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RuralRoots
Dec-05-2005, 10:14am
I already posted this but it seems i was in the wrong place...

I'm looking for a f-5 or f-9 or any origional F-style not 2 points..

But theres only one problem, and thats money.

So if anyone know sof any $2000 mando's with good sound, tell me...

And dont even tell me to look at the builders/eye candy because i already did and only got a few pages down.

Eric F.
Dec-05-2005, 10:16am
Well, I'll repeat the oft-stated maxim that you get a lot more for your money in an A style. That said, there's a Bulldog F5 in the classifieds that fits the bill.

otterly2k
Dec-05-2005, 10:51am
Jared-- if you're willing to consider used instruments, I think you might be able to find something. Watch the classified ads here... things come up once in a while.

For new instruments, I think Howard Morris makes an F in that range. You can usually find Weber Gallatins new in that range. I'm sure others will chime in...

JEStanek
Dec-05-2005, 11:06am
Eastman. For $1600 you can get a very good 815 (F5 style) that should fit the bill. Search the boards for reviews of the Eastman line. Don't take my biased word for it...

Jamie

Pete Martin
Dec-05-2005, 12:28pm
Collings MT. There is nothing out there I've seen close to it. Greg Boyd has them for a great deal.

David M.
Dec-05-2005, 12:59pm
Flatiron Festival F's made in Nashville are great mandolins and can be had for $2K or just under. I got a 2000 model and it's a pretty good one. Real woody tone and good volume. Basically, it's the same mando as the Gibson F5G, but w/slightly different appointments.

I'd buy another Flatiron in a heart beat -- the Nashville ones.

stobias
Dec-05-2005, 1:39pm
Check out The Glenn website. Very nice fully bound fern f5 for $1800-NEW! Looks very nice and seems to be very highly regarded.

stobias
Dec-05-2005, 1:40pm
Sorry, I forgot to post the URL: http://community-2.webtv.net/bubbyjones/Glennmandolins/

RuralRoots
Dec-05-2005, 1:55pm
Thanks alot guys for the help, it really makes searching easier when i hear it from actual players...

Miles Town Mando
Dec-05-2005, 2:17pm
Check out Barry Kratzer's web site at www.bulldog-instruments.com. #He can make you an "F" in your price range and he is willing to work with you on what kind of wood and finish you want provided you don't want hand rubbed varnish (much more expensive). #His prices are going up after the first of the year so contact him now. #I was pursuing the idea of getting an order in #before '06, but with three kids and Christmas coming I can't put out any kind of a deposit. #Barry was even willing to wotk with me on that, but I just won't have any disposable income until after Christmas. #Anyway, I think that you'll have a good experience with a Bulldog if you choose to go that route. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

phriend2spin
Dec-05-2005, 2:59pm
This store has some sweet deals on used Gibson mandos. (http://www.guitarandbanjo.com/) Click on Inventory.:;):

Professor PT
Dec-05-2005, 4:09pm
A used F-9 can usually be had for around two grand.

MDW
Dec-05-2005, 7:49pm
I would check out Larry Muth's mandolins also (I paid $2000 for mine but prices have gone up somewhat). I've been very happy with mine and I think it holds its own against many of the better known mandolins. The only thing I've played personally that I liked better was a couple of Sim Daley's but those are almost twice the price but not twice the mandolin. I played 4 Collings mandolins over the weekend and wouldn't trade my Muth for any of them.

Crowder
Dec-05-2005, 7:55pm
Your money will go furthest buying a Collings MT.

If you buy anything with a scroll in that price range, you will be disappointed in the tone.

Richard Russell
Dec-05-2005, 8:16pm
I would agree with the Collings MT. If you must have an F-style, go with a Flatiron or find a used Gibson F-9. I just bought a Flatiron Festival A for $900 and it has great tone, great volume. If I was in the $2000 range, it would be the Collings MT, because it is a mandolin all about SOUND and because I just don't need a scroll! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

swampstomper
Dec-06-2005, 12:54am
You can get a brand new Lebeda A5 for that kind of money. Check out mandolins.net

RuralRoots
Dec-06-2005, 1:17pm
See thats the problem..

