Mowry owner's [Archive] - Mandolin Cafe Forum

first string

Oct-16-2006, 4:44pm

I am the owner of one of the mandos from his most recent batch (see my post on the thread Steve linked to).

I say go for it. I haven't regretted my decision for a moment. Amazing sound, fit and finish that is on par with top shelf mandos that cost many thousands more, and to top it all off Andrew is extremely easy to work with. Did I mention the sound.

Serriously, while I admitt that I am biased (most people are when it comes to their make of instrument) I would get on his list while the getting's good.

Jonathan Peck

Oct-17-2006, 8:06am

Hi,

I did a search on Mowry, but it didn't turn up that many responses. I'm guessing that he's a relatively new builder, which is reflected in his pricing. This for me is a non issue and likely a big plus in terms of getting a first rate instrument at an affordale price.

Last year, I took a chance on a local luthier from Brooklyn named Nathaniel Rowan. My wife and I compared one of his violins to some costing ten times the price and settled on the Rowan....ok, price was a big factor, but it simply out performed anything in the same price range and sounded even better to us than those costing much, much more. We've been very happy with that purchase and the violin continues to develop nicely. I'm hoping lightning can strike twice and the Mowry just sort of drew me in. The only difference here, is that we were able to play a Rowan violin and compare it to other instruments, and I can't do that with the Mowry

It sounds from the responses I've seen here on the cafe, that the fit and finish on the Mowry's are universally praised and Andrew's skills as a woodworker are quite fine in detail. I also read on his website that he uses mostly hand tools....which for me says alot about his craftsmanship. I also saw somewhere where it was said that the sound is somewhere between a Collings and a Gibson.

If anybody can add to this, I'd very much appreciate it. I wasn't looking for a new mandolin, but there's just something about these Mowry's that's calling my name http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

I have a Dearstone that I'm very happy with, it's a real bluegrass monster. I listened to the soundclip on the Mowry site, and it sounds cleaner to me, but still dry enough for bluegrass, but maybe a little more versatile than the Dearstone. Any opinions, or additional information about this builder, or the sound of his mandolins will be appreciated.

TIA
-jonathan

Lane Pryce

Oct-17-2006, 9:10am

I too own a Mowry mandolin. I have had it since April of 2006. I am very pleased. The instrument plays easily. Fit and finish are everything you have read. Andrew is great to work with with too. You will not regret getting a Mowry. I did describe the tone as being somewhere between a Gibson and a Collings ----- still true to my ears. Lp

Frank Russell

Oct-17-2006, 10:14am

Here's some feedback: read your original post carefully. Spelling can be crucial, unless that's a new greeting I'm not familiar with. Frank

Jonathan Peck

Oct-17-2006, 10:24am

Yeah, I guess 'you' left coasters aren't familiar with right coast vernacular....duly noted. Thanks for your contribution to my question http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

Frank Russell

Oct-17-2006, 1:39pm

Being new to the board, I guess you didn't know if your "vernacular" would fly. Right or left coast, rudeness is universal, and ignorance is apparently not restricted to California. You want a helpful contribution to your question, try not prefacing it with an irresponsible attempt at humor. Frank

Chris Biorkman

Oct-17-2006, 3:25pm

Can't we all just get along?

Lane Pryce

Oct-17-2006, 3:59pm

I went with the "benefit of doubt" and thought it was a typo ------ guess not. Lp

first string

Oct-17-2006, 4:14pm

Lane,

Me too.

Captain Crunch,

I'm on the right coast (geographically speaking) and that greeting isn't part of my vernacular.

Jonathan Peck

Oct-18-2006, 9:12am

Being new to the board, I guess you didn't know if your "vernacular" would fly. #Right or left coast, rudeness is universal, and ignorance is apparently not restricted to California. #You want a helpful contribution to your question, try not prefacing it with an irresponsible attempt at humor. #Frank
Frank, I'm not looking to make any enemy's here...and quite frankly, I can't see what the big deal is. I think that you're making this into something that it isn't (mountains out of molehills). You don't like that I wrote 'youse' instead of 'you', you've stated this publicly, now can we just leave it at that?

