2 pointer suggestions...

[LBMando]

I'm looking at getting a 2 pt mando...I want a Nugget, but can't find one or afford one in excellent condition...Do you all have any suggestions on good 2 pt builders out there?

[Jim Roberts]

Michael Heiden.

[B. T. Walker]

Dale Ludewig

[swinginmandolins]

Steve Holst Holst Mandolins (http://www.pacinfo.com/~sholst/mandolins.htm) will build you one for $2200(NFI) which could include wood binding, almost any inlay some great wood choices and he even offers a hand rubbed varnish lately. I would suggest at least talking to him. I love the one I have and can't wait for my second the first of the year. You can hear it at my Myspace page Summertime is the tune, there are pics of it there as well.

[fiddler59]

Bob Altman has an awsome 2 point mando !!!!

DB

[Bob Wiegers]

I've always liked the Weber Bighorn. this weekend I played one they've got at Gruhn's. very nice.

[Brad Weiss]

Phoenix. #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blues.gif

[NoNickel]

Check out the BRW

[LBMando]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone...
NoNickel...could you tell me more about your BRW?

[Mandolusional]

I believe the Mowry 2-point is modelled after the Nugget. Great fit and finish and I've heard really good things from Mowry owners. There's also a review of the 2-point on jazzmando.

[Chris Biorkman]

Another plug for Phoenix. Great mandolin at a great price.

[mandolirius]

I have a Phoenix Ultra for sale at a reasonable price and am open to trades as well.

[squirrelabama]

Lets not forget Old Wave!! Bill Bussman's C# is modeled/traced from a Nugget 2 point. Bill is also a ton of fun to work with from what I hear! -geoff

[MandoBen]

I have a BRW 2-point and I love it, loud and punchy, cutting mids and yet warm, woody chop. I use it for bluegrass, gypsy jazz, old time, blues, whatever, it's great for anything. Never lacks volume and always cuts through at the loudest of jams. Ben's workmanship and attention to detail is stunning, it really came out beautiful to look at, but then I don't like asymetrical 2-pointers, look too much like a strat... boring http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sleepy.gif

[LBMando]

mandolirius...let me know the 411 on your Phoenix if you don't mind..

[2point]

To me, Randy Wood makes the definitive 2-point mandolin.

[Brad Weiss]

Ok, I have a Mowry, too, and you can't go wrong with Andrew. His two-points look like Nuggets, and I'm sure the fit and finish are comparable, since his work is spotless. Rolfe makes the same template for a Phoenix, regardless of style (e.g. jazz, bg, ultra, neoclassical). Both exceptional, and in the same price range, well under 5k for a great 2pointer.

[Kevin Briggs]

There are lots of options. I think just about any of the above will do. You should balance the price vs. the builder. A nugget would no doubt be amazing, but the price works against it. For much less you can get the next Nugget, and you can support the gorwing mando community.

That said, you can't go wrong with the Bighorn!

[Mark Walker]

Late getting into this thread (bow-hunting you know!) but Ken Ratcliff or his wife Laura make excellent two-pointers as well. #Price is in the $2100 range and they're tone monsters. #

But then you can't go wrong with any of the above-mentioned luthiers either! #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Good luck in your search.

[Narayan Kersak]

Not all of Mowry's two points look like nuggets.

This one is sweet and beautiful.

[LBMando]

thanks for all the suggestions...I'm not a BG player so I don't want a "chop-monster"...I love Thile's englemann topped Dude sound, but can justify that price either...I do more jazz, classical and celtic...

[Brad Weiss]

I'm not a BG player so I don't want a "chop-monster"...I love Thile's englemann topped Dude sound, but can justify that price either...I do more jazz, classical and celtic...
If this is the case then I would DEFINITELY go with a Phoenix- either the Neoclassical, or Rolfe's new standard model- or the Jazz if you want something slightly higher end. #Beautiful, astonishingly clear sound, and THE easiest instruments to play, bar none. Yes, there are MANY luthiers to recommend, all of whom will make a spectacular instrument, many at a very reasonable price. The consistency of Phoenix for this style of play is pretty hard to top, though.

[mandolirius]

LBMando - email me at: mandolinmike@canoemail.com and I can tell you all about it and send pics. I don't want to use this forum for doing deals.

