Testimonials

Hi Kyle,

My new JBovier arrived last night, and I’ve been playing it all morning, and falling in love with it. The tone is great, and I love the playability and action. Your setup is perfect. I am very happy with the look of the satin finish – it is understated but elegant with the abalone headstock inlay and pearl markers. I especially like the radiused fretboard since I am a longtime guitar player. Although I thought I was hooked on Golden Gate mandolin picks, I think I am now a Wegen pick convert. That pick gets so much more volume without losing the deeper tone I’m after. Finally, the Softy strap is right on. It looks good on the instrument and is so comfortable. Thanks so much for your expert guidance and care in helping me find the right mandolin. I love this instrument already, and can’t wait till this week’s jam session to show it off to my friends.

Cheers,
Ken Collier
(Flagstaff, AZ)

Kyle -

The Breedlove FF arrived safe and sound today and it is absolutely beautiful. The smell upon opening the case was intoxicating! I only strummed it a few times (I’m at the office) and she seems to be in tune, and perfectly setup. This is the best mandolin I’ve ever played and I had a great buying experience. I’ll spend some time with her at lunch with the new pick.

Thanks so much,
Larry Swim
(Denver, CO)

Kyle,

Am enjoying the mandolin very much. Set up is perfect and the instrument is quality.

Thank you!
Deryl Dennis
(Dallas, GA)

Dear Kyle,

Wow.
I guess Collings has figured out how to achieve perfection. It doesn’t seem to matter that this MT2 is fresh off the shop floor. It delivers such a rich, mature, penetrating tone that I have to keep playing it to make sure I’m not dreaming. Just as amazing are the clarity and sparkle dotting the tonal backdrop. I know Collings uses nice materials and has the cutting and construction processes down. I get it. But still, they're getting incredible results. This instrument sings.
I couldn't be happier. And, by the way, I'm loving the heavy-gauge tortise-style pick.
Thanks again for the great service.

Richard Defendorf
(North Salem, NY)

Kyle,

Thanks for your help with the Michael Kelly Legacy Elegante that I purchased from you. Your information and opinions were dead on the mark. The mando is wonderful and your set up is great!

Thanks again.
Eddie Blevins
(Blountville, TN)

Kyle,

I’ve been playing it for an hour and I absolutely adore it! It’s indescribable! Thank you so much for all your help, use me as a referral if you like.

Dinah Becker
(Chatham, IL)

Hello Kyle

The mandoline arrived two hours ago!
I intended to report it to you immediately.
However, I decided to try to play it in before.
Because It make too fantastic sounds, I have continued playing the mandoline which you sent for two hours.
The whole musical instrument makes a sound.
The sound is rich and warmly and deeply besides brightly.
Even if it plays it powerfully, or even if I play it kindly it answer my feeling.
It sings in a very fascinating attractive voice.
Besides, this musical instrument has the very beautiful appearance.
In addition, your setup is perfect, too.
It set up to play easy very much.
I am satisfied very much
I am a very happy feeling now.
I thank you very much.
If you think so, you are the first American friend for me.

Atsushi Sumita
(Toyoake-shi Aichi-ken, Japan)

Hello Kyle,

Happy customers! Mary's mando arrived today and you just don't know how it made me feel to see how happy she was with the instrument. Within an hour and a half she was playing all the songs her band plays and really getting the hang of it. I think that I was just as excited to be able to give it to her as she was to receive it. She really loves it and it sounds wonderful! Nice job and thanks for all your help and for everything.

Mike Flowe
(Kenosha, WI)

Hi Kyle,

Just a word to say that the Weber madolin safely arrived yesterday. As you mentioned, it really looks--and sounds--wonderful. The craftsmanship and the crystal-quality of the sound are quite awesome.
So, thank you very much for your help.

