Best F model's for around $2500?

[patsites]

Can anyone start me in the right direction here by recommending a maker or model? I currently played a MorganMonroe MCM-CB and have outgrown it, not to mention there is a slight bow in the neck/fretboard where it attaches to the body and it will cost way too much to fix it.

I'm a Grismanesque style player that aligns closer with jazz mando than bluegrass mando, I'm looking from some recommendations for a great sounding F-style for around $2500 because I'm not ready to committ 4-5K to a mandolin at this time.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[jmkatcher]

Try a used Rigel G-110. A real work of art in terms of fit, finish, and of course sound. It's like the love child of an
F and a Stratocaster. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[JD Cowles]

theres a used brw in the classifieds for 2700. not a bad deal there.

[Dfyngravity]

Well I would second the rigel G-110. But if I were you I would check out these mandos first jazz mando (http://www.pacinfo.com/~sholst/mandolins.htm). Click on the audio samples, you may not be able to click on the audio sample for the mandos but you can click on it for the other instruments. Once you do that you can click on the audio samples of the mando. They are some great mandos, and very cool looking. But they are just a little over what you want to spend. I think they are around $3000, but hey whats $500 if you are getting a great mando to play for a while.

[Dave Voyles]

Contact Larry Muth in Canada. Mine's a killer and with the exchange rates you are looking at closer to $2000.

[Albert Whiting]

i would definitely look at the lebeda line. he makes some incredible mandolins with perfect workmanship. contact jeff@mandolins.net

[grandmainger]

What timescale are you looking at? If you want it now, go to the classifieds or dealers.
At the moment, in the classifieds here, there is a BRW F5 for $2700, and also a Weber Yellowstone for $2150.
There are loads more if you look at dealers.

If you want a more personal instrument, as has been said earlier, there are a good few builders that will make you a custom model in your price range. BUT you will have to wait! Andy at Driftwood won't get you one before the summer of 2005 http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif #He's busy with orders!

HTH

Germain

[patsites]

Thanks guys. I'm not a huge fan of the appearance of the Rigel's, call me crazy, but it doesn't look much like an acoustic mando and I'm sure it plays great, but I also appreciate the classic mando design.

I've been looking at the Weber Gallatin and adding a slightly radiused fretboard with larger frets....

Does any have any thoughts on this model? I've yet to find one at a local shop to play.

[mandoJeremy]

I would also check out Keith Murchison (The Scot) mandolins. His are very nice and they are in your price range. For the amount you are looking at, I think you could find something better than the Gallatin and that is just my opinion. The Bitteroot would be nicer with the maple back and sides.

[JGWoods]

Try a used Rigel G-110. A real work of art in terms of fit, finish, and of course sound. It's like the love child of an
F and a Stratocaster. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
LOL- right on the money! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
and a sonic delight
gw

[cutbait2]

one of the best mando's i've heard lately was made by darby boofer of NC. (rose mandolins) builds an F for 2500, they are played by pro's. also heard a great sounding F-9 recently also being played by a pro......

[goldtopper]

Summit F100.
$2950 at Gruhns.

[Bobby Brite]

Allen Jones makes "Glenn" mandolins. Awesome tone and playabilitiy. His prices are very good. The tone and volume of his mandolins is bar none. I'm with Jeremy. You can do better than a Galatin. Glenn Mandolins (http://community.webtv.net/bubbyjones/Glennmandolins)

[grandmainger]

Also, from today's classifieds: Weber Bitterroot (Maple Upgrade) $2000

The Gallatin with an upgraded from mahogany to maple might be an option. #I've seen the basic Gallatin offered new for significantly less than $2,500 and used for around $1,000. #

I'll agree that you can do better than a Gallatin for $2,500 but you shouldn't be paying that much for a Gallatin.

There are some good deals in the classifieds right now for Gibson F9, Weber Yellowstone and Bitteroot.

[Kevin K]

Another vote on a Summit F100. New $2950, but sometimes a used one pops up.

[Keith Newell]

How about the Oregon builders? Bob Schnieder makes a mean F style. I played his new one at Fossil Bluegrass festival in wheeler county Oregon 2 weeks ago and it was very nice.
Keith
http://www.newellmandolins.com

[John Flynn]

Another vote on a Summit F100
There is an only slightly used F100 for $2200 at Music Folk in St. Louis. It has a custom-order wide neck. The original owner is a fine luthier in his own right, so I have to believe it is perfectly set up. I can put you in touch with him if you like.
http://www.musicfolk.com/docs....in2.htm (http://www.musicfolk.com/docs/Instruments/UsedInstruments/Mandolin2.htm)

[Mando Dan]

It is hard to find new professional quality mandolins for around $2500. #I would definitely look on ebay for a good deal. # # Moon Beam (http://www.moonbeammandolins.com) makes an unbelievable sounding F model.

[tofuhippo]

i have been looking at the makers of siren, givens, lebeda, laurel, holoubeck, and newson for moderately priced mandolins. Does andbody have any feedback or input on any or all of these mandolins?

thanks
chad

I would seriously contact Glenn Robertson at Moon Beam. Hands down the best mando in the price range.

[mandorado]

Check out Don Paines Pomeroy mandolins too. He can make you a sweet F5 in this price range.
Pomeroy Instruments (http://www.pomeroyinstruments.com)

[fatt-dad]

Gruhn has several Summit mandolins listed on their web page. From what I know, Paul Schnieder (spelling may be off), was a builder at Flatiron during the Carlson era and made many of the great Flatirons. He is the main man at Summit.

f-d

[dasspunk]

Well, I own a Rose F5, so I would reccomend talking to Darby. I would also look at a Silver Angel (http://www.silverangelmandolins.com/products.html) from Ken Ratcliff. I have one of Laura's A styles (wife of Ken) and it's outstanding!

If you'd like to see/listen to either of mine, I've made some movies... (http://dasspunk.com/index.php?wl_topic=16)

[picksnbits]

There's a Silver Angel in the classifieds for $2000.

I just bought one and I love it. I played mine next to a Gibson Master Model and thought it compared very favorably. Mine has the v-neck, radiused fretboard and big frets, which I think is standard.

I'll throw in that I played a couple of Summits at Gruhn's and thought they were the best bang for the buck in the place at the time. They do have the big round neck and I believe had a flat fretboard.

I'm mainly into bluegrass though, so our tastes may be different.

[Dan Adams]

See the Driftwood in the Want Ads for $2,000.00. Interesting. No interest, just in the price range. Dan

[Doug Edwards]

I wonder if there is a reason the bridge is positioned so far off on that Moonbeam? Seems like a Luthier would have it set right, especially if they were photographing it.

[Obsessive Monkey]

Not exactly an F but close - Breedlove Cascade. Not everyone likes the look or sound but I sure love mine. At least try one. Good luck in your search.

Doug.. your right.. wonder if the bridge is off or if the scale is off on the mandolin?? I would definatly prefer a F-9 over a moon beam

[jmkatcher]

Again, not an F, but have people seen the Sawchyn A5 in the Classifieds? Wow, what a beautiful instrument! That's a luthier with an unquestioned reputation too.

[Dan Adams]

What about the James Rowland? (almost nude) for that price listed in the classifieds? Looks good, price range is right. Doesn't even seem like you have to pay for that fancy strap holder. Dan