Randy Woods

Folks,

I have been in discussion with a very nice person I meet her on Mandolin Cafe about a Woods F5 varnish mando.

I have read about Randy being known as a legendary builder of mandos (just trying to educate myself).

What I am looking for is some discussion of his mandos over time. It looks like the woods are the same while the headstock inlays have changed. I can't imagine Randy, with his reputation building anything but quality mandos.

You all here have proven yourself to be experts and that is what I have come looking for.....

....some expert advice and opinions of Randy Woods mandos (especially the late 90's to date) and otherwise.

Thanks in advance for any and all insight you can help me with.

~x
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[Tony Sz]

In the past, Randy made a laquer finished mando,typically identified by his "RW" logo on the headstock, and a varnished mando, his Randy Wood Supreme, which had a banner with "R.Wood" written on it. As of about 1 1/2 years ago, he stopped offering those and now only offers a varnished F style ( he might offer a 2 point also, although I'm not sure). His new mando is a no compromise, top flight instrument. Waverly tuners, varnish finish, etc., and I believe goes for $12,500.00. I think you can find out more at his website. I have a RW Supreme,1999 that is an awesome bluegrass instrument.
Tony Sz

[EdB]

I have a RW varnish model that is a little over three years old now. The sound of the treble is very, very loud and almost searing. The bass strings are somewhat less pronounced, not quite so ringing, which I think is fairly typical for F5's in general. I don't think I have ever heard any F5 with bass strings that have the deep character of the old Gibson oval holes.

I bought it because I played a friend's 15-year old RW F5 and was just floored with the sound and ease of playing. I got mine just before Randy discontinued that model in favor of the F5 no-holds-barred model he is now selling. I haven't heard one of those but it's hard to imagine that they are anything less than fantastic.

I am totally happy with my instrument and have received a lot of compliments on it from some pretty good players.

Randy has been making mandolins and guitars for a long time now. Good luck and long life to him.

[cgwilsonjr]

I have played two laquer-finished RW mandolins from the 1990's. Both were outstanding mandolins. I'd love to hear his varnished mandolins.