View Full Version : Question For A-9 Owners
straight-a
May-07-2004, 12:32pm
I've had my A-9 since Christmas and it just continues to improve in sound and volume. I'm really impressed with the way it has opened up. I've also experimented with different strings and the Gibson Bill Monroe set is just unreal in volume and punch. Just wondering how everyone else's A-9s are doing? I sure do love mine!
fiddler59
May-08-2004, 3:25am
I have not found another mando I would trade mine for. I have had mine since Nov. and it improves constantly. I really dig the Elixer Nanowebs for mine.
DB
mmukav
May-08-2004, 8:30am
I use the Gibson Monroes and love them. Mine has opened up great and plays like a dream. Some of you know I had issues
(to say the least!) with the finish and I developed a crack in my fretboard, but Gibson took great care of me and the A9. I just love the open, woody sound. I went to Merlefest and played MK's, Rigel's, Collings, and still prefer the Gibson sound.
sandcastlefaith
May-08-2004, 9:03am
I actually play an F-9, but . . . I thought I would accepted anyways. If I was wrong, just kick me out. Anyways, I wanted to ask about the Bill Monroe model strings. I have been playing Elixir nanowebs, and I really like the smooth feel. I have also used some of the cheap D'Adarrio's, I'm not sure which kind, and I didn't like the rough feel of the G and D strings. Do the Monroe's have a somewhat smooth feel? I'm not saying they have to be as smooth as Elixirs, because obviously that is impossible without the coating, but I just don't like the rough wound strings that make slides much more difficult.
PCypert
May-08-2004, 10:54am
Hey,
If you dig the smoothness of the elixers you should try TI's. Much, much better sounding.
Paul
sandcastlefaith
May-08-2004, 1:28pm
I have considered trying TI's, however I have heard that they are not very bluegrass sounding. I don't need the monroe pop sound, but I also don't want my F-9 to sound like a neoclassical. What do you think?
sandcastlefaith
May-08-2004, 2:40pm
Another question, what is the difference between the "soft" Thomastik's and the "hard" ones?
mmukav
May-08-2004, 6:55pm
I just think the nanoweb robs too much of the sound. I used them on my Taylor 714 (which I traded for a Martin HD28 which is great!)and they were nice on the Taylor, but on the mando I just didn't like 'em. The Bill Monroe's sound nice, to me.
I ended up selling my A-9, but I really had fun with some Gibson Monels.
mmukav,
Two words: Good Move!
mmukav
May-09-2004, 8:05am
Which move was good, trading the Taylor, or going with the Bill Monroe strings? (the reason the Taylor is gone is that it was a grand auditorium, and these days I'm doing more flatpicking and wanted a D. (But the Martin sounds soooo much better!) Why'd you sell your A9?
Was referring to your upgrade to a Martin, of course!
I ended up selling my A-9 just cause I had F-stlye fever.
The mando I have now does sound a bit better, but nowhere near better than the price differential for the scroll would indicate. If I had it to do over again, I'd probably have saved the bucks and stuck with old Plain Jane, as I called my A-9.
Funny how ridiculous scroll-envy seems soon after you go through the financial pain of acquiring a scroll!
steve V. johnson
May-09-2004, 1:39pm
I wonder... What's the lowest price you folks have seen for a new A-9?
You need not name names and incriminate a good dealer... <GGG>
I'm just interested in the numbers. ... OK... Maybe the circumstances, too...
<GG>
stv
straight-a
May-10-2004, 5:01am
The TI strings didn't work well for me. Lost a lot of volume. The Monroe's are fairly smooth as wound strings go. I don't have any of the squeaks from sliding on them like some strings do. I've not tried the Elixers on mine yet but I will. I want to find the best for instrument. Anyone tried silk and steel?
Coy Wylie
May-10-2004, 8:52am
I just think the nanoweb robs too much of the sound. I used them on my Taylor 714 (which I traded for a Martin HD28 which is great!)and they were nice on the Taylor, but on the mando I just didn't like 'em. The Bill Monroe's sound nice, to me.
I recently made a similar trade... a Taylor 714ce for a Martin HD-28v. Even trade and I couldn't be happier. I too left the fingerpicking behind for flatpicking. That Martin has unbelieveable tone and volume.