Phoenix owners speak up

[mandolirius]

I'm a new (four months) Phoenix owner. I have an Ultra, #159. The Phoenix series begins with #150, so I have the tenth one made, in 1995 while Rolph was still in Virgina. For anyone who's seen this model, it's flashy beyond belief, with the headstock carved into the shape of a bird and fully inlaid in abalone. Being a person of relatively simple tastes, it's taken me a while to get comfortable playing this mando in public. One thing's for sure, I'm going to have to get used to answering a lot of questions.

The top of #159 is douglas fir, from the same wood used on the Unicorns. I've only recently had the chance to compare it with some other high end mandolins and it is definitely different. It's amazingly clear all the way up the neck and projects like crazy. It's a non-Gibson sound for sure. My friend has a really nice F5L and we've traded them back and forth at some jams. I love my pal's Gibson but I wouldn't trade because I've heard other mandolins that sound like his and as good. But the Phoenix has something a bit different going that's not as common, at least to my ear.

I also recently got to hear John Reischman and some of his bandmates put it through it's paces. Of course John made it sound great and he was particularly happy with the neck. It's skinny like the Loars.

[mandolirius]

how many abalones had to die to make this?

[mandolirius]

More abalone and the fir top. Supposedly the wood's quite old.

[David Hanson]

WOW that is one ugly mandolin.

Dave H

[mandolirius]

Thanks for your contribution, David. It does tend to elicit strong reactions, one way or the other. I've found that, in general, younger people like it's appearance better than older ones, women more so than men.

[surfandstrum]

The Ultra has a distinct look to it, but sound-wise it's top notch...Rolfe does an excellent job on these mandolins...Jumping in as a Deluxe owner I have to say that Phoenix's are great mandolins...The sound is very genre-crossing, at least my Deluxe is...The fit/finish is superb...The weight is surprisingly light and the playability is by far one of the easiest mandolins I've ever played...On the Deluxe Rolfe has the Unicorn fretboard inlay that is stunning...I know there are other Phoenix owners out there that have the same praise...Many own the Neo's, Bluegrass and a couple of Europa's (since only 5 were made)...Thus, great mandolin, but not the standard look-wise (especially the Ultra)...:D

[Kevin Briggs]

WOW that is one ugly mandolin.

Dave H
Dave, why don't you tell us how you really feel. No friendly comraderie for your mandolin brethren from you, huh?

I can see how someone views a picture of a Phoenix in a negative way. However, in person they are a sight to behold. I have a buddy who plays an Ultra, and it is a work of art. I've admired it from day one.

In addition, if you have the opportunity to play a Phoenix, you will have a hard time concentrating on how it looks. They are a joy to play, and the tone they produce is second to none. I love Phoenix mandolins. If was a man who some money to toss around, a Phoenix might be might first mandolin purchase. I really don't want a second mandolin, but I would splurge if a Phoenix was on the line.

[generankin]

I had me a long talk with Rolfe, for I wanted something a little more versatile than the Bluegrass, but a little gaudier than the Deluxe. He sent me photos of alternatives for neck, back, and sides, then chose the top himself, and I got pics at every stage of building, all of which can be seen at <http://obyank.fotopic.net/c594002.html>. Not only did I get what I wanted, I got what several others decided (upon hearing and playing) they wanted.

The man makes fab instruments and is a delight to work with.

[Eliot Greenspan]

I'm very happy owner of #438, also a custom Deluxe. Rolfe's a pleasure to work with. The Phoenix is a joy to play. Very easy to finger. Loud, w/ deep tone. Fantastic articulation and projection all the way up the neck.

Eliot
Phoenix Deluxe
Breedlove KF
Kentucky KM 650
Ryder EM-45

[mandolirius]

<I can see how someone views a picture of a Phoenix in a negative way. However, in person they are a sight to behold. I have a buddy who plays an Ultra, and it is a work of art.>

Kevin, I can even see how someone would not like it's look in person. Truth be told, it's a bit much for me. Were it not for some of the attributes mentioned in some of these posts, I likely wouldn't have kept it. But it's such a clear, clean-sounding mandolin, really cuts through at jams and plays like butter I decided I can get used to the flashiness. And, as I mentioned, it's a great conversation starter http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[Brad Weiss]

Nothing ugly about this...

(more here) (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=15;t=27482;hl=rolfe+&nbspand+europa)

[Walter Newton]

You can see a few pics of mine here (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=15;t=39800;hl=phoenix).