I dont know too much about Flatiron mando's and every time i look for them I get something different.

But a collings MT isnt too bad i might just get that...

But I probably won't get an Eastman

woodysny
Dec-06-2005, 1:31pm
If you are willing to give up the scroll, then you should check out the used Gibson A5-L's that are around for about $2K. A lot of quality and tone for a modest price.

woodysny
Dec-06-2005, 1:32pm
If you are willing to give up the scroll, then you should check out the used Gibson A5-L's that are around for about $2K. A lot of quality and tone for a modest price.

Bob DeVellis
Dec-06-2005, 1:58pm
As others have said, passing on an F-style will get you a lot more instrument for the money. F's definitely look cool but let me tell you, nothing beats an instrument that sounds great. With any of the brands mentioned, from big companies or small builders, they can give you a higher quality instrument for any given price if they don't have to do all that carving involved in an F-style. You can actually even get a fancier instrument because it costs less to add decorative features other than the scroll than it does to make an F-style. Of course, it's your decision and you should do what will make you happiest with the instrument. But if you believe that tone is the most important thing, give serious thought to skipping the scroll.

PatrickH
Dec-06-2005, 2:16pm
Another vote for the Collings MT. Play a few and find one with the sound you want (although they tend to be very consistent in sound).

Lane Pryce
Dec-06-2005, 3:34pm
Well, I'll repeat the oft-stated maxim that you get a lot more for your money in an A style.
I agree completely. Lp

Permanent Daylight
Dec-06-2005, 4:01pm
I have a Silverangel F5 that I would sell for less than that. It's #193, after the new tailpieces and headstock design. There's a picture of Chris Thile and I playing it in tandem on one of the threads in the pictures area. I don't know if you'd be interested, but if you are, or just want details or anything, message me.

hungry mountain boy
Dec-07-2005, 1:20pm
I recentley saw Honi Deaton and Dream in concert, there mandolin player, Joe Clark was playing an oversized England mandolin, its slightley larger than a standard F model but you can't really tell by looking or holding it. The neck is the same as standard. It was really nice. He said the maker
Bryan England sells them for $2200.00 on the model he had.

John Rosett
Dec-07-2005, 3:00pm
like so many others have said, you get alot more mando for the money with n A style. that being said, you should check out some of the newer webers with a cedar top. i've played several, and they sound great.

f5loar
Dec-09-2005, 12:25am
I'd get a new Eastman 815 F model and take the extra $400 and go on a nice vacation. If A's are your thang go for the Gibson A5 although it's going to be slightly more than $2K these days.

jamann
Dec-09-2005, 12:26am
For $2000 I highly recommend checking out Keith Newell (www.newellmandolins.com). You can get a custom made mandolin that is an unbelievable bargain. His quality workmanship down to every detail is very rare at this price range. Do a search on this sight and you'll come up with loads of information on him and some pictures of his work. Best $2000 I ever spent.

jamann http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

mandoh
Dec-09-2005, 2:03pm
For around that price, my friend will build you a mando. I got mine in July and it has become a cannon. Mine has modified x bracing, carbon fibre in the neck, and has put my Kettler in the closet. For now anyway. I can email you some pics and his info. Grey Eagle Mandolins I'm not sure if his info is updated in the builders list.
Aaron Shaw

RuralRoots
Dec-28-2005, 8:53am
Thanks fr all the help guys.

I've found ouit what i'm going to get.

Jamon Zeiler is throwin' me one together in the summer.

I'll try and post a pic and sound link.

red7flag
Dec-29-2005, 9:09am
You can get Don Paine from Pomeroy to make you one for > 2k. For that price will be pretty basic in adornment. He makes a great F mando at a very reasonable price. When I ordered mine, there was a 4-5 month wait, which after checking most makers is very reasonable. Mark Lane was nice enough to play his relatively new Pomeroy August 05 on the phone for me yesterday. Sounds great. I hope this helps.
Tony