can get your hands on. Sooner or later you'll find one that suits you at a price you can afford. If you're good at making friends, the shop will let you know when one comes in that you'll like.
What the Rev says is right - what he likes and what I like and what you like are going to be quite different. I love my Model A, others find the neck is too thick. Go figure.
I've had a couple of Breedloves. They're not the ultimate mandolin but they're a good value and worth thinking about if you're moving up from a starter mandolin and want something more serious without spending an arm and a leg. The oval Breedloves will give you a nice tone for Irish music. Watch www.mandolincafe.com classifieds. You ought to be able to get a used one for around $800. The design is not traditional in a lot of ways, so, personally, I'd steer clear of buying one of the "F"-inspired models unless you want to own it forever. You might think about an early 1920s Gibson A, but that would be twice as much money and you'll have old-insturment issues. I bought one a year ago but am going to have to sent it to a luthier and spend more money to get it really playable.
I wouldn't have thought of a Breedlove as an upgrade from a Moon.
OK, you might be thinking of going from a standard Moon to a Master Series Breedlove, but comparing like for like I much prefer Moon instruments. Although they are workshop made, they still feel like handmade instruments, whereas Breedloves feel as though they are churned out in a factory.
It all depends what you're looking for in terms of tone and, like others have said, neck and string configuration. I play vintage Gibson A's, and recently got to play a very nice Dudenbostel A style, and have been hankering for that bluegrass tone ever since. I thought Irish tunes sounded great on it. But my ear is really attuned to that teens Gibson sound, so that is my benchmark when playing other instruments. I really dislike mandolins that sound like little guitars, and some Breedlove's I've played fell into that category, even the fancy ones. But last summer I heard someone play one (it was styled like a teens Gibson, don't know the model or anything else about it) both Old Time and Irish, and I thought it sounded really wonderful for both. So you really do have to play a lot of instruments in your search.
I own a Breedlove KF from their Quartz series which I think is one of the best mandolins for the money out there, especially buying used. I particularly like the wide (1 3/16") radiused neck with big frets on it. They come in two body styles; the O which is a more " traditional" and the K which some folks think is too "modern" looking but is actually based on old Kay Kraft instruments from the 30s and 40s. You can get either body style with f holes or an oval soundhole. I like the tone for this music but bluegrass players don't seem overly keen on Breedloves. The company introduced a newer model a couple of years ago (Ithink it's the FF) that is aimed primarily at bluegrass players.
Having said all that, whether or not a Breedlove or any number of good mandolins would be an "upgrade" from your Moon is an open question. The Breedloves are all arch top/carved back mandolins and your Moon is a flat top.Flat tops and arch tops sound very different, with tighter focus, more projection and less sustain on the arch tops. I own and really like both. If you play traditonal music exclusively, a flat top is fine and many find it preferable. If you want to play bluegrass as well, you will probably want/need an arch top f hole mandolin at some point, but the Moon flat tops are excellent instruments.
If you're having some issues with your Moon, you might consider taking it in to a luthier for a "set up". Checking the height and grooves in the nut, fret condition, action, intonation and truss rod adjustment if applicable (though mando necks don't seem to move much) can result in your mando playing up to it's full potential and it might seem like a new instrument.
As others have said, you need to get your hands on as many mandolins as you can to see what you like and what you don't. There's an amazing selection of mandolins at good price points these days, but you could easily buy a very good Breedlove and not like it as much as your Moon.
I have a flat top and an f-hole archtop and I like both, but I'm so glad I made the decision to buy the archtop (a new Gibson A9). It projects and cuts through, whereas the flat top loses its high notes when surrounded by competition. People tell me they can hear it clear as a bell the other end of the pub. The point I'd make though, is that to a certain extent you have to buy a new mandolin on reputation rather than trial, because it will need a lot of playing in before it does the business. I don't think I would have bought the A9 if I'd tried it in a shop just out of the box.
