Weber Fern

[Rick Schmidlin]

Is The Weber Fern an option for a good mandolin purchuse over Gibson and Collings?I am trying to get in the right direction. I am going to sell a Roy Noble Braz/Ad dred to raise the money. I am dealing with Greg Boyd and feel that this is the place to get serious comments.

Rick Schmidlin

...and I guess post #5 will be if Nickel Creek is really bluegrass. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

In the brands you've asked about in this and the other threads, you aren't going to get an good answer. #While there are some brands and/or materials (laminate) you can be warned about, when you get into any of the mid-to-top tier builders it is really just a matter of the best sounding (to you) that you can afford.

[Scott Tichenor]

Tim is right. Asking this question on a message board with 5,000 subscribers is going to result in a lot of information that's all over the board (tastes great! less filling!) that'll likely not help much--my opinion. If I was dealing with Greg Boyd I'd be asking him this question. He has a financial interest, but it's also his job to make sure you're happy in the long run. He's a good man with a great reputation and knows alot more about mandolins than your average surfer here.

[Ken Berner]

Just a quick comment off the top of my head . . . . Weber instruments are top quality at reasonable and generally affordable prices. They are less expensive that Collings or Gibson, for the most part. We've all beaten this to death, but here it goes again, "play the different mandolins and let YOUR ears make the decision". Inexpensive doesn't mean cheap, by the way.

[mandoman4807]

I will say this, if customer support is important, Weber #in my experience, is the best company to deal with in that respect. You #just won`t find a group of people that will treat you better.

On the other hand, I happen to own, and am very happy with my Gibson based on the tonal qualities of this particular instrument.


Darrell

[dfrady]

Is the Weber Fern an option for a good mandolin purchase over gibson and collings?
That would be Yes it is !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Nick Triesch]

When you get into the high end mandolins like the weber Fern, Collings MF5, Gibson Fern, and so on all of them have their good points. All of them can sound wonderful and all of them can play like butter. You just have to make the choice. All these mandolins have their fans. Most of their owners love them and swear by them. Nick

[Atlanta Mando Mike]

I'll just stir the pot by saying i haven't played a webber I like. And i've played quite a few. Also had a Webber signed gibson F5 I got rid of. I am not a fan of the bolt on neck and in general Webber don't speak my language. dove tail is where its at. my opinion-get a gibson or a collings over a Webber. Let the shredding begin. or better yet get a handmade mando by a small maker like (Insert name here).

[Damnation Gulch]

Just as I'm starting to get hot for a Weber...

I dont get it, what do you mean bolt on?

[diamond ace]

there not bolted on they us a mortis and tension joint. go to ther web sit and they have a very good explanation of the joint and a picture of it.

PS I love my weber but gibson and collins make verry good instruments as well. Happy hunting.

[Nick Triesch]

They are called Weber mandolins. You may be thinking of another mandolin company. Maybe Webber don't speak your language but a Weber may. Nick

[dasspunk]

I've played quite a few Gibsons, Webers and Collings mandos and will speak on those that I've played and the impressions they left. Also, JFYI, I do not own any of these brands...

Consistent tone:
1. Collings
2. Weber
3. Gibson

Consistent craftsmanship:
1. Collings
2. Weber
3. Gibson

Consistent Playability:
1. Collings
2. Gibson
3. Weber

Regardless of tone, times I said "this thing is a good mando":
1. Collings
2. Gibson
3. Weber

My overall personal favorite:
1. Collings (love 'em! My favorite by far...)
2. Gibson (if I met the right one...)
3. Weber (not a big fan...)

[dfrady]

I have a Weber and i love it, and in my opion it plays better than any gibson could even think about. As far as bolt on neck is concerned, It's not, it's a reinforced mortise and tenon joint.
http://www.soundtoearth.com/updates_mortiseandtenon.htm

[Bradley]

I have yet to see a Weber that comes near the Collings or the Gibson.The Collings are very nice,are very consistant,but lack soul and a Bluegrass Sound.For my Taste theres nothing like a Gibson mando.But I also like my Eggs over medium,Steak has to be medium rare,and hate mustard on my hamburgers.

There are some great instruments in the 5-7K range.Its kinda like pickin a girlfriend....let your heart lead you and not someone elses opinion.

Nothing against Weber but to my ears they fall short of a Gibson and Collings

[Atlanta Mando Mike]

Ah very clever Mr. mandocat. I will rephrase. I dislike WEBER mandolins in general and I think they are vastly inferior to either a Gibson or a Collings when Tone is concerned. If you own a WEBER mandolin I would always make sure that you spell the name WEBER correctly when refering to the mandolin, at least that way you will have something going your way.

