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musical instrument details
Tyler Mountain Octave Mandolin near-mint with HSC
Estimated price for orientation: 550 $
Category: Bouzoukis or Mandolas
Class:
Description Condition: Used: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections. See all condition definitions- opens in a new window or tab ... Read moreabout the condition Brand: Tyler Mountain Dexterity: Right Handed Type: Octave Mandolin Items Included: Case, Strings Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
I hadn't heard of Tyler Mountain before but it's an American company that made quality, affordable instruments not so long ago. They have a website that describes their history. I can't find a serial# so this octave mandolin may be a prototype made for a NAMM show.It looks a lot like Trinity College octave mandolins made in China and distributed by Saga in the U.S. so I'm guessing it has a similar sound. I haven't played one of theirs but I have played a Trinity College mandola. Factoring in the different sizes and tonal registers, I'd say this instrument is at least as good and maybe a little better in terms of appearance, sound and playablity. The materials, finish and craftsmanship are comparable. I didn't feel around inside the mandola so I don't know if the bracing is the same. This octave mandolin has bracing similar to x-braced flattop guitars.Anybody reading this probably already knows that flattop members of the mandolin family don't sound much like archtops. They have a sweeter sound but a definite lack of bark, which can be mistaken for lack of volume. There's actually an adequate amount of volume to be had, in this case at least. The previous owner said he played this instrument for a wedding in a good-sized church and I believe him. You just have to work a little harder than with other types of stringed instruments for the same amount of volume. On the other hand, I can't pick the strings hard enough to distort the tone, plus there's a ridiculous amount of sustain even with full chords up the neck. Specs:
20.5" scale length (which is about the same as 17-fret tenor banjos but not 19-fret tenors. Those average 23".) Solid spruce top, unbound rosewood fingerboard with white position dots on the side. Back, sides and neck are maple. High gloss lacquer finish. Metal parts seem to be good quality. Strap button on side of heel. No signs of use that wouldn't buff out. There are a few tiny blemishes that I think are finish imperfections. Recently spent $100 for action adjustment and a new 1.25" bone nut with standard mandolin family string spacing.. There's an unobtrusive 1/16" maple shim under the bridge that was there when I bought it. Hardshell case looks great but 2 latches are floppy. They seem to hold the case closed, though. Sold with black nylon neckstrap and spare set of GHS strings.Free shipping to lower 48 States. I'll pay for return shipping if persuaded that buyer's remorse was due to inaccurate description. Instrument and case have spent time in a smoking environment. I've done my best and can't smell any smoke now but I won't guarantee there aren't lingering traces. Acutely sensitive non-smokers bid at their own risk. I won't pay return shipping for that complaint.Thank you for looking.
Description
| Condition: | Used: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections. See all condition definitions- opens in a new window or tab ... Read moreabout the condition | Brand: | Tyler Mountain |
| Dexterity: | Right Handed | Type: | Octave Mandolin |
| Items Included: | Case, Strings | Country/Region of Manufacture: | United States |
I hadn't heard of Tyler Mountain before but it's an American company that made quality, affordable instruments not so long ago. They have a website that describes their history. I can't find a serial# so this octave mandolin may be a prototype made for a NAMM show.It looks a lot like Trinity College octave mandolins made in China and distributed by Saga in the U.S. so I'm guessing it has a similar sound. I haven't played one of theirs but I have played a Trinity College mandola. Factoring in the different sizes and tonal registers, I'd say this instrument is at least as good and maybe a little better in terms of appearance, sound and playablity. The materials, finish and craftsmanship are comparable. I didn't feel around inside the mandola so I don't know if the bracing is the same. This octave mandolin has bracing similar to x-braced flattop guitars.Anybody reading this probably already knows that flattop members of the mandolin family don't sound much like archtops. They have a sweeter sound but a definite lack of bark, which can be mistaken for lack of volume. There's actually an adequate amount of volume to be had, in this case at least. The previous owner said he played this instrument for a wedding in a good-sized church and I believe him. You just have to work a little harder than with other types of stringed instruments for the same amount of volume. On the other hand, I can't pick the strings hard enough to distort the tone, plus there's a ridiculous amount of sustain even with full chords up the neck. Specs:
20.5" scale length (which is about the same as 17-fret tenor banjos but not 19-fret tenors. Those average 23".) Solid spruce top, unbound rosewood fingerboard with white position dots on the side. Back, sides and neck are maple. High gloss lacquer finish. Metal parts seem to be good quality. Strap button on side of heel. No signs of use that wouldn't buff out. There are a few tiny blemishes that I think are finish imperfections. Recently spent $100 for action adjustment and a new 1.25" bone nut with standard mandolin family string spacing.. There's an unobtrusive 1/16" maple shim under the bridge that was there when I bought it. Hardshell case looks great but 2 latches are floppy. They seem to hold the case closed, though. Sold with black nylon neckstrap and spare set of GHS strings.Free shipping to lower 48 States. I'll pay for return shipping if persuaded that buyer's remorse was due to inaccurate description. Instrument and case have spent time in a smoking environment. I've done my best and can't smell any smoke now but I won't guarantee there aren't lingering traces. Acutely sensitive non-smokers bid at their own risk. I won't pay return shipping for that complaint.Thank you for looking.
20.5" scale length (which is about the same as 17-fret tenor banjos but not 19-fret tenors. Those average 23".) Solid spruce top, unbound rosewood fingerboard with white position dots on the side. Back, sides and neck are maple. High gloss lacquer finish. Metal parts seem to be good quality. Strap button on side of heel. No signs of use that wouldn't buff out. There are a few tiny blemishes that I think are finish imperfections. Recently spent $100 for action adjustment and a new 1.25" bone nut with standard mandolin family string spacing.. There's an unobtrusive 1/16" maple shim under the bridge that was there when I bought it. Hardshell case looks great but 2 latches are floppy. They seem to hold the case closed, though. Sold with black nylon neckstrap and spare set of GHS strings.Free shipping to lower 48 States. I'll pay for return shipping if persuaded that buyer's remorse was due to inaccurate description. Instrument and case have spent time in a smoking environment. I've done my best and can't smell any smoke now but I won't guarantee there aren't lingering traces. Acutely sensitive non-smokers bid at their own risk. I won't pay return shipping for that complaint.Thank you for looking.