That independent luthier ad in classifieds

[hungry mountain boy]

Curious to know if anyone here bought that mandolin and if they can describe it. His name is Ron Drake, anyone know him and his work? Thanks. Glenn Hurley

[Moose]

Yes! - Inquiring minds would like to know ; the mando looked REAL nice!?? - http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[Fred G]

I e-mailed him and asked for pics, he said it was sold and he was taking orders and could provide pics once the mandolin was under construction. I was suprised he did not want to provide pictures of the mando he already sold.

[John M. Riley]

I emailed him and he told me the same thing...and I also wondered why he did not send pics of the other one..
How much mandolin can you get for 500? I paid 3000-5000 for several mandolins and I have always ended up wanting more.

[G. Fisher]

I also contacted him. As I understand it the mandolin that is sold is still being built and he will send pictures when it is completed.

[mandolooter]

I personnal know how much mandolin ya can get for well under a grand, if your in the right place at the right time...my Clark F5 is a TON of mandolin and was had for a kick butt low price since he's a newer builder and not yet "known". #His prices have went up as they should since so has the workmanship and quality of his product. I feel some folks are just put in a trance by a big name builder and rightly so to some extent but I've heard the 2nd or 3rd mandolins built by 10-15 builders...a lot of who i met first here and then at a fest and have been amazed at the quaility and sound they produced...of course Im biased..i just love mandolins to da max! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[mandolooter]

ooops forgot the pic!

[Moose]

WOW! - If it plays as good as it looks - it's a "keeper" - Thanks for sharing. Moose. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[harmonist34]

Along the same lines, I'm curious about the Troiano mandolins that are often listed at very low prices. Any experience with them?

Andy Wright
Managua, Nicaragua

[Willie]

I once bought a custom made mando fron a "No Name" builder and he has gone on and built plenty more and I only paid $250 for it after paying $40 for the wood and materials...This was back in `81 and I still have the mando and wouldn`t sell it for 10 times what I paid for it, so there are some bargains out there,like the man said, if you are in the right place at the right time....BUT...For a inexpensive price I would never buy with out trying it first...Willie

[csstanley]

I just got a return email from Mr. Drake. He states that the mando isn't completely finished yet and he will get pics when it is finished. It has another 2-3 weeks and he said he'd get a pic out.

Maybe the guy just jumped the gun on advertising his abilities. Give him the benefit of the doubt until proven wrong. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Jim Garber]

Well, I've taken the plunge. #I've ordered a mandolin from Mr. Drake. #
That is bold of you, Doreen! Did he send you some pics of his work? His price is amazing for a custom-made F. The StewMac kit costs almost the same.

Did he tell you when yours would be ready? I imagine that it is on LST (luthier standard time) #and could be ± 6 months or so?

Is there some sort of guarantee if you don't like it? Also, how many other mandolins has he built?

BTW the ad in the classfieds is #16173.

Jim

[Moose]

Thanks for THAT info! - Keep us "posted" - Moose.