This post of yours is not appreciated, but if mandolin cafe sees fit to send you out as their welcoming committee for new members, then what can I say other than that this will not deter me in any way from continuing to participate in the Cafe community.

regards
-jonathan

Ken Sager

Oct-18-2006, 9:28am

So have some of youse guys/gays recieved your Mowry's yet?
I believe it's the guys/gays thing, not the youse thing.

I could be wrong.

Joy to all,
Ken

allenhopkins

Oct-18-2006, 9:31am

Dear Cap'n --
I think (correct me if I'm wrong) it was the "guys/gays" part of your initial greeting that raised others' hackles. That's what could charitably be attributed to a typo, though "y" is pretty far from "l" on my keyboard...

I may be unwittingly playing the foil to a little humor thing that's being perpetrated, and you may very well know that's what the other posts refer to, but let me blunder ahead and state the obvious.

Rather sad that here in the 21st century it's still considered an insult to refer to other sexual orientations, but that's what we're still dealing with.

By the way, I love your cereal...

Jonathan Peck

Oct-18-2006, 9:54am

Oh man, I didn't see that. Thanks for pointing this out. If you do a search on my posts here on the Cafe, you'll see that on the several ocassions where I have used this greeting, it's always been guys/gals. I thought the blowup was about my use of the term 'youse' so I thought Frank was being rather picky.

Ken Sager

Oct-18-2006, 10:24am

So, how 'bout them Mowrys? They looked beautiful. I'd love to play one someday.

Love to all,
Ken

Lane Pryce

Oct-18-2006, 10:32am

Ken I can't see you getting a case of MAS for a long long time. Lp

Frank Russell

Oct-18-2006, 11:04am

Jonathan - I certainly don't consider myself as a welcoming comittee of any sort. If your post was a typo, stuff happens. Your response to my first post, after it was suggested you reread yours carefully, made it sound like this was your standard greeting, and you didn't understand why anyone would be offended. If you still think your "guys/gays" snafu is unoffensive, then you need to be more observant of the tone of this board. People here are friendly and helpful, and very humorous, but we try to keep the environment user friendly for everyone, regardless of politics, race, orientation, etc.. I would definitely not call myself a picky person, and I've been bawled out on this board for posts that really had no business here. I'd just hate to lose a member or prospective member who sees something ignorant here and leaves, missing out on an incredible mandolin resource. That's enough soapboxing. If you have any more comments for me, feel free to PM. By the way, you can always edit your posts, even after the fact. Frank

Jonathan Peck

Oct-18-2006, 12:40pm

Jonathan - I certainly don't consider myself as a welcoming comittee of any sort. #If your post was a typo, stuff happens. #Your response to my first post, after it was suggested you reread yours carefully, made it sound like this was your standard greeting, and you didn't understand why anyone would be offended. #If you still think your "guys/gays" snafu is unoffensive, then you need to be more observant of the tone of this board. #People here are friendly and helpful, and very humorous, but we try to keep the environment user friendly for everyone, regardless of politics, race, orientation, etc.. #I would definitely not call myself a picky person, and I've been bawled out on this board for posts that really had no business here. #I'd just hate to lose a member or prospective member who sees something ignorant here and leaves, missing out on an incredible mandolin resource. #That's enough soapboxing. #If you have any more comments for me, feel free to PM. #By the way, you can always edit your posts, even after the fact. #Frank
Frank and all,

Let me clarify here for everyone and hopefully put this to bed: It was not my intention then, now or in the future to greet Cafe members as guys/gays, but rather, guys/gals. I mean come on, think about it for a minute, does that make any sense at all?. If you care to check, I think that you'll find a good sampling of my writing in the over seventy times that I've poted on this message board. I have been guilty, on the other hand, of butchering the english language from time to time....but an intentional sexualy oriented slur as a greeting to start a query of a potential multi thousand dollar instrumant purchase? I guess stranger things have happened

I'm confident in letting my track record speak for itself. My posts here are not filled with a bunch of wisecracks, insults or offensive greetings and are there for the record for anyone who wants to check.

BTW- the Mowry F-5 listed at Boyd's is now on it's way to me for approval.