I bought a Breedlove for my nephew. His tech upgraded it with a new bridge and a bone nut, and the thing practically doubled in volume. It plays like an A and sounds like an A but with more of an F-hole edge-- for $950 Cdn (and $150 for upgrade) he got something pretty awesome.
We have played together (me on my Gibson F-9) and while my instrument is definitely a few steps up in all categories, I very much like the slightly softer tone of the Breedlove, and yoiu get a LOT of mando for the money. The Gibson is a perfect session instrument-- loud and clear-- but the Breedlove would be a better stick for smaller-group settings.
If you are interested in an old Gibson A, make sure you play it before you buy it. Our local store has a few of these ($1000-2000) and they vary enormously in quality-- my $150 Chinese beater sounds much better than some, and others sound like they come directly from Heaven.
Mandolins
Mandolins
Hi there, I am currently playing a Moon Mandolin made in Glasgow, Scotland and am thinking of upgrading. Does anyone have an opinion on Breedlove Mandolins? Cathy
# Posted on December 28th 2009 by Cathy O'Rourke
Re: Mandolins
Have you had a chance to play any? They have wider necks and string spacing, which agrees with some folk and not with others. That said some people really like them, with many fans of them citing the wider necks/string spacing and radius fretboard as enhancing playability. On an aesthetic level, they're just not my cup of tea - bit too modern looking for my tastes. Breedlove do a great line of "revival type" guitars, with old school features such as slotted headstocks etc. I'd love to see them do a similar series with their mandolins. Just my tuppence worth...
# Posted on December 28th 2009 by triplet upstairs
Re: Mandolins
I am not a particular fan of the Breedlove mandolins. But a mandolin is a really personal choice. Whatever you buy, you should try playing first, if at all possible. And if you can, you should try playing a number of instruments side by side. I have found that it's difficult to get a good feel for what a mandolin really sounds like without comparing it to others. At the very least, take your own mandolin along to compare... Good luck!
# Posted on December 28th 2009 by Reverend
Re: Mandolins
I always give the same advice on this - make friends with the local shops and play every mandolin you can get your hands on. Sooner or later you'll find one that suits you at a price you can afford. If you're good at making friends, the shop will let you know when one comes in that you'll like.
What the Rev says is right - what he likes and what I like and what you like are going to be quite different. I love my Model A, others find the neck is too thick. Go figure.
# Posted on December 28th 2009 by Jon Kiparsky
Re: Mandolins
i have a gibson a2 for sale if interested .
# Posted on December 28th 2009 by myparasgon
Re: Mandolins
An A2?
Where are you, myparasgon?
# Posted on December 28th 2009 by DaveL35
Re: Mandolins
in scotland will e mail photos if required price is 1000 pounds sterling
# Posted on December 28th 2009 by myparasgon
Re: Mandolins
I've had a couple of Breedloves. They're not the ultimate mandolin but they're a good value and worth thinking about if you're moving up from a starter mandolin and want something more serious without spending an arm and a leg. The oval Breedloves will give you a nice tone for Irish music. Watch www.mandolincafe.com classifieds. You ought to be able to get a used one for around $800. The design is not traditional in a lot of ways, so, personally, I'd steer clear of buying one of the "F"-inspired models unless you want to own it forever. You might think about an early 1920s Gibson A, but that would be twice as much money and you'll have old-insturment issues. I bought one a year ago but am going to have to sent it to a luthier and spend more money to get it really playable.
# Posted on December 29th 2009 by Romkey
Re: Mandolins
I wouldn't have thought of a Breedlove as an upgrade from a Moon.
OK, you might be thinking of going from a standard Moon to a Master Series Breedlove, but comparing like for like I much prefer Moon instruments. Although they are workshop made, they still feel like handmade instruments, whereas Breedloves feel as though they are churned out in a factory.
