Mandotasting 2004

[Scott Tichenor]

Here's a place to post your guesses. Of the ten sound bites that appear on this page (http://www.mandolincafe.com/mandotasting) place your selections on what mandolin is what. Only Ken Cartwright and I know the answers and he promises a nice prize to anyone that gets them all right. Want to add to that Ken? Here are the instruments tasted at the event and I've selected ten random bites and rearranged them by number:

<span style='font-family:Courier'>Mandolin # # # # # # # #Owner
1924 Loar F-5 # # # # # John Reischman
2001 Heiden F-5 # # # # John Reischman
2004 Newell A-5 # # # # Keith Newell
2002 Icicle A-5 # # # # Cliff Sittman
2003 Arow Jazzbo # # # #Paul Lestock
2003 Collings MF-5 # # #Ken Cartwright
2001 Weber F-5 # # # # Jim Kelly
2001 Sullivan F-5 # # # Tom Brisk
1917 Gibson A-3 # # # # Mike Thomas
1924 Loar F-5 # # # # # Craig Korth
1979 Givens A-6 # # # # Jeff Bales
2003 Griffen F-5 # # # #Zeke Griffin
1938 Gibson A-40 # # # #Luke Brinkerhoff
2000 Tacoma M-3 # # # # Richard Polf
1982 Monteleone F-5 # # Arthur Stern
1998 Flatiron A-Artist #Peter James
2001 Mid MO M-2 # # # # Bill Thompson
2003 Coombe A-4 # # # # Bill Thompson
1924 Gibson F-4 # # # # Geoff Clarkson
2000 Weber 2yk A # # # Dan Anolik
2004 Lewis F-5 # # # # #Zeke Griffin
2001 Nugget F-5 # # # # Scott Tichenor
1909 Gibson A-1 # # # # John West
2002 Heiden F-5 # # # # Hal Johnson
1903 Gibson A-3 # # # # John West
1996 Gibson F-5G # # # #Gary Antonucci
2002 webber Absaroka A #Tim Saxton
2002 Collings MT2H A # #Corbin Smith
1923 Gibson Loar F-5 # #Duane Boyer
2001 Laplant F-5 # # # #Greg Fisher
2003 Brentrup F-4 # # # Greg Fisher
1998 Coleson F-5 # # # #Mark Hieronymus
2003 Craig F-5 # # # # #Darren Craig
1918 Gibson A # # # # # Patrick Gunning
2003 Husky F-5 # # # # #Kurt Glasclar
2003 Smart F-5 # # # # #Lawrence Smart
Bussman Watermelon # # #Bill Bussman</span>

Also a reminder there are still copies of the 2003 Tasting available here (http://www.mandolincafe.com/archives/mandotasting.html).

[Mando Medic]

Scott,
Thanks for doing this. I know it's some work to put this up and deal with it, but it sure is fun. My thanks to all who loaned their instruments for this tasting. My special thanks to Fuzzy Purcell for doing the post engineering and pre-production work.
To the first person that gets the order or the tasting correct: A Mandolin Evolution Tee shirt in your size, and matching case and bumper stickers from me and Mandolin Cafe, a Tone Gard and a copy of the new Mandolin Tasting CD. Good luck. Even if your mandolin was in the tasting, I will not reveal which one is in the presampling, so don't ask. Kenc

[Tim Saxton]

8 is my weber.

tim

[mandomaniac]

Boy was this FUN! Not to mention EDUCATIONAL!
I sure couldn't begin to tell what was what by name...but I can definitely tell what ones sound good to me. Thanks so much to all involved in this tasting. Hope to get out there in person next go round. Tom http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[Hans]

I wouldn't presume to be able to pick 10 out of 37 instruments, but I would venture a guess that #7 is an oval hole mandolin. That is unless it's a melondolin!

[rmoss]

sounds like #2 might also be an oval hole.

[Brad Weiss]

I have no idea what is what (though I'll take Tim's word for it that #8 is his Abasaroka), but I know what I like. I'd take #1 and #6, as my top two, followed closely by Tim's #8 and #10. What they are, I don't know, but I'd love to find out so I can think about saving up for an upgrade!!