[otterly2k]

To be 100% honest, the Ultras are a bit much for me, and the Phoenix design is not my favorite aesthetically. #However, ever since I played a Neoclassical at Mandolin Brothers 5 years or so ago, I couldn't get the sound and feel of it out of my mind. It plays like nothing else I've ever tried... it is light as a feather (without feeling overly fragile) and SO responsive. #When I had a chance to purchase a used one at a good price, I jumped at it... I even let go a really nice mando in order to do it. #And I don't regret it one bit. The fit and finish are superb, the burst is subtle, the woods are lovely, and it really has grown on me visually. #

There is just something special about the Phoenixes - tone and playability are absolutely top notch, and a bit unique... not so much that it doesn't blend, but it does have a unique voice somewhere in between that of typical oval and f-hole sound. #The neck is especially nice, imho. I have found that the benefits and strengths of this instrument FAR outweigh my aesthetic sense that the points are a little more like horns than I'd prefer ideally.

[Gravensteinrhonda]

Just got my blackface Phoenix Bluegrass #226 back Friday from a tuneup with Rolfe and have been playing it all weekend (new frets, neck refinish, replacement of some ill advised local bridge and tailpiece changes). #Got it used several years ago, have always preferred it for choro, swing, classical more than bluegrasss, changed to Thomastik heavies this year. #The playability is outstanding due to the comfortable neck, balance and lightness of the instrument, as others have posted. #The sound is sweet and clear all the way up the neck, with great volume. I take my Collings MT1 to bluegrass jams for the chop, but for everything else, the Phoenix is my best. :D

[Walter Newton]

While I like the 2 point design quite a lot (I like Gibson SG's too), the Ultras are bit much for me as well. I changed the original tailpiece on mine to a Bill James because my right wrist was getting scratched up by the exposed sharp string ends with the Rigel style TP (have any of you experienced this?) The James is great, especially when changing strings.

[mandolirius]

<There is just something special about the Phoenixes - tone and playability are absolutely top notch, and a bit unique... not so much that it doesn't blend, but it does have a unique voice somewhere in between that of typical oval and f-hole sound. The neck is especially nice, imho. I have found that the benefits and strengths of this instrument FAR outweigh my aesthetic sense that the points are a little more like horns than I'd prefer ideally.>


It's like you just read my mind. That's really how I feel. Looks are one thing, but the sound and playability is really the important stuff. Being a man of simple taste, I actually prefer the regular Phoenix snakehead, with the small bird inlay and the brand name, to the Ultra's peghead. I played the plainest-looking Givens A for over 20 years. Visually, it wouldn't impress anybody and I couldn't have cared less. Now I've got this "conversation piece" of a mandolin and there's hardly anyone who doesn't comment on it. But I'm finding the people who's opinion really seems to count go straight to the sound. It was that way with the Givens, too.

[evanreilly]

Here is my take on Rolfe's Phoenix (http://world.std.com/~ereilly/fnx.html) mandolins.

[Gutbucket]

I like them. Not near as ugly as one of those Anistasio things. They're the "Velvet Elvis" of the mandolin world.

[Brad Weiss]

I guess the Ultra is a bit over the top in its appointments - but I think Rolfe's design is just gorgeous. #I'm completely biased, of course, but I liked the looks of the Phoenix before I ever played one. #It's quite elegant- and when you see one in person the woodworking is spectacular. #I'm happy to admit that mine sounds and plays even better than it looks.

[maj34]

I'm lucky enough to own a Phoenix Standard model. #I tried out many, many different mandolins prior to settling on the Phoenix, and I couldn't be happier. #To my ear, the Phoenix has a very unique combination of clarity, projection, richness, and resonance that just doesn't exist in other mandolins in a similar price range.

[surfandstrum]

I just finished practicing some Christmas Carols on my Deluxe and it made me re-think selling it because it has such a nice genre-crossing tone...None the less, like many have said it's great and my friend made it sing a lot better than I can...Kudos to Rolfe...

[David Hanson]

ratherbpickin must have had a sense of humour bypass, it's called ' irony ' get it ?

Dave H

[Alex Fields]

I have for a long time very much wanted to try out a Neoclassical but I haven't had the chance. I even tried to get hold of one once but couldn't find a used on at a good price (which is to say, at a price I could then afford) so I didn't end up getting it.

[otterly2k]

Dave -- there was nothing in your post to suggest that you weren't being serious when you made your "ugly" comment. This flattened-out communication medium requires a little extra explanation of non-verbals... tone of voice doesn't come across... only the words. That's why people use the smileys (silly as they are) to let folks know when they're kidding.

