decision-making - Yikes!

[Grace]

I know we've all experienced both the excitement and uncertainty of trying to purchase a new instrument, based on a builder's rep, the price, etc. Just ain't no store that has a Baird, a Nyberg, and a Trillium sitting around.I think I've narrowed my choices to these. "Sound files" just don't cut it. Anybody have any opinions? (I know Otterly's, since we had an extensive chat - though you can feel free to add further thoughts). BTW, I am talking about a shorter scale OM. I welcome any input from anyone who's seen, played, heard about, etc., these instruments. G

[Jim M.]

Well, I don't think you can go wrong with any of your choices. You might want to post to the Cittern-L list (if you haven't) to get more response.

I've played one Nyberg, and I thought it was a really nice instrument. I would consider getting one if I didn't have my Crump.

I haven't played a Trillium, but there have been plenty of good comments about them.

I assume you mean Chris Baird, since Gavin doesn't make OM's as far as I know. I own an Arches flat-top mando, and it was a great buy, good enough that I've ordered another instrument from Chris. If I didn't have my Crump, I'd get an OM from Chris before the price goes up.

You might want to post to see if anyone in your area has any of these instruments you can try. You should also call the luthiers and talk to them directly, and see if you connect.

[Bob DeVellis]

Well, I've had a Trillium for a few years now and it's a very nice instrument. Fit and finish are flawless. Excellent materials, also. Bob Abrams was very easy to deal with. So I'd certainly feel comfortable recommending a Trillium. At the same time, what I've heard about the other instruments is also very positive (although I don't have first-hand experience). I've spoken to Nyberg a couple of times and have come very close to having him build me an instrument. In both cases I wound up with something else but not because of Nyberg negatives. And Chris Baird has a very solid reputation on this board. His insruments are gorgeous. truly, I don't think you could go wrong in that group. If I were to get another OM, though, I'd give Chris's a very serious look, partly because he's part of this community and partly because everything I've seen and heard about his work has been positive.

[Grace]

Thanks for the input. By the way. my real name is Judith - I couldn't register under that username...silly. I think I am going to go with chris baird, on the basis of his reputation, unless someone tells on this message board tells me a bad story. J

[otterly2k]

Go for it, Jude.
You know you'll have my support during the long wait. In fact, I look forward to your agonizing over each delicious decision during the building process.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

Anyway, once my Otter OM comes back from being finished, you can borrow the Tril' if you need it.

[steve V. johnson]

My major temptation of late has been for the Arches models. #I love the sound samples and the simplicity of the designs.
The prices don't hurt, either.

Best wishes for your new instrument!

stv

[MikeB]

This won't help your decision making, but it might be useful, nevertheless. #Do give Brian Dean a look. #Brian Dean (http://www.bfolk.com/gallery.html).

I found him not only easy to deal with, but FUN, waaaay beyond my expectations. #You can find pictures of my OM in the picture forum. #The Celtic knot sound port is a work of art by itself. #And the sound? #Oh, my goodness, I am more amazed every day. #I had the opportunity to play a nice Fletcher Brock OM (guitar style). #Very nice instrument, about twice the price of mine--BUT, it has nothing on mine soundwise. #I am totally delighted!

[steve V. johnson]

There was a Brian Dean mandolin on auction recently and it looked really nice. That was the first I learned of BD. Nice.

stv

[Lee]

Hi Grace, will Chris' OM be a flat-top or carved arch?
I was gonna put a plug in for Trillium, but I realize "Grace" has already played one before.

[Brian KC]

Grace, I just recieved a short scale, 20.5 " OM flat top built by Chris Baird. It looks and sounds great, I could not be happier with it. This was the first instrument that I have had custom made. There were lots of little decisions to make. Chris was excelent to work with, very patient and helpful. He really , really cares about what he builds and the time and attention to detail that he puts into it, shows in the final product.

I like it enought that I am considering one day asking him to build a carved top. The flat top sounds great-I just think a an arch top would sound that much better for picking tunes in Iretrad.

Good luck,
Brian

[steve V. johnson]

Hey Brian,

" There were lots of little decisions to make. "

Which ones surprised you the most? <G>

"I like it enought that I am considering one day asking him to build a carved top. The flat top sounds great-I just think a an arch top would sound that much better for picking tunes in Iretrad. "

Is he willing to build an arch top OM? Did you two discuss that? Mmmmboy...

Thanks!

stv

[Grace]

Hello Brian - I am so glad you posted because of course, I have a lot of questions and have been very curious about your new OM. BTW, my name is Judith, which was not available as a screen name. I am so happy that you are pleased with the instrument. So far, I have had the same experience with Chris, who is gracious about my many emails, despite the fact that he will not get to building my instrument for quite some time. Can you tell me what gauge strings you're using, because of the shorter scale? Can you describe the tone....resonant? woody? bright? complex? loud? soft? BTW, I'm under the impression, and maybe am wrong, that a flat top will be a little louder than a carved top. Anyway, look forward to hearing more from you. I'm envious. Judith