-jonathan

*edit in*

My apologies to Cafe members for this regettable misunderstanding

stevem

Oct-18-2006, 1:17pm

Thanks for the clarification. Congrats on the purchase as well. That one at Greg Boyd's really sounds special, IMO. Very rich and complex tone. And the price was great too.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

Jonathan Peck

Oct-18-2006, 2:11pm

Thanks Steve,

I just recieved a corresponce from Andrew. He said pretty much the same thing. He also confirmed that it is the same mandolin that was used by Josh on the sound clip on his website and that it was built in the spring of 20005. Did you get to play it?

-jonathan

Frank Russell

Oct-18-2006, 3:14pm

Did they use a time machine to get it back here to 2006? Sorry, that one was too easy. Frank

Ken Sager

Oct-18-2006, 3:22pm

Ken I can't see you getting a case of MAS for a long long time. Lp
Yeah, me, too, but Andrew's work is terrific plus he's a nice guy. The Mowry I've played was a couple years old and quite fantastic. I'd like to see how his work is progressing as much as anything else.

It's a beautiful mandolin world we're living in.

Best,
Ken

Lane Pryce

Oct-18-2006, 4:26pm

Jonathan you have quite an F5 coming your way. After you get it give us a full and unbiased report. Welcome to the club. Lp http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

Lee

Oct-18-2006, 4:44pm

Oh Frank, Frank, Frank...

I see the 2pt Mowry at Boyds has a strap button. I assume this is a "factory" job. Anybody try it. Is it a convenient location for the strap button?

Frank Russell

Oct-18-2006, 10:35pm

Sorry, used to be a proofreader/editor, sometimes I can't hold it in. Congrats on the new mando, those Mowry's have held my attention for a long time, and Greg Boyd is the best. Frank

Jonathan Peck

Oct-19-2006, 12:32pm

Hey , Frank....whew! I'm glad we got this behind us. BTW- I'd love to be around to hear what this one's going to sound like in the year 20005 http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

This transaction is going down as the best ever for me. Greg Boyd has been a real pleasure to deal with and he spent way more time on the phone with me than he probably should have answering questions, playing the mandolin and just shootin' the breeze.

I also can't say enough good things about Andrew Mowry, who has also been very attentive, open and honest in answering my questions.

The mandolin has has an engelmann spruce top, and red maple back, neck, and sides with a flat fretboard with medium ("banjo") frets. Other than a few pick scratches from being in Greg's booth at various festivals, it's in virtually new condition. I should have it by tomorrow, but there is a slim chance it might arrive today. I can't wait!

-jonathan

Lane Pryce

Oct-19-2006, 1:02pm

Lee there is a review of the Andrew's two point here on the cafe. I cannot remember who took it for two weeks to play. All positive words. Andrew does put strap buttons on his A's unless requested otherwise. You thinking bout that two point? Killer aint it. It and my A came into this world together. Lp

Jim Roberts

Oct-19-2006, 1:59pm

Here's a copy of my previous post regarding Andrew's two point. #Great builder and fantastic guy to work with.

Posted: May 15 2006, 16:14 # #

"I had the pleasure of test driving a brand-spankin' new Mowry two-point mandolin over the past two weeks and this Englemann Spruce topped mandolin was incredible. #I was blown away every time I picked up the Mowry to play. #JLP hit the nail on the head when he states that the harder you drive it the more it delivers. #The mandolin has fantastic punch and volume and plays sweet all the way up and down the neck. #Incredible chop, too. #I own a fairly new Collings MT2 with varnish finish (a really great mandolin, btw) so it was interesting to A-B the two, but tone is in the ears of the beholder and the only way for you to decide which one you prefer is to play them both. I'd say own both!

The fit and varnish finish on the Mowry is perfect...I mean perfect. #I could not find a single flaw anywhere on this instrument. #I had to confirm with Andrew that he does not use a CNC to aid in the construction of his mandolins (he does not).

I honestly feel you will be hard pressed to find a better mandolin for the buck than with a Mowry. #The only change I would make to this particular instrument would be to have Andrew swap out the stamped tailpiece for a Bill James tailpiece. #Andrew typically uses James tailpieces but did not have one on hand to install prior to taking this one to a trade show in Portland.

Since it was agreed that I was only test driving this instrument, I shipped it back to Bend, Oregon but it was difficult to let it go.

I'd say get in line for this builder as he is one to watch. #In fact, quit watching and get your order in!

