A5 model- what to do??

[Robblegrass]

Hi all, I am considering getting a top-notch A5 style mando. I'm looking at the Red Diamond "Vintage" A and also the new Ellis A5. Only trouble is I really haven't read many reviews about either. I know Ellis F5's are nice but the only thing I really know about the A's is how everybody drooled over the pics as they were being constructed. Up here in Canada you don't see too many high end mandos. Ive read about the Red Diamonds, and they excite me.

What do you feel about spending that money and ordering one on speculation? You never see a used RD come up for sale and it's too soon to really get feedback on the new Ellis A5's.

I could use some informed help. Thanks

Rob Baker

Collings 2000 D2-H
Collings 2002 MF-5
Wiens 2004 F5 varnish

[mandroid]

Mr Mc Rostie's [sp?] work is top notch, IE among the best, Talk to him and tell him what you want.
better than second hand , since custom desires met like neck shape and fingerboard width are Yours .

[Ctone]

Looks like you just missed a used Red Diamond A at Mandomutt. It is listed as on hold. You may want to contact him just in case the deal doesn't go through.

[Stephen Lind]

played an Ellis A while in Nashville
you couldn't go wrong
it was VERY nice
never played a Red Diamond but i did spend quite a bit of time in Hans Brentrup's booth
he had a very basic looking (as in no frills) A with sound and playability to die for

good luck with your search

[rockies]

Rob, have you considered Michael Heidens beautiful A models ?? The ones I've tried have been killers, in fact I am waiting for mine in about 3 weeks. And Michael is now located in Creston BC only about an hour and a half from me in Kimberley BC. Haven't seen you for ages, but I haven't made Blueberry for a couple of years.
Dave Carlson

[Mike Bunting]

Rob, I've got a RD Vintage F on order, having checked one out in Owensboro. I loved the sound and Don has been good to work with. I could easily recommend a Vintage A.

[red7flag]

There is a long thread that talks extensively about Ellis As. Here is the link. http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/showthread.php?t=43266 . I played one at IBMA and the As are very special. Look at my signature and you will see that I recently bought an F model. Tom is great to deal with. He even called me a few days after I bought it to see if I was satisfied. Can't get much better than that. I got a great instrument that seemed to continue to surprise me at getting better when I keep thinking it can't get any better. I have no experience with RDs so I will leave that to our Cafe people that do.

[Robblegrass]

Thanks every one for your input. I had read that forum on the Ellis A model and that is what got me really thinking about one. I have a freind who has an Ellis F, and it is very nice, but after weighing the facts...I ordered a RD. Unfortunately the one at Mando Mutt was delivered today. Thanks again.
Rob Baker

2000 Collings D2-H
2002 Collings MF5
2004 Weins F5 varnish

[sgarrity]

Good choice with the RD. I don't think you'll be disappointed. At that level they're all good, just different tones. I hear the one's Don has made recently have been extremely good mandolins. And Don is a super nice guy to work with!

[Ivan Kelsall]

Rob,have a good look & play of a few Weber 'A's' as well,you might be pleasantly surprised. The Weber 'Custom Vintage 'A' ' by all acounts is a superb instrument,
Saska