Weber, flatiron, or other?

[BoneDigger]

I have a Kentucky 380s mandolin which is OK, but I might be ready to upgrade before too long. The sound of the Kentucky is good, but the fit and finish are aweful! I'll keep the kentucky for when I want to take it backpacking and the such.

Anyway, I don't want to spend more than $2500 and both of the above mentioned (Weber and Flatiron)seem to have f-styles in my range. Any comments on these, or can you recommend some other brand in this range?

Todd

[Rick Schmidlin]

A Collings MT is not an F but I give it an A at about $1,800.00 new.

I have seen used MF's for $3,200.00

I also love the new Webers very much.

[Kevin Briggs]

My buddy just got a new Gallatin for around $2,000. It does not seem to be a bluegrass mandolin, but it's really dark and woody, and very versatile. I now officially want one to go with my Fern, but I want an oval hole Gallatin with X bracing. I know Dennis at the Mandolin Store sells his Weber Special Editions for $2,300 or so, and has a nice used one there right now for under $2,000.

As far as Flatirons go, your in the used market when you buy one, which can be a very good thing. It can also be a risk, unless you buy from a store. I think the Cafe is known to be a place of integrity and most if not all of the sellers on the Cafe classifieds will give you exactly what you pay for. Some of those old Flatirons are amazing, and they are getting to where some have 20 years of playing time on them. If well cared for, that's 20 years of a top-notch mandolin breaking in and opening up.

Now, if you are willing to look at an A style, you'll make out extremely well on both Webers and Flatirons, as with any builder.

[auteq]

Eastman's are well within your price range, good tone and quality for either the A or the F style.

Though the real test is go to the local music man and start playing, there is always a diamond in the rough.
Like Adml. Dupont said during the 30 years war, tone is in the hands.

[Eric Hanson]

First Post!

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

I am having a custom handcarved mando built by a luthier in Frankfort, IN by the name of Butch Click. His contact info is on the eyecandy page under "Click". He is a great guy who builds to your specs and is very reasonable at $2250 delivered, standard.
He stays in touch with you over the entire process and is willing to send progress pics upon request. I take delivery of #16 on the 8th of March. If you can wait a bit I will be happy to give you an update on the finished product. Otherwise, you can call him at (765)249-2783 with any questions you might have.
Eric

[Eric Hanson]

I forgot to add.
I played it a bit "in the white", before any finish. Sounds pretty strong.

[Richard Russell]

Elderly has a used Bitteroot f style for 1800 listed.

[mando_dan]

Flatirons, at least everything but the current Chinese instruments, are fantastic sounding and will likely increase in value over time. I've played several from the various eras and never met one I didn't like. Enjoy the hunt.

[Andrew Faltesek]

Everyone has their favorites, mine is Weber...and I just have a basic one! At $2500. you have some good choices from several vendors. A used Collings would be nice. The new Eastmans get good comments here at the cafe. When I was in Belize, a guy had a well-worn Flatiron at the airport he offered to let me play that sounded great! He got it used for a good price. There's almost too many choices.

Play as many different types as you can, until you develop an attraction for a certain maker or style; then scope out units at your pricepoint. If you don't find the right one, take your time and save $$$ a bit more. Eventually you will actually play the "right" one, or make an informed and comfortable decision on a purchase via the internet. I predict you will soon want an even better one, however happy you are with your upgrade.

[BoneDigger]

Thanks, I appreciate all of the helpful recommendations! My biggest problem is that I live in a rather small town and we only have one music store here. They only sell mandolins in the $500 range. They use to sell Collings, but apparently they didn't sell enough to make it worth their effort.

I could drive to Dallas, but it's a good 1.5 hours and I don't really know any of the stores there.

Todd

[Chris Biorkman]

Most of the sellers that advertise on this site will allow you to send an instrument back if you don't like it. I have done this myself due to the fact that I also live very far away from any store that sells decent mandolins.

[Wheel Man]

Todd, I can relate to living in an area where there are only one or two small music stores to shop at with only a few cheap mandos or none at all. #I have purchased three mandolins from the site here at the Cafe, and have been very pleased with each purchased. Take your time and keep an eye on the classified section, sooner or later there will be a mandolin with your name on it.
Good Luck: http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[Ken Olmstead]

Todd, Living in Alaska I feel your pain. Webers are so consistanly well built and constructed that ordering one through the mail has never bothered me, that is how I got my Fern! No suprises with that company. Also the online dealers advertising here will support you well during the sales process (as previously mentioned) and Weber will always take care of you after if the mando ever needs anything (I can personally attest to this.)However, I would give anything to only be 1.5 hours away from a major city to try some mandos and there is no substitute for trying them out. I would be willing to spend several weekends traveling around to buy a mando that brings so much enjoyment to my life! There are lots of options out there so have fun and enjoy the hunt!!!!

[scgc.om]

Tone Monster recommends Collings - I do, too. However, $1800 as a new price is out of date. Entry level MT (A model) cost is $2025 and has been for well over a year.

Personally, having owned a Weber, I'd recommend a Collings, especially as yours will be a long-distance purchase. Collings consistency is outstanding - you order blind and you get a great instrument every time!

Last piece of advice: You're moving up - take a BIG step up, even if it means spending more than you budgetted for. I speak from personal experience. I wasted a LOT of time and $$ by moving up slowly to a "5-figure" mandolin. If I'd only jumped in BIG much earlier on, I'd be way further ahead - sooner.

[Markelberry]

I just purchased an Gibson A-9 used that is a fantastic playing and sounding mandolin at 850.00