Dillion
Dillion
Based in Cary, North Carolina, this company imports Korean-built guitars and mandolins (see Crafter) to which it adds a few special touches. Looking for a mandolin with your fairy godmother on it? Look no further than the Dillion DM100ES acoustic/electric. But don't dig in for those downstrokes, or you might break her leg.
     If you prefer something a little bolder, Dillion in 2011 is preparing to introduce a pair of Rickenbacker-inspired mandolins, with 4 and 8 strings. Haven't played one, but am enthusiastic about the look! I've always maintained that Rickenbacker's own mandolin design leaves a lot to be desired. On the other hand, since Tony Revell was obliged to discontinue his "Baby Rick" mandolin because it out-Ricked Rickenbacker, I wonder how long these Dillions will be permitted to exist.