And I thought #2 and #7 were oval holes, too, based on the sustain.

[Keith Newell]

I cant beleive how hard it is to tell. I kept listening for mine and am pretty sure #10 is it but out side of that Im stumped.
Ken when do you think we can buy the 2004 CD?
Keith Newell
http://www.newellmandolins.com

[Mando Medic]

Hey Keith,
I'm not going to do a slick cover like I did last year as it's way too costly for the return, so..... I should have the CD ready to go in about 45 days. Cheapo productions and $10 for each one..... I didn't see your list of guesses. Don't be shy. This is not suppose to be about expertise, it's suppose to be about fun. By the way, I missed one when I did it blind too. Personally I'd like to see someone from Gibson take the blind test. I'd send Joe or Charlie a Cartwright's Evolution Tee Shirt just for trying. What size guys?m Kenc

[Jonathan Reinhardt]

Very nice.
"If I live to be a hundred - I will never....."
hear but a fraction of all the lovely mandolins in the world.
I could not begin to match the clips to the given list, nor will I try, but I do hear them as as distinct voices. #1 is amazingly rich, full, and very middy (Loar?). #2 bright and even . #4 old-timey, a bit hollow, #5 very ringy and resonant, #8 has short, tight sustain. Etc. Glad that my ears can still determine and enjoy the unique character of each instrument.
Let those of you who have more experience and knowledge vie for the prize.
Thank you Scott (and Kenc?) for the mini tasting.

[Keith Newell]

Ok Ken...here goes. I hope I get one of these right http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

##1 2001 #Weber F-5 # # #Jim Kelly
##2 1938 #Gibson A-40 # #Luke Brinkerhoff
##3 1909 #Gibson A-1 # # John West
##4 1979 #Givens A-6 # # Jeff Bales
##5 2000 #Tacoma M-3 # # Richard Polf
##6 1924 #Gibson F-4 # # Geoff Clarkson
##7 2001 #Mid MO M-2 # # Bill Thompson
##8 2002 #Collings MT2H #Corbin Smith
##9 2003 #Brentrup F-4 # Greg Fisher
##10 2004 Newell A-5 # # Keith Newell
#
#That is tough, I have forever burned that lil ditty into my brain. Now when Im not carefull and start whistling around others I will whistle it over, and over, and over, and....

[Mando Medic]

Ok, You did get one of those right. Kenc

[Scott Tichenor]

Ken, have a status of future MandoTasting you can share? Should it be moved to Kansas next year as part of Mandofest?

[Mando Medic]

Scott and all,
Let's do it in Kansas next year. Do you have an artist lineup for that event yet? Mike Compton told me he'd do it if he were invited. Kenc

[wallflower]

Terrific idea Ken!!

Jeff

[Scott Tichenor]

Scott and all,
Let's do it in Kansas next year. Do you have an artist lineup for that event yet? Mike Compton told me he'd do it if he were invited. Kenc
Ken, I've asked no one to play for 2005. Still taking care of cleanup details for this year. Mike would be a marvelous choice, no doubt about that.

[Mando Medic]

Do you have a date set so I can plan around it? Sounds like a lot of fun. Kenc

[Scott Tichenor]

April 7-9, 2005

[pickinNgrinnin]

Mando Tasting at Mandofest? I second that proposal! What could be better? #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Jim M.]

1. Newell A5
2. 1979 Givens A-6
3. 2002 webber Absaroka A #
4. 1918 Gibson A
5. 2003 Arrow Jazzbo
6. 1982 Monteleone F-5
7. 2003 Coombe A-4 #
8.Bussman Watermelon # # #
9. 1923 Gibson Loar F-5 # #
10.2003 Collings MF-5

[ericwall]

I say #6 is Greg Fisher's Brentrup. Listen again. Different, resonant sound. ?oval hole.
Oh, well, I tried.
Eric Wall

[mando-in-kingwood]

Sitting in a hotel room, listening on laptop computer speakers................pretty tough !

[Mando Medic]

So how many folks are interested in a CD at $10 each?

