At the Summer NAMM show in Nashville we witnessed the latest fruits of the marketing genius of Jeff Cowherd of JBovier Mandolins, breaking the story of his new line of "step-up" caliber electric mandolins. We were very impressed and are pleased to report these will be available for sale through select dealers in December, including The Acoustic Music Company, Elderly Strings, the Mando Shop, and Dietze Music.

The final review process initiated some tweaks and upgrades to assure optimal customer satisfaction, and despite the final pricing being slightly higher than anticipated, these are still an incredible bargain for a premium electric, especially since they include a premium bag. The following are pics and specs for your enjoyment. We look forward to an official and thorough hands-on review soon!

4-String List $849, Street Price $679
5-String List $949, Street Price $779

(Note above picture is original prototype; enhancements in production model includes double picukups not pictured)

Universal Specs:
* Wilkinson "J-805" Tuners
* Dual "JB-53" Custom Pickups = (+/-) 6K each
* (1) Volume Control = 500K
* (1) Tone Control = 500K
* 3-way Switch = Neck PU - Both (hum cancelling) - Bridge PU
* Chrome Bridge & Saddles
* Chrome Control Knobs
* Chrome Strap Buttons
* Chrome Neck Plate (back)
* Bone Nut = 28mm (4-string) 31.25mm (5-string)
* Solid Basswood Body
* Solid Maple Neck
* Maple Headstock Face + Black "JBovier" script
* Radiused Fretboard
* .080" Frets
* Bolt-On Neck
* Strings (factory) = .010 - .015 - .025 - .039 (4-string)
.010 - .015 - .025 - .039 - .050 (5-string)
* Colors:"Vintage Cream," "Classic Sunburst"
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Variant Specs:
"EMC" (Electric Mando Caster)
* Body shape similar to vintage Fender Electric Mandolin
* Tortoise pick-guard with 3-way switch, Tone, & Volume controls attached
* Body cavity "routed" out under pick-guard for aftermarket pickup customization
* Output jack mounted on pick-guard
* Slender headstock shape with 4-to-a-side tuners (5-to-a-side on "EMC-5" model)
* Maple Fretboard

Click pictures for closeup

"ELS" (Electric Leo Smith)
* Body shaped as if "LEO" Fender collaborated with Paul Reed "SMITH"
* No Pick-guard
* 3-way switch, Tone, & Volume Controls mounted directly on body
* Wiring for pickups & controls runs through body, to access plate on back
* Output jack mounted in the rim of the body near endpin / strap button
* Small contemporary shaped headstock with 2-to-a-side tuners
* Rosewood Fretboard
* Truss-rod cover

Click pictures for closeup

Custom colored E-mandos (with various pickguard colors and either white or black pickups) in Blue, Green, Red, Yellow, Pink, Silver, & Black Pearl (metallic) will also be available for special orders.

JBovier Gig-Bags:
Premium, thickly padded (20+mm) gig-bags with the "JBovier" script logo will be included with each E-mando. These photos show them in black, but they will actually be Burgundy exterior with black trim. These gig-bags will also accommodate JBovier ACOUSTIC "A" & "F" style mandolins. Retail $59.00, MAP $49.00 if purchased seperately.

Stay tuned!

Posted by Ted at November 9, 2009 5:23 AM