BTW, I have no financial interest in Mowry Mandolins...just lots of respect and support for yet another GREAT builder of our beloved instrument."

Lane Pryce

Oct-19-2006, 3:04pm

Jim ---- I remember now ----- thanks. Lp

tattiemando

Oct-19-2006, 4:02pm

That mandolin looks awesome Captain Crunch.

Lee

Oct-19-2006, 5:14pm

Yep, my mouth is watering the first time I saw that Mowry 2-pt. It's more extreme than the Old Wave / Nugget C#, almost like Mickey Stinnet's mandolins. #Yet, the points aren't as wild a design as the Rigel. #I like; and she's varnished too...
She's on layaway <sigh> <whew>

Lane Pryce

Oct-19-2006, 6:36pm

Lee get on the list for a two point. Yer still a year and a few days out and with plenty of time to let it simmer. Don't you hear it callin? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif Lp

Jonathan Peck

Oct-20-2006, 9:05am

Oct 20, 2006 7:55 AM On FedEx vehicle for delivery http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

Lane Pryce

Oct-20-2006, 9:25am

I feel your pain. Lp

Jonathan Peck

Oct-20-2006, 9:32am

I feel your pain. Lp
Yeah, it's going to be a looooong day.

Jonathan Peck

Oct-20-2006, 9:59am

My wife asked me last night what I needed another mandolin for. I smiled http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif and told her that I sold two guitars and the banjo to get it...and besides, it's a different color

She replied..."oh, you sold the banjo"

Lane Pryce

Oct-22-2006, 7:48pm

Did you get it? Lp

tin ben dur

Oct-22-2006, 8:04pm

I have been waiting on Mowry to get my emails. I am anxious to order my mandolin from him.

stevem

Oct-22-2006, 8:33pm

He's been out of town. Usually he replies quickly--within a day or two.

Jonathan Peck

Oct-23-2006, 10:56am

Did you get it? Lp
Hi,

Yes, I recieved it on friday. This one is #7 made in the spring of 05. I'm very happy.

first string

Oct-23-2006, 11:07am

Aw man, you've got to give us more than that. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

Lee

Oct-23-2006, 11:11am

Yeah, really!
We'll even forgive small typos, and grainy photos.

tattiemando

Oct-23-2006, 12:10pm

Please Captian Crunch, the world wide mandolin comunity awaits your opinion on your new mandolin. The silence is deafening.

Jonathan Peck

Oct-23-2006, 12:28pm

Aw man, you've got to give us more than that. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif
Sorry,

I like it alot. I've been playing it pretty heavily for the last three days and I like the tone even more with each passing day. Even though it's over a year and a half old now, it sounds like a brand new instrument and it needs to open up some. I've already noticed a definite increase in complexity, volume and depth/warmth in just the first few days since I first started playing it, and I suspect that she's just waking up.

I'm going to let her acclimate for a few weeks and then get her down to Bob Jones for some set-up work. In the mean time, she needs more playing time and I've yet to get her out to a jam and see how she sounds in a live situtaion.

I feel like it's really to soon for a full report, but I can say this right now....she's a keeper and I expect that she's just starting to bloom. It also looks to me from the pictures of Andrew's latest batch of mandolins that his supply of tonewoods has gotten better since this earlier work. If your on the fence, I'd say that now's the time to jump on it son http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

Dave Dearnley

Oct-24-2006, 9:33am

Greetings gang,

I'm the caretaker for the blonde in Andrews latest batch. #As has been said before, it's beyond fantastic. I spent the whole first week with it purposely looking for something I didn't like about it. #Nothing found. #The only thing I've had comparable too it is a D1A that came right from John at Old Standard, I wouldn't sell it for $10,000.

Mine too is changing for the better with every daily flogging. #It renders me speechless. #Am I glad I got it? #You bet. #I can hardly imagine how it'll sound in a year or so. #I'd like to make some recordings while it's green to compare later.

My Collings mando has only been out of the case once since getting my Mowry and will probably be in the classifieds soon. #Not because the Collings lacks anything, but because the Mowry is just that good.

