F4's whose building them?

[DryBones]

"hypothetically" If I was looking for a lefty F4 in the $2000-3000 range would I be able to find a builder?

[Keith Erickson]

I don't know what the price of this 1 (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=15;t=36059) is but it's a lóóker.

[Kevin Briggs]

Mr. Don Paine is close to that range. It will be hard to find any great F style between $2 - $3k.

Check out his site: http://www.pomeroyinstruments.com/

[Nolan]

Might check out Schneider (http://www.schneiderf5.com/)

I've heard from a couple of different guys who know mandolins that his F-4 is killer.

[Jasper]

Jason,

I am in the process of commissioning Don Paine at Pomeroy mandolins to build an F4 for me. I have read many posts here at the cafe about his work, and I haven't heard anything or read anything negative...only positive. I believe the base price for an F4 is about $2900. If you want headstock inlay, pickguard, etc., that comes at extra cost. But most of what I wanted in an F4 as far as wood material comes standard. Recommend you call or email him and he will quote you a base price and then add any extras. Wait time is about 8 months.

Cheers,

Jasper

[Kevin Briggs]

Wow, eight months already. Don was quoting five to six months just this past spring. He must really be doing some good business lately. It makes sense, he's making a great product.

My Pomeroy two-point is slated to get started October 1! I can't wait, although I certainly will!

[sgarrity]

Here's another vote for Don Paine. I had originally ordered an F4 from him but after some horse trading I wound up needing an F5. I got my varnished F5 about a month ago and am quite pleased with it. Don was very patient as I changed my mind about 50 times and a pleasure to work with. I wouldn't hesitate a minute to order from him again!

Shaun

[Greenmando]

I would love to buy a King Brown (http://kingbrown.netfirms.com/index.html) F4

[John Flynn]

People are saying good things about the high quality-to-cost perception of Glenn mandolins by Allen Jones. He makes a nice looking F. I don't know if he makes ovals, but if I were cost constrained, I would at least talk to him.

Also, Bill Bussman (Old Wave) is a bit out of your price range, but he is a lefty and I have heard he sometimes gives discounts to lefties. I can vouch for the high quality of his work.

[acousticphd]

Howard Morris F4s are much less fancy, but also much less $$. More like ~$1200. They have the long neck and elevated FB though, so are more like an oval-hole F5.

[A-3]

What ever happened to the Flatiron F4s that were suppose to come out?

[sgarrity]

I don't know why I didn't think of Old Wave when I posted earlier. The A-model oval hole I got earlier this year is what caused me to switch my order with Don from an F4 to an F5. I've played it with several old Gibsons, both snakeheads and paddleheads, and it's as good of an oval holed mandolin as you could ask for. Don't get me wrong, I love the F4 style and will probably own one someday. But in the meantime, my OW will keep me plenty happy.

Shaun

[John M. Riley]

Yes, A-3
I second your question... What did happen to those oval hole flatirons??

[Keith Erickson]

What ever happened to the Flatiron F4s that were suppose to come out?
I third that!!!

That would be great to see those hit the market.

[Nolan]

What ever happened to the Flatiron F4s that were suppose to come out?
They only made one, right?
It sold pretty quick from the showcase and then was on Ebay shortly there after..

[DryBones]

well, so far 2 builders have denied my lefty request. I have a few more feelers out but I have my doubts in my price range. looks like my Eastmans are here to stay. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[the_guitar_guru]

Contact Kevin Mathers at
www.oldtimemandolin.com


He built me a really nice F-4 and is attentive to a customers needs.