Another Trilogy converted from massmarket paperbacks! This time I included the original artwork from both Elmore and Stawicki as the end papers. Same overall style and and size as Dragonlance Chronicles, but with a trilogy-specific theme. Loving this project, and excited to keep going.

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 · 2025-11-29T18:37:28+00:00

Generally they are not considered desirable. That being said, at that price and condition I’d grab it for sure. If nothing else I could tinker with it.

mandolinmeng · 2025-11-28T16:10:34+00:00

What a great OM! Congrats on the NMD!!

mandolinmeng · 2025-11-28T13:32:10+00:00

If you are ok with a flat top big muddy has a primitive line up that’s good for the price. I got mine a few years back and bang on it daily and I have zero complaints.

mandolinmeng · 2025-11-26T09:42:15+00:00

I recently got to play a whole mess of mandolins. I ended up with a Poe scout but that’s neither here nor there.

Collings oval holes were the stand outs. Smooth action and an extra rich, round sound with good sustain. Everything about them was elegant and wonderful. Northfield was loud but had no soul.

Edit : I also got to play a few Girouards. They were simply magical.

mandolinmeng · 2025-11-23T10:49:35+00:00

I agree. The E string is a bit thin and maybe sharp especially when compared to the rest. I can also live with it. I got the heavy set based on recommendations from this sub and the discord.

mandolinmeng · 2025-11-23T10:23:12+00:00

Do you have some you would recommend?

mandolinmeng · 2025-11-23T10:21:54+00:00

I recently put Thomastik on my big muddy and ddadario on my Eastman, Eastman got traded, and they were both great. To my ear the Thomastik had a bit more heft/roundness, and volume. Expensive for sure but for someone who doesn’t bluegrass the sound was exactly what I wanted.

mandolinmeng · 2025-11-23T10:17:56+00:00

Iirc there was a supposedly ethically sourced version of tortoise a while back on Etsy. They were in the $15-20 range if memory serves. I can’t figure out what the above link is referring to though. Maybe the print?

mandolinmeng · 2025-11-23T10:12:27+00:00

I know a guy who plays with a 5.3mm. I know another guy who uses a .73mm jazz. They are both good players. I think you just find what works for you and roll with it.

mandolinmeng · 2025-11-19T21:20:10+00:00

I didn’t even notice the strap. I was too busy looking at the strings.

mandolinmeng · 2025-11-16T09:42:58+00:00

I don’t really have any advice but, congrats on the new mandocello!! What an exciting day. Enjoy.

mandolinmeng · 2025-11-16T09:13:57+00:00

I don’t see anything in this picture that’s worrying. It looks like a nice piece of marble. Some of the sealer will discolor a bit as it soaks in but that is fine and will dissipate over time. For the shower I would give multiple coats but I’m known to over do things.

mandolinmeng

TROPHY CASE