This really burns me up

[J. Mark Lane]

Dang nabbit! Just when I have completely exhausted my MAS budget for the year...and then some...and then some...Beinborn puts his damn 10 string Vega on the block. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh, how I would love to have that thing.

On the other hand, I did just receive my 10 string custom mandola from Kennaquhair, which is awesome...so I guess I'll survive. But what a sweet, sweet instrument that must be.

NFI, etc etc. In fact, I hope no one buys it, and he waits six months and puts it back up for less....

[Brad Weiss]

I don't mean to undermine our illustrious archivist/webmaster's sales effort-and his is clearly a unique instrument not comaparable to these others- but, after playing this cylinderback at Mando Bros I DO understand all the fuss; and have found a few cool deals both here (http://www.gruhn.com/photo/MF6919.jpg)
and
here (http://www.bernunzio.com/item.php?sku=058949)

Happy drooling.

[danb]

Sorry JML, call me next time first http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Maybe this will help explain it.. (http://www.mandolinarchive.com/perl/show_mando.pl?2481)

[danb]

Hmm, that gruhn one is interesting.. '26 or later tuners

[flairbzzt]

Mark-You are sick. I think it's past intervention time and straight to shock therapy.

[JEStanek]

Maybe banjo therapy http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif .
Jamie

[J. Mark Lane]

Wow, Dan, that is one gorgeous F4. Yeah, I guess I understand.

Brad, yeah, I was aware of the one at Bernunzio, as I peruse his site regularly (bought a nice tenor banjo from him). Seems like it has top issues. I frankly find the one at Gruhn horrendously ugly -- a burst finish on one of these doesn't do much for me.

Doesn't matter anyway. I'm broke (but happy).

[mando_pete]

J. Mark,

You are the standard I use when explaining to my wife why I might want to buy another mandolin.

"But, sweetie, you should see this guy on the cafe, he keeps buying without telling his wife and he bought A,B,C and D. At least I'm ASKING you beforehand"

She mulls it over for a day or two and then gives her approval.

You are providing a rare and valuable public service and I thank you for it !!

Love you man,

-- pete

[J. Mark Lane]

Hm, interesting approach.... You actually *ask* her? Radical. I wouldn't even consider such a thing <g>.

Anyway, glad to be of service!

[danb]

It's getting to the point where I have to tell Loar guy stories to make my own purchases seem reasonable http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[J. Mark Lane]

Say, Dan, when is the new album due out? That's really very good news. My STC is pretty much worn out.

[mandocrucian]

I guess it's time for Mark to call Ditech and take that out that second (or third)mortgage. He'll get more instruments, and even more importantly, can sail the waters of financial insecurity. Of course, he should also quit his firm and go full-time music to break in the new instruments and get the full Sterling Hayden experience that he advocates elsewhere on the board. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[steve in tampa]

Here's a different but similar dilema. My wife has just go a serious bug for a Gibson guitar. Currently she has 2 Martins, a Collectors Series Ovation, and a killer Takamine. I have 2 A.S. habits to support!

[J. Mark Lane]

Niles, I've been sailing those waters for a long time. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif That was one of the things that most struck me about Hayden's book (and life). And oh, you don't know how much I'd love to give up law and just play music all the time. Sadly, I lack the most important ingredient -- talent. Alas.

[danb]

Say, Dan, when is the new album due out? That's really very good news. My STC is pretty much worn out.
I'm shooting for a release in the beginning of November.I have 8 tracks done, and another recording session coming up in the next few days.

In the can:
3 sets with Tim O'Brien on mandolin or fiddle.
4 mandolin duets with my friend Craig Harbauer, backed by Zan McLeod

Lots of vintage instruments involved, a Loar, a snakehead, a couple of F4s, the vega 10-string, tenor guitar, and my ancient 3-pointer too.

It's a mixture of American & Irish tunes this time around, mostly Mandolin! I can't wait to get it out, I'm pretty happy with the sound of it all!

[J. Mark Lane]

Sounds like this is going to be an awesome album. Please bug Mr. T to announce when it can be ordered!

[glauber]

I can't wait to hear it!

[Karen Kay]

Ditto

[Guitar Jeremy]

I feel the same way about that cylinderback at Mandoline Bros. #I can't even look at this picture of it in my arms without convulsing with longing.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v55/meskalito/PICT0060.jpg

You pointed me towards the Phoenixes, and I haven't looked back. #You pointed me towards the Vegas, and I'm still looking (at least, until I get the cash together, and then I'll change the focal point of my MAS towards Arches or Collings or...).

Where are pictures of your custom mandola?!!!!!

Here's another to make you drool:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v55/meskalito/PICT0061.jpg

Peace.

[Brad Weiss]

Jeremy-

Love the pic!

Man, what are those green coated strings on that cylinderback?! They were half the pleasure of that baby-smooth as silk and mellow!

[J. Mark Lane]

Try to control the convulsing, Jeremy. It's hard on the old ticker...although yours is probably young enough to withstand a bit more than mine.

When were you there last? Interesting that they haven't sold that Vega. Hey Stan...the price is too high....

Brad, were those silk and steel strings? Whatever they were, yes, they were just right for that instrument.

[flairbzzt]

Oh boys- I'm thinking of the end of this upcoming week for a return visit- Thursday or Saturday work for anyone?

[J. Mark Lane]

I never go to music stores on a Saturday. Never.

Thursday might work.... Depends on how things are going at the office. Rick -- email me as we get closer. I may have something else fun to show and tell.

[Guitar Jeremy]

I could be up for a return. Well, as long as it's not 182° Kelvin on the heat index again.

The strings on the Vega are Dr. Thomastic Flat-Wounds; quoting Stan, "in keeping with its original use of playing the semi-classical music of its time, with the pinky pointing to the dining room chandelier."

And the price is not too high. Maybe it should be higher. Anything to keep it from selling for a few more months...

[Guitar Jeremy]

So do you guys want to go back or what?

[Brad Weiss]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v55/meskalito/PICT0060.jpg
So did one of you get this on your return trip? 'Cause it's GONE!!

double drat...