[Mark Sullivan]

What? Smileys are silly?http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif The mando looks unique. I like it except the colors are a little dark. The head stock doesn't look as heavy as the scroll style. Bet it sounds sweet.

[mandolirius]

<I like it except the colors are a little dark. The head stock doesn't look as heavy as the scroll style. Bet it sounds sweet.>

It came out darker in the pics than it really is. For example, it looks almost black at the edges but it's not that dark. You can see the grain right up to the edges.
The headstock isn't heavy. In fact, the whole mandolin is light as a feather, noticeably lighter than other mandolins, especially F-styles.

[Ted Eschliman]

More superlatives; the Phoenix Jazz (http://jazzmando.com/rolfe_gerhardt.shtml).

[Mark Sullivan]

Beautiful!

[Andrew Faltesek]

My mando is so modest, almost all others look fancy...I think that Phoenix looks cool.

[pjlama]

You guys are killing me http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif #how am I going to justify another mandolin. I usually take these love fests with a grain of salt but saying things like, playability and dark, resonate tone are pushing my buttons. I'll be calling Dennis tomorrow to see if he can talk me down http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
What model should I check out? I play pretty eclectic but love lots of bottom and sparkly highs, I do tend to drive an instrument hard but demand low action and easy playability.

[mandolirius]

<I'll be calling Dennis tomorrow to see if he can talk me down
What model should I check out? I play pretty eclectic but love lots of bottom and sparkly highs, I do tend to drive an instrument hard but demand low action and easy playability.>

I don't know what you've got for instruments now, but I'm quite interested in the jazz model. The review on JazzMando is pretty glowing.

[pjlama]

I have a red spruce topped Ellis, an englemann BRW, an A9, F2 and a Duff in transit. So mostly traditional stuff, but brw has a warmer tone from the englemann. I'm thinking the classical or standard, thoughts?

[maj34]

If you are considering a Phoenix. . .

I have the Phoenix Standard model with the standard red spruce top. #I said it above in my post, but I'll say it again: #the Standard has an incredible combination of clarity and resonance. #It's like having all of the richness of an oval-hole mandolin and all the clarity and projection of an f-hole model in one (incredibly light weight and easy to play) package. #According to Rolfe, the Standard is voiced specifically for the things I mentioned and for use with medium to medium-heavy strings (I use J74s). #If I understand Rolfe correctly, the Neoclassical model is voiced similar to the Standard, but the Neoclassical bracing is more suited to light-gauge strings and a gentle approach. #I considered a Bluegrass model, but Rolfe described it as having stiffer action and heavier bracing, which is more suitable to a very aggressive Bluegrass style of playing.

You said you like to play an instrument pretty hard, you need easy playability, rich bottom, and singing top end. #In my opinion, you have described the Phoenix Standard model.

[Ted Eschliman]

I agree wholeheartedly with Marc just said. My Phoenix Jazz is my "finesse" frontline instrument. When I want acoustic nuance and delicate linear interpretation, this is my first-call instrument. When I want to rail, really whack, hit the audience over the head with tone, my NewMAD Carbon Fibre is the "go-to."

Certainly, the Jazz has its own richness and incredible balance, it sings, it cries, it shouts. Set up intentionally for light(er) gauge strings, I would rather steer a heavy hitter toward one of Rolfe's other incredibly well-thought out models.

[surfandstrum]

Also check out his Deluxe Model too...It can handle heavier strings and definitely a hard attack...It also has Rolfe's beautiful inlay on the fretboard, a pick guard and pick-up...

[pjlama]

Thanks, now I just need to try one and see how I like them...

[BlueNote]

I have a Phoenix Bluegrass #195 that I bought used a couple years ago from the classified on the Cafe. I'm very happy with it and love the depth of tone. It gets better and better over time. On the negative side, the bridge top cracked about a month ago, so I emailed Rolf trying to purchase a replacement. Nothing back. It's OK if he doesn't want to sell replacement parts, but a response would have been nice.

[mandolirius]

<On the negative side, the bridge top cracked about a month ago, so I emailed Rolf trying to purchase a replacement. Nothing back. It's OK if he doesn't want to sell replacement parts, but a response would have been nice.>

You should follow up. I've found Rolph to be very responsive, even when I was just asking questions about the mando. He's also indicated I could get parts like a nut blank, bridge pieces or tailpieces. My older Ultra came with a Gibson-style tailpiece which I was considering replacing with a black Price. I didn't but I certainly could have purchased one from him if I'd wanted.

[Walter Newton]

I emailed Rolf trying to purchase a replacement. Nothing back. It's OK if he doesn't want to sell replacement parts, but a response would have been nice.
Just give him a call and I'm sure he will help you out.

