capek vs pomeroy

[misterc]

I was considering buying either a pomeroy or capek, has anyone played both or have anyinsight into this dilema of mine?

Thanks

[Ken Sager]

Yes. I've played both and I'm very pleased to own a Pomeroy. I play the Pomeroy because I love the tone and playability. I bought the Pomeroy for that and a few other reasons:

1) Locally built (Don Paine is in Colorado, I'm in Utah)
2) Don's work is absolutely beautiful. I love the stain and finish he uses.
3) The scroll - Don's scroll is tighter & prettier as seen in this comparison picture.

If you have the opportunity to play them both do it.

Good luck with your dilemma.

[atetone]

That is quite a difference in design isn't it?
I guess looking at them side by side like that brings it down to personal appeal. Good pics though for comparisons.

[August Watters]

Hmmm. . .I think I recognize my floor behind that Capek scroll! Never noticed my own reflection though!

The Pomeroy scroll looks closer to the standard F5 to me -- Capek has his own design with a wider flare; I guess it's just a matter of taste.

I've played both; they're quite different instruments. Here are my thoughts:

TONE:
Pomeroy: beautiful rounded tone
Capek: closer to a traditional bluegrass sound

FINISH:
Pomeroy: beautiful original finishes, cleanly executed
Capek: more traditional sunburst look; finish work varies with price: 4 levels available

PLAYABILITY:
Both excellent

I can't claim to be neutral though since I'm the Capek distributor. . . .

August W.
http://www.galleryofstrings.com

[rdsphoto]

No better dilema than a choice between mando's.......Have not had the pleasure of playing a Pomeroy but I do own a Chapek Old Era #219 wich I must agree with Augusts commens, does have a solid classic bluegrass tone - increadibly even up and down the neck too. #It opened up really fast and obviously continues to improve- after buying and then selling some 5 or six other mandolins - this ones a keeper for sure! #The more you #"step on it" the stronger ,louder and more powerful she gets-with no "tone moshing" amungst strings.... its a great sounding mandolin with energy to spare! #The scroll is different looking - but personally I like the "european design". # His headstock inlay work is magnificent too ....... I have played it against a few Gibson F5Ls - which dissapeared quickly - no comparison, the Chapek is so much fuller, thicker in tone than those particular F5L s (I do not want to slight any F5L fans)....I have yet to find any mandolin that really "beats it" other than a Collings F that did impress the hell out of me but in my opinion thats another price range all together.......Hope my banter is helpful. #Regards, Rob S

[elenbrandt]

The true acid test in buying any mandolin is to play them all and see what blows your hair back...don't listen to us -- listen to your fingers... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif