Poe or buddy davis

[johnM]

Hello everyone, i'm at a crossroads and in the market for THE mandolin that i'll have and be able to grow with over the years and I think if I order one I've narrowed it down to a Poe or Davis (buddy). I've also seen a couple things on the classifieds that look interesting also.

I currently have a '99 buddy davis which someone had gotten to the top with a hand sander BEFORE ME but sounds FANTASTIC and everyone that knows the mando agree's. Its a wonderful mandolin that will never leave.

I'm considering a NEW davis and think I know what I would get if I ordered a new one. But i've also seen the Poe's (webpage) and think they look fantastic. I've also read some of the posts about poe's and they're highly recommeded.

I hold the cafe' members opinions in high regard and look forward to hearing from everyone. I also look forward to anyone elses suggestions to other builders. I'm going to spend under 4K.

Thanks to all in advance, and of course love the cafe.

John

[Amandalyn]

JOhn- I can't speak for the Davis, nor have I heard much about them, but I have Poe #8 and it's a great instrument. Working with Andy P. is great and he allows you to really customize your instrument. My #8 is an oval hole A style,and is everything I asked for. It is different in sound than my F hole mandos, but it has great tone,ringing sustain, and the workmanship is breathtaking. Since you already have a Davis, you might want to call Andy and just talk with him to get a feel for his style, etc. I don't know what type of mando you are after, but I will say if I didn't already have 3 other F styles, I'd also order an F from Andy.

[bluegrassforme]

John,
I recently found myself to be in a similar position to you. I own a 2002 Buddy Davis f-5L and it is a great mandolin in all respects. That being said I have been so impressed with Andy Poe's beautiful works of art that I have recently commissioned him to build me an f style. Eight to twelve month wait but I am sure it will be worth it. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[johnM]

Blurgrassforme, I think we're exactly in the same position. I'm glad you wrote to chime in on the Davis, he makes a KILLER instrument. But Poe's pictures i've seen are breathtaking. I'm not sure I can deal with the wait though............. It may kill me!

[Scotti Adams]

..Heres a pic of my 2006 Buddy Davis..its a real Hoss...The Poes may be more visually perfect.but to me thats not everything..Ive yet to play one...hope to soon...Im sure they a great mando. This Davis I have sounds just as good and/or better than any other mando Ive played....besides that you cant beat Buddy as a human being...a real class act.

[Scotti Adams]

..another

[Scotti Adams]

..this one has a 100 yr old fir top and old reclaimed wood for the sides and back...you would be hard pressed to find a better mando in this price range.

[Kevin Briggs]

I almost went with Bud Davis when deciding whether to get a two-point or a new F style a while back. I had all of the confidence in the world in his ability, but ultimately went with a builder more known for the finishes, not that Bud's mandolins have bad finishes. If I had to choose agian.... MAS!

[Scotti Adams]

...no problems with the finish on this one....I just wish I had more time to play it...Ive had it since last June and I can say that Ive only played it probably 20 or so hours.

[Scotti Adams]

..a better pic of the finish

[Scotti Adams]

peghead

[Scotti Adams]

..a better one of the back..Im done now http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[sachmo]

Nice mandolin, is the finishd red or brown. In one picture the back seems brown but the pic of the front seems red.

Very pretty, how's she sound and cut through a jam.

[Scotti Adams]

..the first pic is more of the actual color...I really dont know what color one would call it. Maybe Buddy can chime in and tell us what he calls it. The mando plays like butter and has alot of presence...big bottom....nice highs and sustain. Thanks for asking.

[donwhoo]

I really like the truss rod cover,where can I go to up grade my truss rod cover. Thanks Don http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Scotti Adams]

..that particular TRC is one I had custom made by Ed Weber in Nashville #http://customscrimshaw.com/

[Scotti Adams]

Heres an email I got from Buddy today about the finish on my mando:

Hi Scotti.
I was reading the topic about POE or B.DAVIS and I thought I might give you a little info on the finish of your mandolin, I started with a very light coat of light orange yellow then a little bit of tobacco brown and finished with American walnut and all of the stains are SOLAR- LUX none grain raising alcohol stain. The first picture on the top of the topic looks a little different because it was taken inside with no light's you can make a mandolin color look different in different light's I like the picture that you took of it it's a very good picture. Any way thank you for the very nice complements Scotti, I have pictures of your mandolin on my WEBSITE now also that video of Larry Stephenson Band and some of Monroe.Also and soon maybe the Potomac Vallie Boys with Charlie Smith and me at lucketts Virginia..