Nicolas Debon
(Saint-Denis, France)

Kyle,

I can't say enough good things about this mandolin. It arrived tuesday just before I got out of work, and basically have not put the thing down once I get home. I cook with it strapped on, shower with it strapped on, even sleep right next to it. ...Maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration but I really do find it incredibly hard to put it down hehe. The sound and tone it produces is really worlds apart from my Kentucky, I don't know what I was expecting but it certainly wasn't as good as what I got. Love the picks, love the case, love the mandolin, really couldn't say one thing I don't like about my purchase. It was money well spent and I can't thank you enough for what you've done for me. I guess this whole experience was meant to be, from finding your shop online to today. Here's a link to a YouTube video so you can hear her in action ...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQOY3AKZgmU

Thank you again Kyle
Justin Graham
(Marvin, NC)

Kyle,

I just wanted to thank you for the 1-on-1 time you spent with me helping me pick out my mandolin. The personal service I received was well worth the drive and the selection in your shop is incredible. I love the JBovier I purchased from you. It looks and sounds great and I've even noticed an improvement in my playing. Of course this may be because I haven't put it down since I brought it home.
Your the best! Thanks again,

Mike Seley
(Williston, FL)

Hello again Kyle,

My Tradition arrived on Friday, and it is just wonderful! You were right, it was worth the wait! The radius fingerboard and chunky frets are fantastic to play and the sound is already big and warm. The satin finish is luminous. Sometimes it is hard to stop looking at it and pick it up! The picks are great too - although I have skinny girl fingers and what I'm used to using is even smaller than the bluegrass pick. The sound is sweet though, so I will just have to practice with 'em. A final thanks for your set-up. I couldn't believe something that had flown from Tallahassee to Canberra could sound so great right out of the case!

Cheers,
Alice Carroll
(Canberra, Australia)

wow this mando, is bad to the bone it, looks cool, it's everything that i wanted

thanks so much
Bubba Moore
(Northport, AL)

Kyle,

All of the glowing recommendations and positive comments on your web site are for real (that's why I contacted you in the first place)! I am very happy with this mandolin. You have managed to exceed my expectations!! Thanks again for your excellent customer service.

Greg McDowell
(Rocky Point, NC)

Hey Kyle,

I just got home from work and recieved my new mando. The set-up and sound is out of this world.....it makes me think that I was playing an old washtub before I played this! It's the sound and customer satisfaction I have been after since the begining and you have delivered on both ends.

Thanks Buddy,
Eric Moore
(Attleboro, MA)

Kyle, mondo is beautiful!!!!!!!!

No signs of any issues do to cold or shipping. Better looking in person than on the web! It sounds swee, very true up the neck and plays easily at first try. Sounds more mature than I expected and it's build quality is better than my playing for sure. I am not a pro but your set up appears at first touch to be right on as far as ease of play. I am glad I trusted your lead on this. Your guidance is appreciated and again many thanks.

Lon DeCavallas
(Loudonville, NY)

Kyle,

My beautiful JBovier F5Z made it safely through the snowstorm, and I want you to know that I love it. The merlot finish is gorgeous and the tone is exactly what I hoped it would be. Thank you also for the good taste in picking out the darker strap to complement the total look. I'll be showing it off at many festivals and camps this year and I'll be sure to tell people about you.

All the best,
Maura
(Brielle, NJ)

Hello Kyle,

This is a very nice little mandolin, and I got it a good price. By the way, the setup on the mandolin is excellent.

Best wishes,
Phil Ferreira
(Kutztown, PA)

Kyle

The mandolin setup is great! The instrument now plays like there aren't string on it -- it's so smooth and easy.

Thanks bunches!
Sheryl McDonald
(Cartersville, GA)

Hello there, Kyle

Just wanted to send you a quick email. I purchased my Jbovier from you not so long ago - A5 that is. This is a great mandolin! These things are the really exceptional! I am still enjoying your great setup...thanks! Anyway, hope your summer is going well and that many many customers are finding out how great The Mando Shop is!!!