[Nick Triesch]

Whatever you said Michael, thats just great. #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[Atlanta Mando Mike]

And while the Weber doesn't have a traditional bolt on neck, there are screws that help attach the neck and the body togethor. I think a dovetail joint, wood on wood, is the way to go. Thats just me. I do believe that in general, more high quality makers use a dove tail joint than anything else. I also believe all of the first tier makers use dove tails-Monteleon, Nugget, Gilchrist, Gibson and Duduenbostel. Correct me if i'm wrong-I could be. however, if that is true and the best makers all use a Dove-tail Joint, as does the holy grail of mandolins the Loar, its probably not a stretch to say that that is the way to go. If Webber's design really made significant improvement in tone then players would be shouting from the rooftops that Webers are better and have a more distinct tonal character than the aforementioned makers. That has not happened. Whatever changes Weber has made in mandolin design, including the brekke bridge, have not made webbers prized for their tone by players and have apparently not been significant enough to make other makers adopt their style. They do look nice though.

[Atlanta Mando Mike]

Duduenglostle:p

[Nick Triesch]

Michael I think that many Weber owners are shouting from the rooftops about their mandolins. #Their website gets a huge amount of hits and Weber mandolins are very popular indeed . #They have a terrific full line of mandos with something for everyone. # It's ok if you don't like them. #I hope you enjoy your Gibson or Collings as much as I love my WEBER Fern. #Nick http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Atlanta Mando Mike]

Long night-sorry if I'm snippy. I don't own a Gibson or a Collings. Had a gibson and sold it. Do you really own a Weber or is that more banter.

[Nick Triesch]

Yes I really own a 2003 Weber fern. I bought it for two reasons: It had a much better and fuller sound than my Flatiron F5 artist that it replaced and it was also the most perfect thing I have ever seen. I love it and thats what counts. The great thing about all this is that we live in a wonderful time for instruments. Mandolins and guitars are the best they have ever been. Just a few years back we had only a tiny selection of mandolins. Now check out the builders section on the cafe. Holy smokes! Anything you want. It's all right here in our time. Dang. I need a flag to wave or something! Anyway, have a great night, Nick

[Tim Saxton]

Ok I cant stand it any more. These types of discussions are indeed needed however they just get tiring.

If I could AFFORD a Gibson or Collings I would have looked at them. Well, the Gibson anyway. More specifically a Sam Bush model. But all I could AFFORD
was a Weber. And I love it. Is it better than a Gibson or Collings or "put any other brand name here" Well possibly. It may sound better than some and worse than others.

ahh there that is off my chest.

Now judge for your self. I am 110% sure that my Weber is mandolin #8 you will find out in time it is true. go to this link Mando Tasting (http://www.mandolincafe.com/mandotasting/) and tell for your self.

Just my bankrupt $.02 http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

Tim Saxton

[Big Joe]

Each of the three builders are great products. There are features that are different about each of them that may make one player happy and another not. My personal taste is well known. Remember though, that is my taste and I cannot and will not speak for anyone else. If you can try each of the brands and see what speaks to you it will do more good than all the information this board can give. If you are able I would be happy to take you through our mandolin making area and let you watch the guys make them. I would be happy to let you play several of each model to see what you like. I'm sure Weber would do the same. I don't know about Collings, but I would be surprised if they did not. Anyway, each builder is actually a small builder and would be happy to help you in whatever way we could to help you chose the exact mandolin you would like to make your mandolin dreams come true. I know Weber and Gibson both will do custom work so you can have a one of a kind mandolin if you like. I don't know about the other builder.

While we are talking, there are many other good builders who do a great job also. I hope you get the chance to chose what you like based on your likes and needs. It is possible your tastes could change in a year or so also and give you a chance to try another great mandolin. Thank you.

[AlanN]

Whoa fellows, it's only mandolin we're talkin' here. The Weber Big Sky mandolins I've picked have been pretty darn nice. Not sure if they make them anymore.

[Hoyt]

Must be something in that Chattahoochee water Atlanta Mike.

I bought my third Weber primarily because I like the security of the “bolt-on neck” plus it sounded and looked better than the others I tried. And its less expensive.

I think one reason that Webers have not become as popular as you suggest is that most bluegrassers are traditionalists and they are not going to play something that veers very far from Bill Monroe’s style of mando.

I like my Brekke bridge, my D-hole and the shape of my “A” model that is very different from almost anything out there.

Since I like the simple look of “A” styles, I have to loop my strap around the peghead – I need that extra strength that those dovetails just don’t provide. Every banjo I’ve seen has a bolt-on neck – I guess that’s why they sound like they do. I use a capo and think builders ought to use the “zero fret” as well. Though, I don’t like those little grommet silencers.

But that’s me. I’m a sixth decade Atlantan myself and long-term use of the water has probably messed me up.

[mrt10x]

"webers have not become as popular as you suggest?" can anyone tell me who has the largest share of the U.S mandolin market?

depends in what class of mandolin..

