I was already familiar with stringed instruments, but I was bored during the quarantine so I thought I'd try something new. I was going to order a better-known brand for more, but I decided to take a flyer on this one after reading the reviews. Also, I really wanted an instrument with a truss rod and this one had one.
I was very pleased! It plays really well for an incredibly inexpensive instrument. I've seen and played a lot of budget instruments and this completely blew me away with its quality and sound for what it is.
It was playable out of the box with no adjustments. The neck was true (in tune the whole way down), the action was good (the distance between the strings and the neck -- this also determines how hard it is to push the strings down.)
The sound was pleasant, although maybe not as fat and rich as it could be, but this is a very inexpesive instrument. It's got a great twang for bluegrass and country.
My instrument was badly out of tune when it arrived. You should expect yours to be as well. The strings will also stretch a lot during the first tuning or two... For those of you who've never played a stringed instrument: Do not freak out if a note falls way out of tune at first. Likely the instrument itself is fine, but the string stretched. Expect to tune it a half dozen to a dozen times during the first few days. If, after several hours of playing, it's still not holding pitch, then you may have a problem.
A few minor breakdown points --
In the box is just the instrument and an allen wrench to adjust the neck. (Don't play with the neck adjustment unless you know what you're doing...)
it doesn't come with a pick or case (or tuner). Not a big deal, but you'll at least want to order picks to play it out of the box. The box is fine as a temporary case. I immediately ordered a cheap bag
The strings weren't very good, so I immediately ordered new ones. You shouldn't expect good strings on an instrument of this price. A new set is less than $10 and some music stores will put them on for you no charge. (You can also do it yourself, obviously.)
I rated this 5 stars as someone who was prepared for this to be a beginner instrument. It's something to tinker with, an inexpensive instrument for someone who isn't sure if they'll play it, or someone who's younger. It would also work as a practice or travel instrument for someone who already owns a mandolin but wants something to beat around. It's a good enough instrument that a beginner can use it for a year or two without needing something of better quality.
Hola! Music A Style Mandolin Instrument with Adjustable Truss-Rod Model HM-3TS, Glossy Sunburst Finish
4.4
| 568 ratingsPrice: 81.99
Last update: 12-19-2024
About this item
8-string traditional A style Mandolin in glossy Sunburst finish
8-string traditional A style Mandolin in glossy Sunburst finish
Maple top, back, sides and neck. Adjustable compensated Rosewood bridge
Adjustable Truss Rod inside the neck - wrench included
20 silver nickel frets. Chrome plated open gear tuners and tailpiece
Black ABS pickguard. White ABS binding around body, neck and head
8-string traditional A style Mandolin in glossy Sunburst finish
Maple top, back, sides and neck. Adjustable compensated Rosewood bridge
Adjustable Truss Rod inside the neck - wrench included
20 silver nickel frets. Chrome plated open gear tuners and tailpiece
Black ABS pickguard. White ABS binding around body, neck and head
Product information
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Hola! Music A Style Mandolin Instrument with Adjustable Truss-Rod Model HM-3TS, Glossy Sunburst Finish
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