[F5G WIZ]

The Poes may be more visually perfect.but to me thats not everything..Ive yet to play one...hope to soon...
Scotti, anytime you want to stop by after work I'll let you give her a work out! #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[F5G WIZ]

and the back

[F5G WIZ]

Now I have never played a Davis but I trust Scotti's opinion very much. The Poe is opening up more and more and really sounds great. With Andy's new pricing levels he is very competitive with just about anyone. Even at the lowest trim model you are going to get an amazingly beautiful and awesome sounding mandolin.

[Scotti Adams]

..Im gonna have to take you up on that soon Darrin...thanks

[F5G WIZ]

Give me a call, I'll be home all day.

[8STRINGR]

I'm going for the Davis myself. I've visited Buddy and have seen several of his mandolins he's built prior to shipping. All of his mandolins that I've heard to date have sounded great! I even got to go back stage with Buddy at a concert to meet Larry Stephenson and had the chance to play his Davis that was built for Larry nearly 30 years ago! I know that without a doubt it'll be a great mandolin when I finally do get it!

I've been waiting about 13 years since I had first met Buddy to finally get one of my own! It's just been hard saving the money with all of my financial set backs I've had over the years. Mine will be #72 of an F5L model. It'll be well worth the wait! #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif # http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif

[Keely]

What is the price range of the Buddy Davis mandolins? I checked out his website--beautiful instruments--but I couldn't find any prices anywhere online for them...I just want a ballpark idea.

[8STRINGR]

Mine will be close to $3000. But it also depends on what all you want as far as finish, binding and hardware. For example, I had seen during the later part of last year a beautiful job Buddy had done on one where a gentleman wanted Buddy to build a pick guard with tortiseshell binding, tortiseshell binding on front, back, neck & peghead and varish finish. I believe the "varnish" is the finish where he had to go through several days of the layering and drying process (unless that's with lacquer). Whichever process it was it really brought out the grains and the tortiseshell! Beautiful finish product with a Killer sound to boot!

You can email Buddy and I'm sure he'll be glad to provide you with his prices and phone number so you can persoanlly talk with him and get more info from him and to share your ideas in personal specs. He's a great guy and great luthier!

I'm waiting on mine as soon as four others are finished being built. I need to swing by and select my woods. Plus, I have a few more personal specs with the neck to go over with him. #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif # http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif

[Scotti Adams]

Brett,,,you have made an excellent choice...keeps us posted as things progress.

[8STRINGR]

Scotti,

I sure will! #With pictures!


John ,
"Bluegrass Unlimited" actually ran an article/interview on Buddy Davis in their October 2005 issue (Tim O'Brien on front cover). It may be worth checking out if BU would send you the back issue or the article from their archives.

By the way, unless you have "personal specs" needed in your mandolin Buddy's in the process of putting a few New F5L's for sale here, in the Classifieds some time soon...so I'm told.

Good luck with making your choice!


#http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif # http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif

[Wilson]

John,

Well what did you decide? I bought Poe #2 off eBay and am delighted, so much so, that I have asked Andy to build me a mandola. Unfortunately I have never played a Buddy Davis. It sounds like either choice would be fine (amongst many others nowdays).

[F5G WIZ]

I bought Poe #2 off eBay and am delighted, so much so, that I have asked Andy to build me a mandola. #
Wow, unless I'm mistaken, that will be the first Poe Mandola. I know he built one under the driftwood name. Glad you like #2. I almost bought it when it was for sale on Ebay. The wife cut off my bidding at 1600.00, which would have been a steal. Would have been nice to have an A and an F style.

[PCypert]

Man I remember when the Driftwoods were popping up on ebay and we were all figuring him out. I almost put my name down for the first two pointer...but then backed out. I have a laundry list of should haves in the builder dept....if anyone wants to know an up and coming builder just ask me...everyone I stupidly pass on gets a wait list two years long and jumps over 5K before I can blink http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Paul

[Wilson]

Darrin,

You are correct that my mandola will be the first Poe mandola. His driftwood mandola appears to be the last instrument made with that name. Your Poe #5 is really beautiful and I suspect it sounds as good as it looks.

[F5G WIZ]

Thanks, yes it is a pretty mando. It is getting a lot of playing time and has and continues to open up and sound better and better. Trying to find the right string combination. Seems the J74s sound the best so far but I'm thinking of slapping on some j75s to see what a difference they will make.

