I played this cool little Fender Electric Mandolin, FM-61SE, at Best Music in Oakland Calif. It sounds and plays great. Plugged in it has a sweet sound. Unplugged it's not too loud. With it's thick solid spruce top it has a nice tone.

Thought you'd be interested so I took this digital picture.

Fender is making this new 8-string and a nice looking 5-string in Korea. That's where all the good stuff is made.

Later,
Alan

For more on electric mandos check out this web site:
Electric Mandolin Resource Page