Savannah SA115E Mandolin W/Pickup

The Savannah SA-115E Mandolin is an A-style acoustic-electric mandolin designed for beginners and those looking for an affordable way to plug in their mandolin. The "E" in the model number signifies its electric capabilities.

Here's a breakdown of its typical features and specifications:

Body Style and Construction:

• A-Style (Teardrop Shape): This is the common, classic mandolin body shape.

• F-Holes: Features traditional F-holes for projection and a punchy tone.

• Body Top: Mahogany. This is a key difference from the SA-100/100SB, which typically uses spruce. While spruce is traditional for acoustic tops due to its resonance, mahogany provides a warmer, mellower tone. At this price point, it will be laminated mahogany for the top, back, and sides.

• Body Back & Sides: Mahogany. Laminated mahogany back and sides contribute to a warm tonal foundation and ensure durability and cost-effectiveness.

• Binding: Typically features single-ply binding around the body edges for a finished look.

Neck and Playability:

• Neck Material: Hard Maple. Maple necks are generally stable and contribute to a bright, clear tone.

• Fingerboard: Bound Rosewood Fretboard. Having a bound fretboard (where the edges are covered) is a nice touch for comfort and a finished look on an entry-level instrument.

• Frets: Nickel-Plated Frets (number typically 20).

• Scale Length: Standard mandolin scale length (around 13.86 inches / 352mm).

• Nut: Likely a synthetic material (e.g., plastic).

• Headstock: Simple, often non-bound, with the Savannah logo.

Hardware and Aesthetics:

• Bridge: Adjustable Compensated Bridge (likely rosewood or composite). Essential for setting intonation and string action.

• Tailpiece: Engraved Nickel-Plated Tailpiece. The engraving adds a touch of visual appeal.

• Tuners: 14:1 Nickel Tuners (often open-gear). The 14:1 ratio suggests decent precision for tuning stability.

• Finish: Commonly available in Wineburst (a deep red sunburst) or other sunburst variations. It will typically have a gloss finish.

• Hardware Color: Nickel.

Electronics (The "E" in SA-115E):

• Pickup: Features a passive, single-coil pickup. This is the key difference from the SA-100 series. The pickup is usually a simple, low-output design mounted near the bridge.

• Controls: Includes basic Volume and Tone controls for shaping the amplified sound. These are usually small, rotary knobs mounted on the body.

• Output Jack: Standard 1/4" output jack to connect to an amplifier or PA system.

Sound Profile:

• Acoustic Tone: The all-laminated mahogany construction will give it a warmer, perhaps slightly less bright and resonant acoustic tone compared to a laminated spruce top. It will have a basic, fundamental mandolin sound.

• Amplified Tone: The single-coil pickup will allow you to plug in and be heard in a band setting. It will offer a more electric, often slightly thin or bright, amplified sound compared to sophisticated acoustic pickups or true electric mandolins. It's functional for basic amplification in a band context where you need to cut through.

Target Audience:

• Beginners: For those who want to start playing mandolin and foresee the need to plug into an amplifier for practices or casual jams.

• Casual Players: A convenient and affordable option for an "acoustic-electric" mandolin.

Important Considerations:

• Setup: Like other entry-level instruments, a professional setup is highly recommended to optimize playability, intonation, and string action. This is even more crucial when an integrated pickup is involved, as proper bridge height affects both acoustic tone and pickup performance.

• Pickup Quality: The integrated pickup is basic. While it provides amplification, don't expect the nuanced or feedback-resistant tone of higher-end, specialized mandolin pickups (like external bridge-mounted or internal microphone systems). It's designed for basic functionality.

• No Case: It typically does not come with a case or gig bag, so you'll need to purchase one separately.

In summary, the Savannah SA-115E Mandolin is a very budget-friendly A-style mandolin that offers the added convenience of an onboard passive pickup. It's a practical choice for beginners who want the option to play amplified without investing in a more expensive instrument or external pickup systems.