Any Capek owners out there?

[AndyG]

I have owned a Capek F4 for about a year now and it has started to develope into a very nice instrument. Has anyone else(apart from Ricky Skaggs!)got one? Experiences?

[August Watters]

Alan Kaufman is a great klezmer and old-time player who uses a Capek A4 in our group Mandomaven. (http://www.mandomaven.com)

(Full disclosure: I represent Capek in the US.)

[Steve Davis]

Radim Zenkl plays one.

[Daniel Nestlerode]

Well, I'll add my name to this apparently very short list. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
I have an Old Era made around 2000 or so I have been told. I think I'm the 4th or 5th owner. It's colored and inlaid like an F4, with a yellow to red sunburst and a double flower pot. It took some experimenting to find the right bridge*, but now it's a fine sounding mandolin. It doesn't have a lot of chop (you need good technique to get to pop) but it's very articulate, which makes it a very versatile instrument.

*The bridge is comprised of a Sullivan base with a Steve Smith "Tall Boy" saddle, both are ebony. The Tall Boy was better than a saddle of standard height because the angle on the neck is about a degree more acute than is usual.

Daniel

[Daniel Nestlerode]

Here's a pic...


Daniel

[trevor]

Here's mine.
As the European dealer for Rosta Capek I have played many and have many very satisfied customers. I also get to play many other mandolins. Rosta is my fave...
I waited 3 years for this one, customers orders always got put in front of mine.
It is an A4 exclusive 10 string, as the standard spec in every way except the addition of the extra course, tuned CGDAE (mandolin and mandola).
As a mandolin it is at least up to the A4 basic I had before (and that was my choice out of all the mandolins in my shop, I only keep one at home now). As a mandola I guess if I am really honest its not quite up to a 16" or 17" scale length dola but pretty close.
The sound of chords is amazing, sometimes I just sit an strum a few chords and listen to the tone.

[Uncle Choppy]

Here's mine.
As the European dealer for Rosta Capek I have played many and have many very satisfied customers. I also get to play many other mandolins. Rosta is my fave...
That's a lovely looking mandolin Trevor. I don't normally like the look of the Capek sunburst finish but that one looks nice and subtle.

Most Capek 'bursts I've seen (website pictures only) seem a bit "harsh". By this I mean that there seems to be very little blending between the black background and the red and yellow circles on the soundboard.

Is this a Capek house style or is it simply that the photos do not do the finish justice?

The nicest Capek I've seen so far is this natural A4 exclusive (http://www.galleryofstrings.com/1instruments/CapA4-288/CapA4-288.html) at Gallery of Strings. Does he do this finish on any of the cheaper models (e.g. A4 basic)?

And speaking of all things Capek, I believe that unless specifically ordered otherwise, his mandolins come with a flat (i.e. non-radiused) fingerboard. Anybody care to comment on whether this makes them harder to play?

(It seems to me that most folks who express a preference here seem to prefer a radiused fingerboard to a flat one.)

Cheers
Brendan

[trevor]

Of the seven I have in stock (normally 12 but lots sold recently, the word is spreading) I'd say 3 have fairly rapid sunbursts and 4 similar to mine. The black to orangeish is the most sudden. Its the sound that sells Capeks, I've never had a cusotmer saying they don't like the sunburts so it may be the photgraphy that makes the contrast look harsher than it is.

I've never been asked for a natural, I've asked Rosta, Sylvie says he's away and will get back to me soon.

Re radiussed fretboards, flat is standard, its only a bit more for radiussed. Personally, I don't notice the difference but I often play many different mandolins in a day so I think I just adjust without thinking about it. Re customers preferences, I have only ever ordered one with a radiussed board. I guess that answers the question. If customers showed a consistent preference for radiussed I would order them that way.

[August Watters]

Most Capek 'bursts I've seen (website pictures only) seem a bit "harsh". By this I mean that there seems to be very little blending between the black background and the red and yellow circles on the soundboard.

Is this a Capek house style or is it simply that the photos do not do the finish justice?

Capek makes nice sunbursts. The problem with the photos is just a trick of the lens.

I've taken all the photos on the Gallery of Strings site, and am aware of the banding problem. There's something in the way Capek makes his finish that makes it very difficult to get an accurate photo. The light needs to be very diffuse and not too bright; otherwise the gradations of color are lost and instead appear as bands of color. The real problem here is I'm a performer and teacher; not a photographer! (Although I've noticed the problem on other websites too.)


The nicest Capek I've seen so far is this natural A4 exclusive at Gallery of Strings. Does he do this finish on any of the cheaper models (e.g. A4 basic)?

Yes. There's no extra charge for a custom color on any model. This one is the result of a special order from a fellow who lost his job after ordering, and couldn't take delivery.


And speaking of all things Capek, I believe that unless specifically ordered otherwise, his mandolins come with a flat (i.e. non-radiused) fingerboard. Anybody care to comment on whether this makes them harder to play?

I don't usually like flat boards, but easily adjust to playing them on Rosta's instruments -- to the point I usually don't remember which have which without rechecking. I once received a special order: an extra-wide neck (1-1/4") with a flat board. It felt so normal I had to measure it to make sure it was correct.

It's true the basic price on the Capek site doesn't include radiused board. That's because Capek doesn't think the radius is necessary. But customers (including me!) prefer the radiused boards, so I order them that way unless someone prefers flat. The extra cost for a radiused board isn't much.

I met Rosta a few years ago while performing and touring in Europe, and one thing led to another. Now I usually have a couple of extra new mandos available.

AW
http://www.augustwatters.com

[AndyG]

Hi Trevor, I bought my F4 Basic from you, and my Pavlu F5. I see no mention of the F4 on Rosta's website, does he still make them?