Paul, yeah I'm glad I got mine when I did. Just before the demand, waiting list and prices went up.
You can't go wrong with a Davis or a Poe, either one would be a wise choice.

[tterral]

Darrin,

I'll haved to chime right in here and agree that Poe builds some fine looking mandolins, amazing looking. Yours is strikingly unique, to my eye at least, and is an instrument I would probably be inclined just to pull it out of the case to look at.

I have been to the Poetone sight and listened to a clip of one of his mandolins, wish the sound quality was a little better. It seemed like his mandos lean towards the balanced, cutting kind of tone with good mids and highs vs. the dark/woody Gibson kind of tone. Is this anywhere close to accurate?

[F5G WIZ]

Thanks, me and Andy came up with the color combination. I loved the look of a dark front contrasting lighter sides, back and neck. Wanted a traditional looking front sunburst but didn't want to cover any of the grain on the rest so I opted to not burst anything else. It is my primary instrument and does get played quite a bit. Unfortunately it already has some small battle scars http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif But that is to be expected. Comparing it to my Gibson F5G that I owned previously it is catching up for sure. The varnish still isn't cured all the way yet and I hear they really open up once the finish cures out. For only being 6 months old it sounds amazing! I am very happy with the tone and volume I am getting out of it. Of course it does draw a lot of attention at jams and festivals. I get a lot of questions from other pickers about where I got it and how much she costs.

[tterral]

I am seriously considering one of Buddy's F5Ls. Buddy is very good to deal with and I am sure he will make me a fine mandolin. I was wondering if anyone could relate to how his mandos playabillity? Are they in the "plays like butta" camp or do you have to work at it a little bit (I realize set-up and preference has alot to do with it)? I have also been considering getting a Paasernig, which I understand is a very fine instruments as well, that play and sounds great. I can get what I want with the Davis for $1,000+ less than the Passernig and Buddy will customize it like I want, where Stefan will not.

Also, any idea how having a wider neck, but not neccessarily more massive neck (1-3/16") might effect the tone of a mandolin?

Thanks.

[Scotti Adams]

..plays like butta..the only thing I did was raise the action a little...giving it more of a "manly" action...as Mun would say.

[mythicfish]

The great thing about this discussion group is that whatever you choose to buy, there will always be people standing in line to congratulate you.

Play early, play often.
Curt

[johnM]

Well to update this discussion, I found and purchased a Pomeroy. It was Don Pain's personal mandolin made in '03 for a customer. I heard the customer developed arthritus and Don bought it back from him and used it as a sampler and his ax from then on. It’s simply a WONDERFUL instrument, looks brand new and is already broken in.

I bought the Pomeroy over the Poe because of the wait. The Poe looks like a fantastic instrument and from what I've seen and heard his work is impeccable but for me 2 years is a long time

The Davis also is a fantastic choice but after researching it seemed like the Pom was a better fit for my taste.

Thanks to all who helped in this discussion.

John

[Lee]

Hmm, fascinating story. I purchased Pomeroy A5 #26 from a Cafe member and the story was the same: Don's personal player, the first owner had to pry him away from it.

What's the serial number on yours, what model too?

[F5G WIZ]

Wow is Andy's wait up to two years already? #Last I heard it was about a year. #Did you get that info from him?

[johnM]

My new Pom is #41, it a reall really nice mandolin. Infact I'm contemplating putting the Davis up for sale because even it doesn't hold a candle to the Pom. Don's got a great mandolin for sale on his web page, looks good and the price isn't bad either.

jm

[futrconslr]

F5GWiz

That back is just crazy! The wow factor on that is way way up there!

[F5G WIZ]

F5GWiz

That back is just crazy! #The wow factor on that is way way up there!
Thanks, yea it is a really beautiful peice of wood. #Andy finds some amazing figured peices for his work.

Congratulations on your new Pomeroy. #I have played one before and they are really nice instruments.

[PCypert]

I emailed Poe a couple weeks back and he said it'd be about a year if I put my name down...but maybe this thread made in longer http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Paul

[F5G WIZ]

Yeah I haven't heard anywhere else that it is two years. One year is more like it. But a year ago when I ordered mine it was only 5 months.

[Thundercranium]

and the back
Stunning!

[tterral]

John,

I was interested in hearing that the new Pom is much better than your Davis - how so? Fit/ Finish, playability, tone?