We can't say enough good things about Tone-gard.
We've had this on several of our instruments, including ones designer Tony Pires developed for the luscious radiused sides of our Rigels.
The concept is quite simple: allow the back of your mandolin its vibrational due. If your ax is lively and rich, it's probably because its resonant back pushes tone through the sound holes. But, especially those of us cursed with a middle-aged gut tend to overstep our own profiles, and press into the back of our instrument, literally stifling this sonic potential.
Thus, the Tone-gard. An expertly engineered, lightweight steel frame is welded to perfection, grasping the instrument in avoidance of key nodal points on the sides, freeing the back to do its duty.
On many instruments, the effect can be amazing, giving it the richness of others twice the price. This simple modification can make your playing more rewarding and tone more satisfying.
Contact Tony Pires for one of his vast selection of stock designs, or have him customize one especially for your mandolin. info@tone-gard.com

He's got some great pictures on his website, as well as some validation and pictoral endorsements by some of the world's greatest players.

View our T-gard

Posted by Ted at June 25, 2005 6:13 AM