[Frank Russell]

I second the vote for Randy Wood. The one I just traded for is a keeper. Then again, I'd have no problem with doing business with Bill Bussman again, he's the best. Frank

[mandolirius]

I posted some pics of the Phoenix in the "Post A Picture..." section. Unfortunately I wasn't paying close attention (had mando in hand at time) and wound up starting a new thread with each pic. I apologize for that. I emailed Scott and maybe he can fix that, or wipe it out and I'll do it again. Properly, this time http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Barb Friedland]

I've had my new BRW 2point for a couple of weeks and love it. The workmanship is great, it's gorgeous and has tone to match. Plus I can't say enough nice things about builder Ben Wilcox. Please consider his mandos.

[andrewshoe]

Lots of names out there, and I am sure they are all good, but Don Paine makes an excellent two point. Love mine, and he is great to work with. www.pomeroyinstruments.com Good luck!

[cutbait2]

randy wood builds a good two pt mando...

[Jim Roberts]

I had the opportunity to play the first two-point mandolin that Andrew Mowry built and it is a fantastic mandolin. #Lots of bang for the buck, top shelf construction and first class fit and finish.

[fiddler59]

Bob Altman has a 2 pointer due in soon to Fiddlers Green Music shop soon I have heard through the grape vine..........

DB

[LBMando]

has anyone played the Phoenix Jazz mandolin? Is it just more because of the pick-up they install in the mando?

[Walter Newton]

Phoenix Jazz review (http://www.jazzmando.com/rolfe_gerhardt.shtml) at jazzmando.com.

[otterly2k]

Gotta chime in on behalf of the Phoenix. #Many other great mandos, no doubt, and I wouldn't slight any of them... but the Phoenixes are something special. #I fell in love with the Neoclassical several years ago, and was finally able to afford one last spring (after a steady catch and release progression). #So, I don't love them b/c I have one... I have one b/c I love them. #AS I played other mandolins (some of the excellent like the Old Wave oval), I still couldn't get the sound and feel of the Phoenix out of my mind. #I'm a fan of oval hole sound, so wasn't sure about moving to f-holes, but Rolfe does something with the carving and bracing that gives the Neoclassical a tone that is somewhere in between the oval and f-hole sound... many have commented on the superb playability of the Phoenixes, and I have to agree. #

I've played the Neoclassical and the Deluxe... they are very similar. #I can't comment from direct experience as to how the Jazz and Ultra compare. #Personally, while I like the concept, I find the Ultra headstock to be a bit much, and would be concerned about it being top heavy as a result. #The regular Phoenix headstock balances with the rest of the instrument nicely. #If you have questions about the Jazz after reading Ted's review, I strongly recommend a call to Rolfe... he's very friendly and helpful.

Also, just checked and there's info about the modifications that make up the Jazz model on the Phoenixmandolins website. It's the pickup, bracing (for heavier strings), different frets, some aesthetic differences too.

[LBMando]

Otterly....what were your impressions of the Deluxe? How did it differ than the neo-classical?

[BBarton]

I'll "third" the vote for Randy Wood's 2-pt. #I've had mine for about 5 years and it's now starting to sound nicely mellow and "dark". I've had the fingerboard extension scooped since this pic and it's much easier to play now.

[otterly2k]

Otterly....what were your impressions of the Deluxe? How did it differ than the neo-classical?

My friend Judith has a Deluxe, so I encounter it on a regular basis. It seems to be essentially similar to the Neoclassical, but it had a pickup built in, and it has some nice fretboard inlay, slightly different coloring. They sound very similar, similar (e.g. excellent) playability. Both designed for TI flatwound strings (lights or mediums). It seems that the Deluxe is a special order instrument at this point. My friend got hers used (as did I).

[Lee]

<sigh> I miss my Deluxe. I characterized it as having a crystaline clean sound with a nice ringing sustain.
At one time Rolfe told me he intended the Deluxe to be somewhat between the tone of the Bluegrass and the neoClassical. The Deluxe can take medium strings, the NeoC just takes lights. I'd sure like to try a neoClassical.

[surfandstrum]

Check out the Deluxe you won't regret it....