Richwood RMA-110-VS A-Style

This is my 2nd mandolin, a step up to take my playing further.
It is a well made instrument which feels robust to hold, with a pleasant tone. I feel its E string is a little weak on the original strings, I shall be looking to get a slightly heavier gauge string in time, but overall the tone is very pleasing.

I was concerned that there were a few cosmetic marks left from manufacture, but these are slight and very nitpicky points on my part, but for the price-point I expected more due care. They are not intrusive to the instrument in any way and it is overall a well made and beautiful instrument that feels robust.

It is slightly heavier on the headstock than I expected, and feels more comfortable with a strap attached at the nut. The tuners hold tune very well.

Instrument arrives with bridge unset and strings loosened, although there are marks where bridge and strings have been set to test at manufacture. These marks are very good guides to getting a good set-up to get up and running.

Playing, it is an instrument clearly more comfortable with bluegrass tones than Irish jigs, however it is fun to play both. Overall I am very pleased with my step up purchase and enjoying the tone and the beautiful colour of the flamed maple!

When I tried to change the strings one of the knobs came loose. I tried to fasten it with the screw but I could not. The tuners feel very flimsy and I was afraid to use them any more to not break even more. I contacted the Portugese branch of Thomann with the request to grant me free shipping if I buy some more sturdy tuners which I was denied. It´s a shame because the instrument itself is pretty nice. They just tried to save money on the tuners. So if you order it just take some extra tuners with it. The guys at Thomann in Germany will gladly help you to find the right one.