[surfandstrum]

I also will encourage a follow-up...He's a great guy and will usually return a message left...

[Eliot Greenspan]

Rolfe's email changed a little while back. Not sure whether the links from his website are updated or not, but try: pxmandolin@gwi.net

I've never known him to be anything but quick on the draw to reply, and find a solution.

[trevor]

Quote. ' the Standard has an incredible combination of clarity and resonance. It's like having all of the richness of an oval-hole mandolin and all the clarity and projection of an f-hole model in one (incredibly light weight and easy to play) package.'

That is a very accurate description of the standard I have in my store. I generally prefer oval to F hole but this is one of a few definite exceptions. If I didn't have too many at home already...

[otterly2k]

It's like having all of the richness of an oval-hole mandolin and all the clarity and projection of an f-hole model in one (incredibly light weight and easy to play) package.'


Yup -- Like trevor, I generally prefer oval to F hole, but Rolfe has found a way to bring out the best of both in his Phoenix design.

And like the others, I have found Rolfe to be very responsive... my guess is that some communications glitch, and not Rolfe himself, is the reason for BlueNote's unanswered request. Try another way, BlueNote.

[tterral]

I was seriously considering a Phoenix Bluegrass model before I bought my current mandolin and still may buy one down the road. I called and spoke with Rolfe and he is a great guy and answered all my questions without ever getting the feeling he was trying to get off the phone. A very personable, nice guy who was a pleasure to talk to. I still have yet to see any Phoenix in person, much less play one, which may be good a this point since I do not need to buy another mandolin.

[surfandstrum]

It's great when you can pick the brains and ask questions of the builders...I fully enjoyed my time talking with Rolfe...He knows his stuff and loves the mandolin...

[trevor]

I work with a lot of makers large and small, and distributors etc, there are none more willing and knowledgeable than Rolfe (and quite few less of both), it was to be able to work with people like him that made want to do this and continues to motivate me.

[Chris Biorkman]

I have a Phoenix Bluegrass #195 that I bought used a couple years ago from the classified on the Cafe. I'm very happy with it and love the depth of tone. It gets better and better over time. On the negative side, the bridge top cracked about a month ago, so I emailed Rolf trying to purchase a replacement. Nothing back. It's OK if he doesn't want to sell replacement parts, but a response would have been nice.
I found Rolfe to be extremely helpful. He was a great guy to deal with. He makes a great mandolin too.

[BlueNote]

I have rarely if ever seen so many people rally around a builder as they have for Rolfe. I have even received a personal message from Evan concerning this matter with my bridge. I can only assume that my email concerning my broken bridge didn't go through. Next week I will try contacting Rolf again and I am most sure that we will get this straightened out. It's great to be a member of the Phoenix fraternity.

[KeithDudding]

I could never play an Ultra. With a headstock like that, you'd have to have some mad mando skills to back that up. I can do some things on my Phoenix (2003 Bluegrass), but I don't have the chops to merit an Ultra. I mean, you uncase that bad boy at a jam session, and you'd better be ready to throw down and take on all comers. More power to anyone with the b*lls to play an Ultra. As for me, my snakehead suits my modest abilities. I do envy any Phoenix owner who customized his or her rig with the dark tuner heads and tailpiece. I think those make an already beautiful instrument even better looking. -- Keith

[mandolirius]

<I could never play an Ultra. With a headstock like that, you'd have to have some mad mando skills to back that up. I mean, you uncase that bad boy at a jam session, and you'd better be ready to throw down and take on all comers. More power to anyone with the b*lls to play an Ultra.>

Yikes! As an Ultra owner, I better get practising!
I got a laugh from your post - very vivid description. But seriously, it's just a mandolin. If anyone hears me play and thinks I've got more mando than talent, well, they're probably right. But what are you going to do? I'll try to let it inspire me to be a better player.

[mandolirius]

<Next week I will try contacting Rolf again and I am most sure that we will get this straightened out. It's great to be a member of the Phoenix fraternity.>

Good of you to check back in. Let us know what happens.

[evanreilly]

BlueNote: Did you ever receive a response from Rolfe or a new bridge for your Phoenix mandolin?

[BlueNote]

Evan, Yes I did and Rolfe had a new bridge saddle in my mailbox in two days! I think I had his old email and the first message didn't go through. I am embarrassed to say that I am a victim of the old "assume" trick again. P.S. Thank you for your interest and encouragement with this. My baby's singin' again!

[mandolirius]

<My baby's singin' again!>

Woohoo! Glad to hear it.