[trevor]

Andy,
Take a look at my website, plenty there, 3 F4s in stock, the Sophia sold recently.
Demand for F4s is less than F5s, that's probably why they are not on Rosta's website.

[AndyG]

Thanks Trev. (BTW the Slope D has become a stellar instrument!)

[trevor]

Uncle Choppy,
Natural finish available on any model, no extra charge.

[Uncle Choppy]

Thanks for the information Trevor and August.

I like the natural finish, particularly on the oval hole model - I've always thought that the Old Wave mandolins on Trevor's site are quite beautiful!

Trevor, I'm still trying to persuade myself that I need to spend a few more months with my Eastman 805 before jumping into buying any more mandolins. (I also need the Fylde touchstone to sell!)

Obviously the decision would be easier if the basic Capeks ever came on to the used market in the UK but I get the impression that those that own them are quite happy to keep them (surely a good sign!).

Cheers
Brendan

[trevor]

Brendan,

I have only ever had 2 used Capeks. I kept one for about 2 years. I decided to sell it when my ten string arrived (above), I took it into the shop one morning and had sold it within 2 hours!!

I will contact you if we get another.

Your Fylde is sold, I will call you later.

[BruceP]

Not an owner yet, but hope to be soon. Have a Capek F5 on order. Can't wait.

[Uncle Choppy]

Not an owner yet, but hope to be soon. #Have a Capek F5 on order. #Can't wait.
Bruce

I hope that you enjoy your mandolin when it arrives.

Out of interest, what model did you order and did you ask for any "upgrades" (different finish or radius board)?

On the website Capek says that his F5 basic is "intended for students and beginners". Would I be right in thinking that he's selling the model a little bit short here?

My understanding from conversations with Trevor (from TAMCO in Brighton, here in the UK) is that even the basic models are fine instruments that will stand comparison with much more expensive instruments.

Brendan

[trevor]

Its a case of diminishing returns. All Rosta’s instruments are professional quality, in tone and finish. Before my ten string arrived I was VERY happy with my A4 basic. Going up a step or two you get cosmetic enhancements and older woods. Rosta goes to old farm sales where the younger generation doesn't want to carry on farming, and buys wood from old wood piles and so on.

To my ear the differences in tone are noticeable but not dramatic, but in theory they will increase with playing in…
For me once you reach the level of a Capek A basic or Lebeda A standard you are at the 'professional' level, the difference between one of these and a mandolin at half the price is greater than the difference between one of these and one of twice the price...

[tattiemando]

I just listened to the the sound clips on mandomavens site, I just love those melodies. Klezmer music is so good

[Mando Medic]

I have a 2003 Capek, #240 with a radiused fingerboard that a friend asked me to find a home for, but I've enjoyed playing it almost as much as my Collings MF-5. Kenc

[BruceP]

I hope that you enjoy your mandolin when it arrives.

Out of interest, what model did you order and did you ask for any "upgrades" (different finish or radius board)?


Brendan, I ordered a Sofia F5 in early January. #Only upgrade was radiused fingerboard, and a case. #I'm normally more of a minimalist when it comes to ornamentation on my instruments, but went for the Sofia to get the older/better tone wood.

I agree with your comments about Capek sunbursts, at least in pictures. #I requested a more gradual fade between the two primary colors, with little/no red middle band. #After seeing Trevor's A, I will probably point it out as an example of what I am looking for, assuming Rosta has not started the finish yet.

Bruce

[Uncle Choppy]

I ordered a Sofia F5 in early January.
I hope your wait isn't much longer. I think Trevor keeps him stacked up with back-orders (as well as Andy Statman, Ricky Skaggs etc.)

Speaking of Capek endorsees, Peter Rowan's mandola is a nice brown colour so it shows that there are interesting finish options to be had.

I agree about the Mandomaven clips - not a type of music I'd normally be that interested in but those samples are great (as is the mandolin sound).



I have a 2003 Capek, #240 with a radiused fingerboard that a friend asked me to find a home for, but I've enjoyed playing it almost as much as my Collings MF-5.
I wish I had friends like that!



the difference between one #of these and a mandolin at half the price is greater than the difference between one of these and one of twice the price...

I really had to think about that for a minute Trevor.
(Maths was never my strong point - neither is playing the mandolin!)
LIke you said, diminishing returns - the Sofia might be 5% better than an Old Era, which might be 10% better than a Professional (totally random and innapropriate figures btw).

[trevor]

To put it another way, also using inappropriate figures, you could say a Capek A basic or Lebeda A std are twice as good as a mando at half the price but you just can't get twice as good as that. Once you reach this level a lot of the sound differences are matters of personal taste rather than one being 'better' than another.

I note that Bruce has waited since January for his order, because I have mandolins on order with Rosta I can substitute one of my orders with a customer order. The longest wait should be 16 weeks this way.

[August Watters]

The longest wait should be 16 weeks this way.

That works fine, but often the customer decides to order something special, or just wants to have more input. BruceP ordered a specific type of color and sunburst; otherwise I would have sent him the Sophia I have in stock now!

And PS: I'm getting impatient for my Sophia since Rosta's making me one now, along with Bruce's -- but although the wait has been longer than usual (usually not more than 6 months), I think Rosta does a great job of filling orders quickly. Even a year's wait is short compared to most, if you check out how long the waiting list is for most small builders at this level.

August W

[SWS]

AndyG,

I have had my Capek F5 Professionial since Feb. 2003, it has really opened up a lot. It keeps getting better and better. I am not sure what the serial number because there is no label on the inside. It has a flat fingerboard.

Happy Pickin

Scott