Fender's Marvelous Mandocaster - The Vintage Fender Electric Mandolin - Ask Zac 205

April 17, 2020

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In the Spring of 1956, Leo Fender introduced the greatest little solid body of all-time, the Fender Electric Mandolin. Nicknamed ,Mandocaster, by collectors, they were designed to replicate the sound of Tiny Moore, and Johnny Gimble, the fiery 4-string mandolin playing veterans of Bob Wills Texas Playboys Band. The instrument was not a success as Western Swing's popularity was waning by the time Leo introduced it, but it found new and exciting uses in the ensuing 70 years. Today we look at the instrument, and the inspiration behind it, with a look at the playing and influence of both Tiny Moore and Johnny Gimble.

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