NEW 2 POINT FROM WEBER

[Russ(String-Alley)]

check her out here

http://www.soundtoearth.com/inst_ma_bighorn.htm

Nice Job STE!!
awsome.....now when Can I get a guitar shaped like a Gallitian?? hehehe

cheers all

[jlb]

Nice example on that site. I wonder how much they will list for.

Interesting that they put it in the F-Style section...I always thought of two-points as fancy A-styles. Immaterial, I suppose.

[levin4now]

Sweet looking mando.

[Andrew Reckhart]

I really like the name! #I'm glad that they used 'Bighorn'.
Remember a couple of weeks ago the name topic came up in another thread and I (along with several others around here) expressed great suppoert for the name 'Bighorn'! # Do you think that we members of the mandolincafe might have had a little bit of a persuasive effect on the powers that be at Sound to Earth? #Just maybe?

By the way........it looks fabulous! I want one!

[PCypert]

Very nice. I can't wait to hear how much these will go for.
Paul

[jim simpson]

I like it, I just wish they would have gone with an oval hole w/rosette instead of the d-shaped hole.

[lambdaman]

According to the site the price is $3,340. The mando is shown under the F-style category, the price under the A-style category. Wonder how it will compare to a Phoenix? I'm wanting a two-pointer - if I can't play like Jethro maybe I can look like him - and Phoenix is my current choice.

[jlb]

Ouch! That's Phoenix territory indeed.

Are points as hard to make as scrolls (honestly don't know myself).

I don't mind the D-hole, but I think it might look nice bound.

[mandolooter]

That D-hole sure looks big but maybe its just the camera angle!http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Russ(String-Alley)]

Any one out there get a chance to try one yet?
I bet the trebles are tight and responsive with that type of design. Is Jethro in there? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
anyone at Weber care to chime in?
cheers all
Russ

[dudlebug23]

How does the sound of a Weber compare to the sound of say, a Gibson? If I was deciding between the Bighorn and an F-9, which way would you push me?

[Jack Roberts]

If it sounds like the Bridger F, I think you will find the sound very good. Not woody, but plenty of volume, (more than the Gibson A-5 Jethros). The D hole is a good improvement.

I wonder how much they would want to make it with a scrolled headstock...

Jack

" If I was deciding between the Bighorn and an F-9, which way would you push me? "

Uh, your on different sides of the fence with these two models...besides, who would want a Bighorn with an oval hole?...I'd like to see one with F holes thank you........

[VernBrekke]

Bighorn was the first name that was proposed for the two-point, by my wife Tanja, but Bruce and Mary were also open to other names as the instrument was being developed. Your suggestions on the previous thread did influence their decision. Thanks for the input it is always appreciated.

The standard Bighorn will have our "D" sound hole. They can also be ordered, at no extra cost, with either an oval sound hole or "F" holes.


Vern Brekke
Sound To Earth, Ltd.

[Russ(String-Alley)]

funny, I was thinking the same.... F holes would be a nice treat. I'm sure the folks over there are already building one up. I figure an F hole model would add a bit o' chop as well. just my .02
cheers all

[Russ(String-Alley)]

Looks like Vern beat me to it!

great job guys!
Russ

[Lee]

I will prefer mine with no florida; or at least a de-fretted and scalloped one. Kinda detracts from the symmetry too.
Hmmm, wonder what a radius would add$?
Can I assume this is X-braced?

[8ch(pl)]

In an earlier thread there were suggestions for naming this mandolin that included "Teton". I got a kick out of it because of how that translates from french - teats... and it is a 2 pointer.

Nice looking mandolin

[PCypert]

Anyone else think that's a bit pricey for a two pointer? I mean is this limited release, varnish, or what? I was thinking it would come in around 1500 maybe 2200 new with a real street price under 1800. Why would one not go with an Old Wave or any other small builder on this one? Yikes, bad move.
Paul

[mandodon]

I agree. Maybe the thought process was "if it has points, it has to be more expensive than any of our other A models".

Not in the market myself, so I guess my opinion here means jack.

[jlb]

My guess...keepin up with the Jones' (or Gibsons, as the case may be).

I'm with you Mandodon. I sure am glad I'm out of the market for new mandolins. Prices have gotten crazy. For a working stiff like me, its like Down-Payment on a car vs. A New Mandolin.

I can see why the MKs are so popular.

[Walter Newton]

Love it! I like the finish color on the one posted too. I'd order mine with F-holes, no extension, maybe an F-style headstock??


"I was thinking it would come in around 1500 maybe 2200 new"

Given that the Absaroka/Beartooth A-styles list for $2175/$2840 that was never likely.

[BBarton]

Nice looking instrument -- with f-holes, it would have a striking resemblance to my Randy Wood 2-pt A-5 (which I really like). #I doubt if points cost anything like carving a scroll, but they will obviously add to the cost over an ordinary A -- whatever one is willing to pay for cosmetics, I guess. #The price does seem a bit steep, though, considering one can pick up a pre-owned near mint Y'stone for $1,000 less if one looks for it. My $0.02.