Richard Russell
(Salem, OH)

Kyle,

The 515 just showed up safe and sound. This is my 3rd Eastman and I have to say its the best build quality I've seen yet. They've definitely made an excellent product even better these last couple of years. The finish is more consistent and miter joints, binding raduis, etc look cleaner than they did even just 2 years ago.
But MOST importantly, your set up is smack daddy on the money. It's the best setup out of the case mando I've ordered yet.
Thanks very much for the great service. If you need a quote for your website please don't hesitate to ask.

Michael Wong
(Orlando, FL)

Kyle,

I just wanted to say thanks again for helping me in my search for the right mando. It was such a satisfying experience to play the Elegante and hear exactly what I was looking for in a mandolin. I not only appreciate you finding it for me but I also appreciate your obvious dedication to your customers. You do business the right way with an emphasis on quality products and REAL customer service. A lot of places I've been to when searching for different instruments throughout my time as a musician have not displayed the same level of integrity as you have. I'll definitely recommend you to anyone I know looking for stringed instruments or related merchandise. Thanks again!

Sean Aultman
(Tallahassee, FL)

Hi Kyle,

It is a wonderful mandolin. I love playing it, when I can wrestle it away from my teen age son. He is an "Eastman convert" so you have another customer here. We're both really happy! Thanks for the great advice, setup and service.

Cheers,
Abby Cohen
(Bonney Lake, WA)

Kyle,

Mandolin arrived safely today. It's really great. Thanks for a fine product and world class service! I recommended you on the Mandolin Cafe site, and I think someone is already going to contact you regarding a JBovier A5.

Thanks again,
Chris Brewer
(Studio City, CA)

JBovier A5 is here! VERY VERY NICE!!! Thanks Kyle!

Richard Russel
(Salem, OH)

Kyle,

I played my mandolin for 4 hours today, 2 at school and 2 at home. It sounds great. The setup has improved the sound of my mandolin so much that my family noticed. I look forward to performing with my mandolin more now that it sounds good to my ear.

Thanks,
Brandon Flynn
(Ocala, FL)

Dear Kyle,

I just want to thank you again for such a wonderful shopping experience as we selected a new violin for our daughter. You picked out a perfect selection of instruments for her teacher and for her to try, and it was great to sit in your beautiful shop and listen to them play. Her new violin is absolutely incredible, and she took it right home and played it! Thank you again for all your care and attention!

Best,
Erica Thaler
(Tallahassee, FL)

Kyle, thank you.

My Weber Yellowstone octave mandolin is fantastic; it sounds and plays so good--clear, powerful and full of new songs. And it doesn't hurt that it looks beautiful--we're talking craft with a capital C.
I was glad to find the Mando Shop site. As a first time mandolin buyer, there were many things I was unsure about, but I never felt pressured into any decision, in fact, it was an extremely happy process from start to finish. You're involvement and ideas were instrumental in creating an amazing mandolin. And your set up was perfect. As a guitar player, I was concerned I was going to have problems playing a mandolin, but the setup made all the difference.
Kyle, the customer service of the Mando Shop is A1, and it was a pleasure
dealing with someone who loved music as much as myself, and who saw it all
as an amazing process. Thanks!

All the best. Kind regards,
Sean Parker
(Sydney, Australia)

Kyle,

I LOVE my new mando. She gets played everyday and sounds amazing. What a beautiful instrument. I hope you had fun with her, and I'll try to bring you my other mando if you think you can fix her up. Thanks so much for everything

Su Mendez
(Gainsville, FL)

Kyle,

Just wanted to let you know how I liked my Eastman 515 that you set up for me. One word PERFECT. You done a great job! I think maybe a new Weber mando may be in my future. If I get one I know now where I am going to get it. Thanks again for the work.

Tom Anderson
(Byram, MS)

Dear Kyle,

It's the best. Thank you thank you thank you!!