Dave

Jonathan Peck

Oct-24-2006, 10:38am

Hey Dave,

Congradulations!!! I know exactly how you feel http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif I was trying to play it straight when telling about my initial impressions of #7, but it's getting increasingly harder not to rave like a lunatic about my new Mowry. We're still getting to know one another and we're getting on just fine
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif . Sometimes I have to just stop playing as I'm truly amazed at the subtle complexity of her voice. I certainly don't deserve such a fine instrument, so I consider myself very luck.

-jonathan

Lane Pryce

Oct-24-2006, 10:59am

tin ben dur

Oct-24-2006, 7:08pm

Corresponded with Andrew today and my name will go on the list and a check in the mail tommorrow. I really liked the one with the pick guard and fingerboard ext from the last batch. Maybe a flowerpot, Waverlies and James tailpiece.

Dave Dearnley

Oct-25-2006, 7:28am

Dave that is a very nice mandolin Andrew did for you. What kind of top wood did you go with? BTW the tone will improve immensely. I have been playing mine since April and I really love everything about it. Lp
Hey JLP,

My top is adirondack. It's amazing how much it changed in just the first few hours of playing. Part of the adventure is learning how it wants to be played. It's definitely different than my Collings MT and the more I look for in it, the more I find.

I know everyone naturally loves his 'brand', but after spending whole days in Gruhns and Jim Curlys and others. Haven't found one I'd trade it for yet. I wasn't able to do a side by side comparison, but recently spent some time with one of the 9 letter G word mandos; still like my Mowry, it's gonna have a nice dry low end thump that wasn't in Mr. G's year old example. Art and the ear is subjective and mandolins are certainly no exception, but I hit a home run by going with Mr. Mowry.

Dave

Lane Pryce

Oct-25-2006, 8:28am

Dave my top is AD as well. As I understand it can take a couple of years for the tone to mature. The treble on my my Mowry was strong right out the box. As I have played it over the months the bass and especially the mids have really developed. It has a really nice pop to the sound.

I was suprised that none of the new owners had Andrew build them an arm rest. I love mine ---- actually made for my mandolin.

My only regret was not going with Waverlie tuners. At the time I could not justify the cost of the manchines. My Mowry deserves em!

Maybe before long we'll have enough Mowrys out there to have a "Post a Pic of your Mowry" thread. Lp

Dave Dearnley

Oct-25-2006, 12:02pm

My only regret was not going with Waverlie tuners. At the time I could not justify the cost of the manchines. My Mowry deserves em!
Alas, I too lament no Waverlies. But the Grovers I went with do work superbly.

Dave

Jonathan Peck

Oct-25-2006, 12:18pm

I've been trying to find a set of waverely's and haven't had any success. Has waverly discontinued making mandolin machines?

Lane Pryce

Oct-25-2006, 12:50pm

Nope. Sold exclusively through Stewart McDonald. Lp

http://www.waverlytuners.com/mandolin/

Jonathan Peck

Oct-25-2006, 1:17pm

That's weird. If you go here Waverly (http://www.waverlytuners.com/)there's no mandolin tuners, just guitar and banjo. I couldn't find them on the Stew Mac website either Stew Mac (http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tuners/Mandolin_tuners.html)

I called and the person who answered the phone said they do have em' though. Thanks

stevem

Oct-25-2006, 1:32pm

I was suprised that none of the new owners had Andrew build them an arm rest. I love mine ---- actually made for my mandolin.
Do you have any pics, Lane? I'm considering having him make me an armrest. But, I couldn't see it very well on the website. It looks like a Cumberland Acoustic (my favorite), with a little higher profile. How does it compare?

Lane Pryce

Oct-25-2006, 1:47pm

Hey Steve. I'll take a pic or two shortly of Andrew's arm rest and send them out your way. Yes it does compare with the Cumberland Acoustics. However Andrew's design is a bit taller and not as long as the CA. Lp

Dave Gumbart

Oct-25-2006, 1:52pm

Lane - I think I may have you beat by a few weeks. Photo below, Andrew's # 12, sporting arm rest # 1 (destined to be a classic, no doubt....). Not sure what the photo will look like, having had to re-size it considerably, but there you go. Andrew told me the hardware was designed for a viola chin rest (If I recall correcly), so there's some good cross-pollination karma. I find the arm rest comfortable and helps get my wrist (mostly) off the bridge.

Dave G