pomeroy, brw, or davis

[jaco]

I am ready to move up from the flatiron festival but am going nuts researching these. Varnish? Satin? Lacquer?(sp)finish. Radius v. Flat? Everything I've read in the cafe seems to point these three out as upcoming custom orders.I don't play one particular style but meander between jazz, bluegrass, classical. I'm nervous of plunking down the $$ on something I,ve never heard. HELP.

[Mando4Life]

I faced the same problem about 2 yrs ago...I really would suggest you make every possible effort to find a place to try some instruments in your price range...there are many options out there under 5K....the folks here can give you a wealth of info about just about every kind out there....but you really should hear it before you buy it...

Have fun though, it can be a really great journey.

WBL

P.S. - I drove 2 hours one way about 4 times before I made my final decision

[bdisp]

"A", "F" or 2-point? What is your preference?

[jaco]

Sorry I forgot to mention an F style preference.

[jaco]

I agree that playing these or other's of similar quality would be ideal. I live in Florida and am not aware of any options nearby (no Mandolin Brothers in the hood). Anyone know of these brands in the State or other options?

[Jim M.]

You can get a great mando from any of these builders. You could try my BRW but I'm in California. Why don't you post a thread specifically asking for BRW, Davis, Pomeroy owners in Florida? #In the meantime, talk to each of the builders you are interested in and see what they have to say. Flat vs radius fretboard is a personal preference, often an ergonomic preference too. Some people get uncomfortable with flat boards, some get uncomfortable with radius. Varnish vs lacquer is an endless debate. Lacquer is generally a stronger finish. Some people think they hear a difference but I don't think most people could. Again, talk to the builders about their preference and opinions. Davis is carried by Mass Street Music and Pomeroy is carried by Great Divide. I don't think any stores have BRWs, but Ben may have one you could try. For the cost of shipping, you could probably get one of each shipped to you for a trial period. A little expensive, but when you're going to spend $5K on a mando, probably worth it. Good luck; it should be a fun search.

[sgarrity]

Well I'll chime in as a Davis owner. I got mine back in September. It's an F5 Artist with a satin finish. I was lucky enough to be able to go and play a wall of mandolins when I bought this one. (Collings, Weber, Kimble, Flatiron.)There were several different motivating factors that got me to buy a Davis. First, the workmanship is flawless. We're talking darn near perfect. Second, the tone is smooth, warm and very pleasing to the ear. Is it the loudest mandolin I've played? No. But it rings sweet and evenly in the bass and treble notes and up and down the neck. Third, the satin finish is to die for. Everyone that sees it comments on the beautiful finish and most think it gives it more of a vintage look. All that being said, before I bought my Davis I had considered getting a mandolin built by your other two choices as well. Unfortunately, I havent played an example by either builder. If I can answer any questions for you, I'd be happy to.

Shaun

[LatinMando]

Hi jaco,

I live in Jacksonville, Florida, and I own both a BRW and a Davis F5. #Whereabouts are you in Florida? #If you are near JAX, you'd be welcome to come by and take a look.

Bye,

Jose C. #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Salty Dog]

Ben Wilcox had and probably still has a 48 hour approval period for his mandolins.

[jaco]

Thanks guys for the info. Latinmando, I'm in Orlando but don't get up to Jax very often but thanks for the generous offer. I'm heading to Suwannee Springfest in March and hope to see some of these models there. I'll open a separate thread to see if anyone else is going. Thanks again guys.

[Lee]

Jaco, You're considering a $4000 purchase. You've never played any of your top picks. There are approx. fifty BRW's in the entire world, not sure about Davis. Two of your three top picks are located at the same place 128 miles away from you where you may play them in a quiet room back-to-back. Let's see now; 128 miles equals $21 of gas, $46 dollars of wear and tear on the car at $0.36/mile and 4-5 hours of your time.
Or you may get yourself to Philly and play a BRW and a Pomeroy.

[Links]

Jaco:

I am sort of going through this same thing and both Pomeroy and BRW's are on my list. It is just a little hard to pull the trigger on one that you have never laid eyes on or played. In my case, both the workmanship, aesthetic beauty, and sound are all important.

Im also started a debate on varnish versus lacquer and after about sixty posts, nothing was decided. A number of folks commented that all varnish is not the same, so the fact that you buy a varnish edition does not necesarily mean that it is the same varnish used on a Gibson MM or a Collings.

I also ran a post earlier debating who was making "tomorrow's" collectibles. Nothing decided there either. Bottom line is find one you "love" and buy it. Easier said than done when you can't sit down and compare them side by side.

Good luck. Let us know what you decide!

[sailaway]

In my humble opinion you definitely want to try each mando you are considering buying. consider whether you want the radiused fretboard option if you do a lot of speed work as opposed to blues, jazz, classical w/ a lot of tremolos etc.

it can take a year or 2 to play your way thru what's available but then like the U S Supreme Court used to say -- "you will know it when you see it...." http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[Crowder]

You can get a Pmoeroy or a BRW in the classies right now, and with your $5K you could just about have both to try until you figure out your preference. I have done this a few times and my only losses have been in shipping costs.

[Lee]

Yeah, that BRW is looking awefully enticing. My financial interests will be well addressed if someone hurries up and buys it.