[Keith Newell]

I am interested.
Keith Newell

[Jim M.]

I bought the last two, I'll buy this one too. For $10, I'll probably buy two.

[Tim Saxton]

Ken,

Count me in at 10.00

Tim Saxton

[GTison]

Here my stab at it. tell if i get anything right.

1 collings MF5
2 GIBSN F-4
3 GIBSON F5G
4 BRENTRUP
5 GIBSON LOAR #1
6 ABROSKA
7 FLATIRON A
8 NUGGET
9 MID MO M2
10 LOAR #2
I HOPE I GOT ONE RIGHT I feel like when I took a calculus test in college not knowing what al those symbols were on the page.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[Richard Polf]

I am. Interested in a $10.00 CD, that is.

Richard

[dryseptember]

im in for 10$

[mcmando]

put me down for one at $10 too.

[farmer2]

Count me in for one of the C.D.'s

[Patrick Gunning]

I'd want a CD (couldn't help but want a copy of my own mando in Reischman's hands).

[zeke]

I'll be getting two or three as well, Ken. Great job as always.

[Mando Medic]

Bowfinger: You got one right! Good job. If you folks that want a CD will contact me directly at kenc@wvi.com I'll put you on the send list. Please be sure and give me your mailing address too. Thanks, Kenc

[jank]

the mando tasting is lots of fun! I don't think I could get many of the matches right. i did pick the ones I liked the sound of the best. My picks are:

best: #8
then #3
#6
#4

I liked the loud ones with good lows/mids, short sustain and little overtones. I think :) I'm guessing that all my faves above are F-styles. But, maybe some are A styles, with F-holes.

I would say #8 is the loar. Somebody said the #8 was a Webber Absaroka. If that's true, I should buy one. I loved the sound, at least as I heard it in this tasting.

When will you guys post the answers? You must, you know.

[Mando Medic]

I will reveal one of the mandolins from the list that Scott posted. Number one is my Collings. Kenc

[Mando Medic]

#5 is Art Stern's 1982 Monteleone.

[Flowerpot]

OK, I finally got around to my guesses, and did it without cheating... you can tell, because the two that were revealed I got very wrong!

My favorite was #8, of the 10 mandolins, and I also liked 9 pretty well. This was really hard, considering I have not heard half of these mandos before.

1. 1998 Coleson F-5
2. 2003 Coombe A-4
3. 1917 Gibson A-3
4. 2002 Heiden F5
5. 2004 Newell A-5
6. 1918 Gibson A
7. 2003 Husky F-5
8. 1024 Loar F5, Korth
9. 2001 Nugget F-5
10. 1996 Gibson F-5G

Oh, and put me on the list too.

[Daniel Nestlerode]

For a sawbuck? Yeah! I'm in. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

I couldn't even hazard a guess as to the mando-identities of those sound files.

Best,
Daniel

[bt345]

Thanks Ken and Scott...entertaining in the extreme. #Here are my guesses, I wouldn't bet a nickel I picked out the ovals.

1--revealed
2--Brentup F4
3--Lewis F5
4--Loar F5
5--revealed
6--Weber 2yk A
7--Coombe A4
8--Heiden F5
9--1918 Gibson A
10--Nugget F5

We are waiting patiently for the experts to indentify the correct instruments; don't be bashful boys and girls.

[Mando Medic]

# 3 is the Bussman Watermelon.

[Mandobar]

hat's off to monsieur bussman!

[Mandobar]

who can name the tune john is playing? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[Mando Medic]

Handsome Molly!

[Flowerpot]

I bet Handsome Molly is still running through John's head as he lays down to sleep at night.

[goose]

#10 sounds the most like John R's Loar.

[Patrick Gunning]

I don't think #9 is my gibson (the 1918), as it had a funky phillipine mahogany bridge on it which seemed to give it more sustain than that recording show (senses embarrasing stuff about prophetic denials coming). I think #8 is the Loar, though I have heard Tim's absaroka in person and he might just be right about it (great sounding mando).

