Another mandolin on the way...Iguess I have MAS

[Yamaholic]

Yeah I have done. I get the sentiment around playing locally, but when you have a full time job, kids and your nearest half decent shop is a 3 hr round trip then online purchasing is the only viable option.
Big problem in the UK is a lack of luthier skills. I know more about setups than most shops these days.

[rockabilly69]

Originally Posted by Yamaholic

Yeah I have done. I get the sentiment around playing locally, but when you have a full time job, kids and your nearest half decent shop is a 3 hr round trip then online purchasing is the only viable option.
Big problem in the UK is a lack of luthier skills. I know more about setups than most shops these days.

Sounds like a good weekend journey. I think a 3 hour round trip is worth it for instrument that you will keep for a long time. But then again, I have a 3 hour round trip for 4 gigs that I do in the week, and have been doing for a long time, so my opinion is probably a bit out of whack

[Br1ck]

Regarding intonation, mandolin bridges are floating, and checking and adjusting intonation is a regular thing to check. The main problem with mandolins is availability and cost. Just try to get a deal on a mandolin the shop ordered a year ago. You did good. Enjoy.

[Yamaholic]

The Eastman turned up btw, one hell of a good looking instrument.
Setup correctly as far as i can tell.
I'm just working my way through "Fiddle Tunes for Flatpickers - Mandolin" Arranged by Bob Grant, awesome.

[Br1ck]

Go on the Mandolin Cafe, get Rob Meldrum's free E book on mandolin setup, get some simple measuring tools and compare the measurements. Then you will know. Many used mandolins have pretty good setups, and if sold through specialty shops, do too.

I've played Eastmans from box stores, and while they do pretty well, a specialty shop will do better.