# Posted on December 29th 2009 by skreech
Re: Mandolins
It all depends what you're looking for in terms of tone and, like others have said, neck and string configuration. I play vintage Gibson A's, and recently got to play a very nice Dudenbostel A style, and have been hankering for that bluegrass tone ever since. I thought Irish tunes sounded great on it. But my ear is really attuned to that teens Gibson sound, so that is my benchmark when playing other instruments. I really dislike mandolins that sound like little guitars, and some Breedlove's I've played fell into that category, even the fancy ones. But last summer I heard someone play one (it was styled like a teens Gibson, don't know the model or anything else about it) both Old Time and Irish, and I thought it sounded really wonderful for both. So you really do have to play a lot of instruments in your search.
# Posted on December 29th 2009 by Keith Dubinsky
Re: Mandolins
I own a Breedlove KF from their Quartz series which I think is one of the best mandolins for the money out there, especially buying used. I particularly like the wide (1 3/16") radiused neck with big frets on it. They come in two body styles; the O which is a more " traditional" and the K which some folks think is too "modern" looking but is actually based on old Kay Kraft instruments from the 30s and 40s. You can get either body style with f holes or an oval soundhole. I like the tone for this music but bluegrass players don't seem overly keen on Breedloves. The company introduced a newer model a couple of years ago (Ithink it's the FF) that is aimed primarily at bluegrass players.
Having said all that, whether or not a Breedlove or any number of good mandolins would be an "upgrade" from your Moon is an open question. The Breedloves are all arch top/carved back mandolins and your Moon is a flat top.Flat tops and arch tops sound very different, with tighter focus, more projection and less sustain on the arch tops. I own and really like both. If you play traditonal music exclusively, a flat top is fine and many find it preferable. If you want to play bluegrass as well, you will probably want/need an arch top f hole mandolin at some point, but the Moon flat tops are excellent instruments.
If you're having some issues with your Moon, you might consider taking it in to a luthier for a "set up". Checking the height and grooves in the nut, fret condition, action, intonation and truss rod adjustment if applicable (though mando necks don't seem to move much) can result in your mando playing up to it's full potential and it might seem like a new instrument.
As others have said, you need to get your hands on as many mandolins as you can to see what you like and what you don't. There's an amazing selection of mandolins at good price points these days, but you could easily buy a very good Breedlove and not like it as much as your Moon.
# Posted on December 29th 2009 by Steve L
Re: Mandolins
I thought you meant Blue Moon mandolin from China, not a bad instrument and was going to recommend Ozark as an update.
Moon cost a fortune so I assume the are top class instruments.
# Posted on December 30th 2009 by bodhran bliss
Re: Mandolins
I have a flat top and an f-hole archtop and I like both, but I'm so glad I made the decision to buy the archtop (a new Gibson A9). It projects and cuts through, whereas the flat top loses its high notes when surrounded by competition. People tell me they can hear it clear as a bell the other end of the pub. The point I'd make though, is that to a certain extent you have to buy a new mandolin on reputation rather than trial, because it will need a lot of playing in before it does the business. I don't think I would have bought the A9 if I'd tried it in a shop just out of the box.
# Posted on December 30th 2009 by RichardB
Re: Mandolins
I bought a Breedlove for my nephew. His tech upgraded it with a new bridge and a bone nut, and the thing practically doubled in volume. It plays like an A and sounds like an A but with more of an F-hole edge-- for $950 Cdn (and $150 for upgrade) he got something pretty awesome.
We have played together (me on my Gibson F-9) and while my instrument is definitely a few steps up in all categories, I very much like the slightly softer tone of the Breedlove, and yoiu get a LOT of mando for the money. The Gibson is a perfect session instrument-- loud and clear-- but the Breedlove would be a better stick for smaller-group settings.
If you are interested in an old Gibson A, make sure you play it before you buy it. Our local store has a few of these ($1000-2000) and they vary enormously in quality-- my $150 Chinese beater sounds much better than some, and others sound like they come directly from Heaven.
chris
# Posted on January 4th 2010 by chris stolz