[oldwave maker]

Aw shucks, Ken, sorry you spilled the beans, er seeds, before someone had a chance to pick #3 as Reischmanns loar! just goes to show John can make anything sound great. Let me know when to send $
thanks
bill, hoein the melon patch

[Scott Tichenor]

Ken, you ready to make the announcement that next year's MandoTasting will be part of Mandofest? I've pretty much decided this really needs to happen here. I'll make sure our, ahem... organizers treat you first class!

[Jim Roberts]

I'll pick Ken up at KCI airport!

[Mando Medic]

Attention, MAS shoppers! Next year the mandolin tasting will be held at Mando Fest. I will be there enjoying all the fun and getting to meet a lot of the folks that have shared the pages of this great web site. Thanks for the invitation Scott. And Jim, I'm really flattered that you would be able to pick me up at the airport. By the way, thanks for the great Collings MF-5 that I am playing. By the way, is Mando Fest before hurricane season or at the beginning? Kenc

[wallflower]

I think Scott said that MandoFest will be held in early April next year so that should be before the worst of the storm season. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

BTW who's going to do the tasting?? #John Reischman!!

[Mando Medic]

If John comes back as a guest I'm sure he would do it. Kenc

[Scott Tichenor]

Tentative dates for Mandofest 2005 are April 7-9. Ken, not sure if John will be back but there will be more than enough world class mandolin players who could perform this task. Jim, I'll take you up on picking up Ken at KCI. I think everyone that's been coming to this for a few years would agree we took it up several notches in quality this time around. Plans next year should easily result in that same increase or better. MandoTasting would likely have to occur Thursday night and replace the dinner at Free State as the activity of choice. Instead of one instructor for the workshop on Friday considering a mini-Mandofest Academy with 2-3 instructors each doing two sessions. Probably move into the new arts center which has great rooms and parking for this. Let's see... about 300 days away. Better get to work.

[Ted Eschliman]

Holy smokes, Scott...
Mandofest just got another injection of steroids.
I pity the person you just put in charge of the seminars, kind of like scheduling local bands, only to announce that Mike Marshall, Josh Pinkham, and John Reischman will be sharing the stage...
Oh well, like you said only 300 days.
Nothing like a challenge.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[Scott Tichenor]

Holy smokes, Scott...
Mandofest just got another injection of steroids.
I pity the person you just put in charge of the seminars, kind of like scheduling local bands, only to announce that Mike Marshall, Josh Pinkham, and John Reischman will be sharing the stage...
Oh well, like you said only 300 days.
Nothing like a challenge.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif
Heh, watch it, pal. The list of people I'd like to run this is very, very short and right now has only one name on it. The pay is phenominal but it's no fun!

[Ted Eschliman]

The pay is phenominal but it's no fun!
Better be prepared to double your first offer, then...

[Mando Medic]

#9 is Jeff Bale's 1979 Givens' A-6.

[farmer2]

When do we get the other mandos? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[Mando Medic]

#9 is Jeff Bales's 1979 A-6 #11. Kenc

[Keith Newell]

Nope! doesn't count Ken...you cant tell us two of the same in a row. You need to cough up another tidbit!
Keith Newell

[Mando Medic]

Ahh Darn! OK......
#2 is Duane Boyer's 23 Loar.

[Mando Medic]

Drum roll please..............#4 is Bill Thompson's 2003 Peter Coombe A-4

[Jeff A]

Out of curiosity, what type of pick was used by John for the tasting?

[Rroyd]

Oh, the disgrace of it all--a Loar being mistaken for an oval hole. Must have been that tinkley "new string" sound.

[Flowerpot]

Yep, almost everybody picked #2 as being an oval hole. Sure that one's the Loar? Don't seem right.

[Mando Medic]

Trust me on that, #2 is a Loar. And John's pick of choice is one of those un-obtanium models. Dawg sized! #4 is Bill Thompson's 2003 Coombe A-4

[Keith Newell]

I'll take a half dozen of those un-obtaniums please.
Keith Newell

[Scott Tichenor]

Yep, almost everybody picked #2 as being an oval hole. #Sure that one's the Loar? #Don't seem right.
That is indeed a Loar.

