8-String Mandolin, Black (M1SDLB-A)

Have been looking for an oval hole mandolin to add to my f style and A style Kentucky mandolins and my Fender electric mandolin. When i saw this and the price I thought I’d give it a try even if I only ended up with a wall decoration or toy for my girlfriends grandson. I didnt expect much but boy was i surprised. Fit and finish are superb. It comes with strings on but you have to mount the bridge and adjust placement for proper intonation. Plenty of you-tube videos to show you how to do it if you’re unfamiliar. Saddle is wood, nut plastic, case a cardboard box. Oval holes have a different sound than F and A styles, more sustain, some may describe as boomy although i dont think thats a fitting description. As with all new strings it takes a while for them to stretch and stay in tune. After that Ive had no problems with it drifting out of tune. The gloss black and gold hardware remind me of my Les Paul electric 6 string. I was expecting some set up but for now I’m perfectly happy. I would take this anywhere and not worry about leaving it in the car to , say, run in the store to pick up something where i wouldnt let my other mandolins out of my sight. Delivery was faster than projected. Oh…. Tuners are not the best but they get the job done and they look good. Had a slight rattle but tracked it down to a loose pick guard. Tightened a screw and rattle disappeared. I am very very satisfied with this product.