$3k A5 style

[acumando]

Okay, here's my entry into the "help me buy" category.

I've got a little money to play with, i figure my limit is about $3k. #I'm interested in getting another mandolin in the near future... i've got about half a dozen already, but the most expensive is a $2k mahogany Bitterroot and i'd like to move up a notch. #The Bitterroot is nice with a nice tone and plays well but it doesn't seem to have the volume i'm looking for.

I'm thinking A5 or two point, don't need the scroll. #I'd like something to hold up in a jam, but with good tone -- playing more or less BG and related stuff. #I want something LOUD but with good tone. #I also don't want to wait for years, i'm probably not going to buy for a couple of months (i'm moving soon) but i'll want the mandolin fairly soon after that.

I'm thinking of buying either a used Gibson A5L, or a Phoenix (the NeoBG is in my price range new, the BG would be used), or maybe a Collings. #Chances are i can't afford to go around playing different mandolins -- i'll be in SE Florida where there is nothing in terms of mandolins in stock and i don't want to add hundreds of dollars in airfare to the cost of the instrument.

Right this minute i have the jones for a Wayne Benson Signature model after hearing clips from his DVD... man does that sound nice... a little above my price though, even used. #But i figure an A5L might get me a similar sound... never played a Gibson before, though.

Anyway, your thoughts, gentle mando-folk.

[Brad Weiss]

Phoenix is a GREAT BG instrument. The neck is a tad narrow for some. But the quality is superb

[ronlane3]

There is an A style Brentrup in the classifieds here on the site, but it is just a little more than $3K. There is also a '23 Gibson A model that is in your price range, and a Ward Elliott A-5.

[fatt-dad]

There's also a varnish A-model Ward Elliott in the classifieds (nothing in it for me).

f-d

[jessboo]

yea go with the Ward Elliott!!!!!!!

[sgarrity]

Take a look at getting one custom made by Sim Daley. If I had extra money laying around, that's where I'd be going.
Shaun

[Jim M.]

At that price range you have so many choices, including plenty of custom builders. Collings are great instruments and the ones I've played have been different but consistently good. My only complaint is the neck, which is a pretty sharp V, too sharp for me. Gibsons are great but they will have a flat fretboard, which I don't like, and the neck is a little skinny to me. Phoenix is definitely a good maker too, but as mentioned, the necks are a little skinny. If you know what you want - neck shape and width, tone, etc. - I'd suggest picking one of the fine custom builders and working to create something special for yourself. It will take a little longer, but it's usually well worth the time.

There are too many to list but some that I like in your price range include BRW, Old Wave, Newson, Arches, Rose. Ask around and see who has some in your area to try. Or, use part of your budget to hop on a cheap flight to Staten Island or Lansing and try some in person at Elderly or Mando Bros.

[swampstomper]

Look hard at the Lebeda A5. I have one I absolutely love, and it's in that price range. The master model lists for EUR 3200, the premium for about EUR 2400. Check with Jeff Cowherd at mandolins.net in Walton KY.

[Klaus Wutscher]

You could also check out Old Wav- Bill Bussman makes a great mandolin, so I´ve been told.

[GBG]

If I lived in Chicago, I would invest in a trip to Elderly Music and PLAY all they have in stock that meets your style and price range.

[acumando]

If I lived in Chicago, I would invest in a trip to Elderly Music and PLAY all they have in stock that meets your style and price range.
yeah, that's been a desire of mine for a while, though i never really had the money before to actually buy anything #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Problem right now is that i'm moving out of state in two weeks and can't afford to take a day off from packing (read: wife will kill me) to drive to Lansing. #I'll probably be back in a couple of months, though, for a visit, maybe better to shelve the idea til then... my brother here is a guitar junkie and would probably be more than happy to act as enabler to my MAS.

Though i still wouldn't be able to play an Old Wave, which i've also been curious about, or a BRW or or or... too little time, too many mandolins...

There are a lot of nice items in the classifieds, though they probably won't be around when i'm ready to open the wallet. #Still at the "thinkin'boutit" stage, and as i said i don't really NEED another mandolin but... y'know #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Thanks for all the ideas, feel free to add anything, all input is welcome.

[John Flynn]

I just got to meet Bill Bussman and got to play one of his Old Wave "A5's." It was sweet. If it would not have resulted in divorce, I would have bought it on the spot. I am primarily an oval fan and own one of his "A4's," which I love, but this A5 was really nice. It had great fit and finish, but like all this stuff, it looked unique and hand-made, not mass produced like so many brands. The playability was superb. I really like his "rounded triangle" standard neck profile and his slight radius and slightly wider neck. The tone was great. It was loud, but even and pleasing.

[ab4usa]

Yet another vote for an Old Wave. Bill's A5's are great! I think Janet Davis has one for sale. I imagine she would sell it to you with a 48 hour trial if you asked.

[LeonEvans]

Steve Holst has a two point for sale on his web site. It was built while he was making mine and is Adirondack and Red Maple. Blond with Tortise binding.

Holst Custom Instruments (http://www.pacinfo.com/~sholst/)

[Chip Booth]

I have been underwhelmed by the couple of Gibson A5Ls that I have played, though I wanted them to sound good. Could just be the ones I have run onto. #I just recently went on that same 3K A5 hunt and ended up with an '83 Flatiron A5-2 which I am very happy with. #There was one nearly identical to mine in the classifieds not too long ago. #I just signed on with Chris Baird (Arches) to build another A5 in the 2.5K range, but then there is that whole wait a year for a builder to build problem.


An old Gibson could be a really great choice if you don't have to have an F hole bluegrass mando.

Chip

[Lee]

I'm sure Don Paine would whip out a Pomeroy A5 for you in that price range. Ben Wilcox makes a darn fine BRW A5 too.
I'd like to see/hear someone have Gary Vessel build an A5 too.

[fatt-dad]

HERE's (http://www.vintagemandolin.com/83flatirona5-2_83070054.html) a Flatiron A5-2 at Charles Johnson's site (Carlson).

fatt nothing-in-it-for-me dad

[Andrew Reckhart]

If you need "LOUD" and great tone there is only 1 choice. STIVER! Brand new they are around $2500. They sound great (especially for Bluegrass) and I've never heard another mandolin come close to them for projection. The other awesome thing is that Lou's "A" models sound identical to his "F" models. He explained why to me but I won't go into that. I'm telling you, you will get everything that you want and more for about $2500. It's a steal.

[fatt-dad]

(I love my Stiver)

f-d

[Danny Clark]

i have a Tucker A -5 ,i started to sell it but changed my mind ,its great ,just appraised at $3800 ,and worth it.
They do not come up for sale often ,Elderly sold one last year for $3500