Customer Reviews

Washburn M3SWK Florentine Cutaway Mandolin (Natural)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I think that the other reviews cover it... I'm very impressed with the over all instrument and case. After about 10 minutes of setup and tuning I was up and playing. The only other thing I can recommend is replace the factory strings with a decents set of Martins... (Your fingers will thank-you...) Check out "DerFest" on Facebook you may get to see and hear mine one day.

- Overall: As other review stated, all solid wood carved construction gives this mando nice, clear tone. I think it's a great instrument for the enthusiast and I wouldn't be ashamed to take it on stage. Very happy with it overall.

- Fit and finish: 8 out of 10. Overall finish is well done, though on mine there's some noticeable imperfections in the finish and the binding around the neck and nut. A few frets high up the neck were sharp on the edges and needed to be filed down. Also would have liked the F-holes to be finished. Mine came with a few cosmetic blemishes but luckily I got it for a discount.

- Hardware: 8 out of 10. The pick guard and tailpiece are good quality. The tuners hold a tune but are average in quality.

- Tone: 9 out of 10. Very good tone with proper setup. Very clear sounding with good sustain. Ensure you properly adjust the saddle position before playing for correct intonation

- Case: 10 out of 10. Case that comes with it is excellent and top quality

I own this and have been impressed with how well it is opening up over time. It is a solid wood instrument that projects good volume and tone. I did have it set up by a pro and it was well worth the small cost compared to buying a solid wood instrument of another brand at 4 times the price. Shop around for solid wood instruments and ask yourself if it's worth it to pay that high price when you could do a little set up on this one and have a great instrument.

I'm a guitarist but I have played a few mandolins. The Washburn M3SWK has potential but not right out of the box. The two I tried and returned had issues. the first one fretted out on the fourth string at the octave and the second one came with the bridge saddle broken.These were issues I didn't want to deal with after waiting for a week to get the mandolin. If set up properly I think the M3SWK will sound and play reasonably well. but there are plenty of other brands to compare with in this price range. I would suggest buying one from an online music shop that will set the instrument up before shipping it to you.