Stephanie Custureri
(Tequesta, FL)

KYLE

LOVE THE BLONDE (Eastman 915) IN THE FRONT ROW. THIS BABY PLAYS LIKE BUTTER AND KICK IT UP WHEN YOU WANT. I'M GLAD I GOT THE HIGHER QUALITY INSTRUMENT. THE BLONDE IS ON THE WALL AND LOOKS JUST GREAT.
I'LL HAVE GOOD THINGS TO SAY TO OTHERS ABOUT YOU AND YOUR FIRM

DENNY HANSON
(Orlando, FL)

Comment left on Mandozine mandolin forum:

Just received my new Michael Kelly Deluxe F mandolin and wow! What an improvement over my 3 year old Michael Kelly F. You can buy Michael Kelly’s in a lot of places but if you want one on one communication with a shop that delivers great service, prompt set up and shipping and matches internet prices to boot, then you need to get a hold of this guy named Kyle over at http://www.themandoshop.com He listened to what I was looking for, ordered it and even took pictures of my mandolin before shipping to ensure it looked like what was seen in catalogs/images online. He set it up for me too before sending it. Nice.

Dan Benson
(Hitchcock, TX)

Hey Kyle,

Hope you are well. I checked out your mando shop page, and I love the selection you've come up with in the Eastman line. I bought an Eastman 515 almost a year ago now and have enjoyed the heck out of it. I love playing it! I've gotten several comments, questions and compliments about its sound and look. Thanks for selling me a great instrument. Thanks for your help, keep up the great work.

Tommy D
(Tallahassee, FL)

This is Kyle. Tommy recently had me refret his Eastman 515 with my favorite large frets. This is an upgrade I do to many mandolins. The larger frets allow you to play faster on them because you can play more on top of them. They also contribute to good tone. Here is his review of the re-fret:

Hi Kyle,

I really like the feel and fit of the new frets. It feels like these were the frets that should have been on the mandolin from the factory. I'm hearing more tone from slides and hammer-ons and pull-offs that I was unable to produce with the stock setup. You've done an excellent job!

Thanks,
Tommy D
(Tallahassee, FL)

Kyle,

You know, I find myself comparing the Eastman AC-710 guitar objectively for tone and playbaility to my other MUCH more expensive guitars. I have a couple of Collings and a custom made David Eichelbaum OM that goes for over $10k. Its hard to remember that this is a ~$1000 guitar that I'm comparing. While not completely at that level of tonal and build sophistication, it can sure hang with them!

Michael Wong
(Orlando, FL)

Kyle,

the eastman ac710 acoustic guitar is a nice marrige of form and function. it sounds fantastic,and will get better with age and it has understated beauty, without the flash. the ebony fretboard is striking. seems like a great guitar for fingerstyle, blues and rythmic strumming with ample volume and low end. love it!

cheers, jeff rayle
(Albuquerque, NM)

Kyle,

The Eastman AC-710 .... I was astounded ...... this is quality

John Bagnall
(Waikoloa, HI)

Kyle:

Thanks for your quick and friendly service. And I like a guy's attitude when he says he's proud of his work. In the end all we have is pride in what we've done. Take care,

Jim Pistarelli
(Wayne, ME)

Hi Kyle,

Thank you so much! Thanks for taking the time, that's amazing you were able to do it so fast. I found out about you on a mandolin cafe message board. I've been plunking around on a guitar for several years but it never really felt right. A friend let me borrow his mandolin for a couple of weeks and I REALLY enjoy it. For some reason it fits my hands better and is more intuitive. My daughter plays the viola so if she needs anything , you'll be the first person I call. Thanks again Kyle,

Jim Ramser
(Warrenton, VA)

Kyle,

I wanted to thank you for your excellent service and remarkable workmanship you did on my Ratliff. Most of all I want to thank you for showing me the Weber Bitterroot. This mandolin is beyond anything I could imagine. The sound is phenomenal and the workmanship is exquisite. It is a pleasure doing business with the Mando Shop, and well worth the 3 hour drive from Pensacola to Tallahassee.

Freddie Thronson
(Pensacola, FL)

Kyle,

Received the Eastman mandolin today. It is beautiful, sounds great to me, plays nicely. In short I am a happy mandolin player. My fingers actually hurt a bit tonight since I've been playing most of the evening. Thanks for the great service!

Bruce Scott
(Sterling, CO)