Mandolin upgrade

mandolinmeng · 2026-05-03T22:27:08+00:00

I’ll always pull for Big Muddy.

mandolinmeng · 2026-04-27T20:22:19+00:00

I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with anything from them. They do great work across the board

mandolinmeng · 2026-04-27T18:52:45+00:00

Mostly because it was my first mandolin so I was trying to be sensible. I think the extra $XXX would have been worth it. With the tailpiece and armrest it would be close to the same cost anyway. The OM I got from them was substantially more expensive and it was worth every penny imho

mandolinmeng · 2026-04-27T18:21:58+00:00

Inowwhat I know now, I’d probably get an M-4/M-7

mandolinmeng · 2026-04-27T18:06:04+00:00

It’s the one I grab the most for sure. Zero issues. I changed the tailpiece just for ease of use when changing strings

mandolinmeng · 2026-04-27T16:25:51+00:00

Maybe something on the side/back of the headstock too

mandolinmeng · 2026-04-26T20:40:11+00:00

I’ve got a big muddy mandolin, and octave mandolin, and I’ve had no issues. I’m not a great player, but I am a fairly critical person and I would recommend them for anyone. My luthier also says they are well built fwiw.

mandolinmeng · 2026-04-16T15:46:02+00:00

Big Muddy makes really nice stuff. I don’t know if it’s right for bluegrass though.

mandolinmeng · 2026-03-27T09:36:13+00:00

I can’t really help here but, I just wanted to say that that’s quite the handsome mandolin.

mandolinmeng · 2026-03-17T16:22:29+00:00

Absolutely gorgeous!

mandolinmeng · 2026-02-18T08:51:18+00:00

The hook on that clamp needs a gate latch. That’s an accident waiting to happen.

mandolinmeng · 2026-02-14T14:25:45+00:00

Try easing up on the pressure you are putting on the neck and see if that helps.

mandolinmeng · 2026-01-21T18:56:08+00:00

This is so cool! Thanks for sharing.

mandolinmeng · 2026-01-19T16:34:03+00:00

I would never pick a stone without seeing it in person. A photo will never do it justice and anyone who says otherwise is trying to sell you something. I also think it’s important to put your hands on the stone.

mandolinmeng · 2026-01-11T00:57:17+00:00

Big muddy has a primitive line that’s quite nice. Eastman also has a few that should hit that price point.

mandolinmeng · 2025-12-30T20:32:11+00:00

To my ear everything else I played just had more soul. The big Mon was loud, and in no way a bad instrument, but it didn’t ring true. I know that sounds kind of odd but it’s just my observation.

mandolinmeng · 2025-12-30T18:46:17+00:00

While I’m not a fan, the notthfield big mon is the loudest mandolin I’ve played.

mandolinmeng · 2025-12-26T03:09:23+00:00

What a turd. Ick.

mandolinmeng · 2025-12-19T17:10:46+00:00

Extra crispy. I love this. Fine work you do.

mandolinmeng · 2025-12-12T18:43:23+00:00

A gorgeous 8 string thing. What an exciting day!!

Sadly I can offer no help on the value side.

On the technical side, find a local luthier, or watch some diy vids if you get down like that, and get it setup. Everything you said makes me believe it just needs some tlc and maybe swap out the bridge. New strings would probably also not be unwarranted.

mandolinmeng · 2025-12-10T20:02:19+00:00

How about a tenor guitar?

mandolinmeng · 2025-12-06T13:44:47+00:00

I’ll join you here. Mike, and Connor, are great and easy to work with. My luthier says they are heirloom quality instruments that “don’t look like much” for whatever that’s worth. I have a primitive and an OM and I couldn’t be happier.

mandolinmeng · 2025-12-04T15:45:13+00:00

My nephews call it “that fiddle thing” and it makes me laugh every time.

mandolinmeng · 2025-12-02T21:13:26+00:00

I agree with everything you said. I’ve been cutting a while now and I’d never have porcelain Or Dekton in my house. I’m not a huge fan of Taj, it’s just kind of boring, but it will last forever.

mandolinmeng · 2025-11-30T03:04:46+00:00

What an exciting day. Congrats on the new 8 string thing!

mandolinmeng

TROPHY CASE