[PCypert]

Hey all,
I'll add that I was anxiously awaiting information on this mando as I am always in the market for a two pointer. But that price is terrible. I know the beartooths run about that. But in reality they hit stores for a lot less. Plus look on ebay or the classifieds and you can usually get one of those, granted used, for about 1400-1500 bucks. And the fact that one could buy a yellowstone for less than that used. With all the binding and stuff that goes into a F style I can kind of understand the price. But for a fancy A?!

Maybe they'll offer different appointments for less? Maybe like an Absoraka/Bighorn model or something. I'm glad for the two point world there's another on the market. But for me I'm back to looking at a Old Wave or any number of other builders who will custom build me one, with better appointments, more personal touch and history, varnish, etc. for a whole lot less.

I'm really dissapointed with this. Great job on the mando though guys.
Paul

[Walter Newton]

Still don't quite understand the price grumbling. Yes, it's like a Fancy "A", and presumably costs somewhat more to build than an A, but not as much as an F.

So isn't the list price in between a comparable A and an F, exactly like you would expect? (Beartooth/Bighorn/Yellowstone - 2840/3340/4000 MSRP). Now if you think that's too high compared to other makes or something that's a different issue, but it seems like it's priced consistently with their other models.

Of course the street price will be lower, and used ones someday will likely be lower still, but comparing the full list price of a new mando with the street price of a used one is apples and oranges...

I totally agree that an "Absaroka" level 2-point (with plainer hardware/inlays or whatever) would be great (but of course it would list for somewhat more than 2175).

[Big Joe]

I'm sure I'm the wrong one to respond here, but if you can build one as good for less, go for it. I'm sure they have taken their cost analysis and figured what it would take to develop that instrument, build it, and market it and made the price point just where it had to be to produce that mandolin. It is cool and is is beautiful. For what they offer, the price is pretty reasonable. Just my 3 cents worth.

[mrt10x]

"Why would one not go with an Old Wave or any other small builder on this one? Yikes, bad move."
Paul, is your statement made on the assumption that an Old Wave or small builder would produce a better mandolin? Just wondering if there is a flawed assumption out there that Weber has become to big to produce mandolins on that compete with the builders who employ only one or two people?

[PCypert]

I don't know how these are BigHorns sound, obviously. But I will say that you can have a two pointer tailor made for you by Bill or a lot of other small builders for a whole lot less than these are running. You can have a bunch of upgrades too without extra fees. I'm not in any way saying that production mandos are of lesser quality than small builders - look at Collings.

On that note, totally different idea going here, one could have a Collings MF list at 4300, street price at 3800. That's a fantastic F style (granted without the finish and binding) for a grand more. Now that's apples to oranges, but it gives you an idea of how ludicrous this is. Or lets take a Phoenix two pointer. I'm betting they will sound no where near a Phoenix. I've played many Webers and they sound good. But nohwere near a Pheonix.

The street price and aftermarket price will be substantially lower (anyone else notice how low the Weber aftermarket price is?). That'll be fine. But I just think the price stinks. I'm not trying to convince anyone of my way of seeing things. Well maybe a little (guys at Weber please sell me one cheaper) http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif . My personal money will go elsewhere though and that's what I was trying to say. I'm a big, BIG, two point fan and was anxiously watching this develop. But my money will go elsewhere and I think I'll have a better investment and instrument in the end.
Paul

[pickinNgrinnin]

I'm sure Bruce and Co. are not setting the price on this 2 pointer on gut instinct alone.

Lots of folks think (name the builder) prices are too high. If there is public demand for these 2 pointers, the supply will be there. Time will tell. I would like one with a traditional F style headstock though.

I've not noticed a downturn in Weber after market prices. For example, I could probably sell my Yellowstone today for more than I paid (used) for it. I'd say it is holding it's value quite nicely.

If you think you can get a better deal elsewhere - go for it. Charlie D often suggests that you vote with your billfold/purse. That always seems like good advise to me.

[jim simpson]

Thanks Vern for the info on the sound hole options. I really like how Weber has enabled the customer to order custom options on the various models. I could see one of the 2-pointers with round sound hole and black top! Yeah! I believe Weber's have been priced a bit low for a while and were overdue for a price adjustment.
Hats off to Big Joe for the nice compliment to Weber. What a class guy!

[Kevin Briggs]

I second Big Joe's compliment to Weber. We all know the storied history between Weber and Gibson, and it's great to see that a high profile Gibson rep has such nice, reasonable things to say.

On the two-point, Weber has reasonable prices. Weber is a well-known name in the industry, obviously, and STE is known for producing visually stunning mandolins. Oh yeah, some of 'em tend ot sound pretty good too.

Compared to the Phoenix models, the Weber is very reasonably priced. I've played a Phoenix bluegrass model, which is more expensive than the Bighorn, and is the second cheapest Phoenix available, it didn't have near the complexity of my Weber Bitteroot with Fern maple, tone bars, and trad. Brekke bridge. They had equal volume, and my Bitteroot had a sweeter sound.

The Webers are in the top class of mandolins being built today, and that being the case I think they are a great deal.

[bsimmers]

I have a Gallitin, and a '91 Flatiron by Bruce. If this 2 pointer sounds good and plays nice, it's worth the money. There is no question about the craftsmanship. Of course, if no one buys it, I guess production will cease, and the few that have been sold will become REALLY valuable and sell for 10K in about 5 yrs.