[peter.coombe]

Well, well, well, most interesting. #Bill Thompson's Coombe oval hole mistaken for a Loar, Givens, Heiden and Benthrup. #Thanks very much guys, that was quite a complement, particularly the Loar. #Mind you, I didn't pick it either! #On computer speakers it is pretty tough. Jeff has one of my oval hole mandos and will probably find it amusing that Bill's mando was mistaken for his Givens.

[Mando Medic]

#7 is Patrick Gunning's 1918 Gibson A.

[mandomood]

ok...what are #8 and #9...either been mentioned yet?...

[Mando Medic]

#9 was mentioned and it is Jeff Bales 1979 Givens A-6. Kenc

[Patrick Gunning]

Finding out that #7 was mine just reminds me of how glad I am I removed that phillipine mahogany bridge I had on it. That had way too much sustain for its own good. Back to good old Gibson ebony with it's 80 years of experience. Thanks again Ken for letting me in on the tasting. Now we'll have to see if Tim is right about his absaroka.

[Keith Newell]

Ok Ken, time for a new revelation....? Hopefully.....

[Mando Medic]

I'll decide that!

[Tim Saxton]

Come on Ken give it up. We can't wait any more....


Tim Saxton http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Tim Saxton]

just not letting this one die.

ken?

Tim

[ab4usa]

any chance of finding our what the remaining are?

[Mando Medic]

It is now time to order the CD's. They are $14 postage paid. Please wait for ad in the classifieds. Thanks, Kenc

[Tim Saxton]

Ken,

Will you have these at Darrington this year?

If so can I reserve mine to pick up there?

Tim Saxton

[Keith Newell]

Ken, I haven't seen an ad for the CD's yet.....but more importantly, we all have taken a guess at what the 10 sound clips were but and only 7 were revealed. They were:
#1 #2003 Colling MF-5
#2 #1923 Gibson Loar F-5
#3 #Bill Bussmans tasty watermellon
#4 #2003 Coombe A-4
#5 #1982 #Monteleone F-5
#6 #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif
#7 1918 Gibson A
#8 #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif
#9 #1979 Givens A-6
#10 #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

Could we get the last 3 mystery mandos and if I missed the CD ad can someone link me to it?
Thanks
Keith Newell

[Mando Medic]

The 10 Mando Tasting samples:
1. Collings MF-5
2. 23 Loar F-5
3. Bussman Watermelon
4.Coombe A-4
5. 82 Monteleone
6. 2003 Arrow Jazzbo
7. 1918 A
8. 2002 Weber Absaroka A
9. 79 givens A-6
10. 2004 Newell A-5.

[Tim Saxton]

Ken,

Thanks for letting us all know what they were.

I must have misunderstood you at Darrington when you infomed me that my WEBER was #10 not #8.

Tim

[Jim M.]

I think I must have missed the ad for the mando-tasting cd. Is it still available?

[Scott Tichenor]

I think I must have missed the ad for the mando-tasting cd. Is it still available?
Here's a link to the 2003 MandoTasting CD (http://www.mandolincafe.com/archives/mandotasting.html) and Ken will need to fill in details on the 2004 one.

[Mando Medic]

Thanks Scott, The mandolin tasting for 2004 has not been release yet. The one from 2003 is still available and can be found at the link that Scott gave. The 2004 tasting is finished, I will not do slick cover art for it, very bare bones and it will be available for $10 plus $3.00 shipping in the United States. Drop me and email at kenc@wvi.com if you want one. Do not order the 2004 from the link above. I can do pay pal or other credit cards. Thanks, Ken Cartwright

[Scott Tichenor]

Ken and I spoke today and agreed it was easy-peasy to add both CDs to the MandoTasting page (http://www.mandolincafe.com/archives/mandotasting.html). I even decided it was worth a dollar off if you ordered both. Sure hope Ken is OK with that.

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[Mando Medic]

I'm fine with that but no chocolate beer for us this Christmas. Seriously, I think it's a great deal. I'll start mailing them next week. Thanks, Kenc