Cheap.. probably Kentucky of Saga made instruments.
High end...Gibson

[Nick Triesch]

Popular? Weber seems to be the new flatiron. They show up everywhere. At festivals, local jams, celtic bands. Like you could with flatiron , you can go to a nice music store and pick out a fine quality instrument ay day of the week. What I don't understand about Gibson is that they seem hard to find . San Diego is a very big city but I don't know of a store where I can go to play and F9 or fern. When I was looking for a F style mandolin a while back our largest guitar store did not cary Gibson. Bummer. I guess Gibson must sell a lot of their mandolins on line. Nick

[Professor PT]

I've noticed that, too. I've asked at House of Strings and Buffalo Bros. and they both told me that Gibson was "a pain" in a certain part of the anatomy "to deal with." As for specifics, you'll have to ask them. I have yet to play any new Gibsons and am curious if they are as good as many say they are. There are stores in SD that will order one for you, but if you don't like it, I'd imagine you're stuck with it as a special order item. I have nothing against Gibson at all; I'm just surprised as well that there's no place here that will stock them.

[dfrady]

I have noticed that the ones that say gibson is all that are the type of people that think " if it isn't a gibson it's a pile of junk " and that's not the case. These are the kind of people that would claim gibson are the best even if it sounded like a K-mart blue light special and say it played better than any mandolin they have ever played even if the strings were a mile up off the fret board.I think the biggest problem alot of people have is they think, if it don't look like bill, sound like bill it isn't bluegrass,( and i have actually heard people say this). Now i know i'll probably get alot of bashing for this but this is merely my opions.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[Nick Triesch]

Ok Gibson, #What gives? #I bet there is a lot of folks In san Diego #who would like to try a Gibson mandolin. #Why do you folks make it so hard to find or buy one? #Is it because you folks sell all you can by going through the huge stores in say LA or New York? # Here in San Diego Buffalo Bros is a huge guitar store. #Folks come from all over California to buy high end guitars and mandolins. #Chris Thile shops there for god sakes! #Along with the rest of Nickle Creek. #They have Thousands of Guitars. #There are other shops in San Diego as well like the new acoustic expression. #You would just think in this huge market Gibson would bend over backwords to have their mandolins out there. #And if there is a problem with the stores Gibson should patch things up. #When I was looking for my F type mandolin I would have loved to try a Gibson but I could only find them on line and that's just no fun. #No slam to Gibson, #It's just strange. #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[BigJoe]

Hey Nick...It's like asking why there is not a chevy dealer in a particular town. We can't make dealers carry a mandolin. Most dealers have little to no experience with bluegrass instruments and they are afraid to stock them whent they can invest in something they know and understand and have a ready market for. Gibson mandolins are not cheap and the cost scares many possibly good dealers. Most music stores do not have a clue about the mandolin or banjo market and make no effort to understand that market. We are always willing to welcome dealers in a market that meet our criteria and will stock a minimal amount of required product. I'm not personally familiar with any store in the San Diego market so I cannot discuss your market with any level of competance. We have a dealer in S Cal that does stock quite a bit of product, but off hand I don't know which store that is. If I remember when I get to work on Monday I will try to find out and post that for you. Otherwise, ask your favorite dealer to stock the product.

I remember years ago wanting to buy a Martin flattop but my favorite dealer did not stock them. After about eighteen months of begging and pleading he finally became a dealer and I was the first to buy one of several Martins that I purchased from him. It worked well for both of us. I'm sorry I'm not more helpful on this but I will try to follow up. Thank you.

Now, how about those Webers? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif .

[dfrady]

Yeah, How bout those Webers !!

[dfrady]

Here's you another one !!

[Nick Triesch]

Pretty mandolin! Looks just about like mine. Nick

[Atlanta Mando Mike]

The popularity I was referring to when I mentioned "players' was the lack of proffessional mandolinists who play Webers. I know of one, Wes lee who is from Atlanta and plays with Valerie Smith. And he is a huge Weber fan. Other than him, I haven't seen many really embrace the Weber mandolins. I think most people who buy them have budgets that keep them away from other high-end mandos. I do think Webers are a good deal for the money

[Atlanta Mando Mike]

I also haven't seen aot of pro players play Collongs yet. Anyone know of any out there.

[dfrady]

Here's a pretty good list of professional players.
www.soundtoearth.com/players-list.htm

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

[Mark Normand]

I wonder when you mix professional players with free mandolins, sponsorships, etc. if that muddies the waters somewhat on these type of comparisons. Would a pro player buy one brand that doesn't sponsor, rather than play a free one from a sponsoring company? I have no idea...

Mark
(a totally unprofessional Weber Fern owner) http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[onlyagibsonisgoodenuff]

Even though I don't own a Weber, I think they are great instruments, and you should remember they know a thing or two about building mandos. These are the people who used to build Gibsons before it moved back to Nashville!

[Big Joe]

Most of the professionals will not play an instrument just because it is free. They only play what does the job for them. It's like using a tool for work. If the tool does not do what they want the way they want it sits in the tool box. Same for instruments. The pickers have very defined tastes in sound and playability and will not sell out for a free instrument.

[WireBoy]

hey big joe,
don't forget to let us know who that well stocked Gibson dealer is in the So Cal area. thanks.

[Nick Triesch]

Big Joe? Is the store that sells Gibsons up in L.A.? Who has a good selection? Are you talking about Guitar Center? Nick