Weber Bridger

[reeljigs]

While researching possible purchases for a new mandolin, I came across a picture of a Weber Bridger A style. That is the MOST BEAUTIFUL looking instrument I ever set my eyes on!
It is definitely out of my budget, but I am quite curious... does it sound as good as it looks?http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif
Anyone lucky enough to own one or have played on one? How does it compare to the other Webers?

[Hoyt]

Bridgers are beautiful and they sound very good as well. I think their shape is quite unique.

I'm not sure what your budget is, but I have seen used ones listed for around $1200 - $1300. I'm assuming one might actually get them for a little less.

I've had a Bridger mandola that I really like for about 2.5 years. It has a sunburst finish. It is very playable and sounds fanatastic. The same goes for a used Bridger mandolin I played once.

Keep your eye open for a used one.

Good luck. Hoyt

[GBG]

I looked at Bridgers (in pictures) for a long time and finally got a dealer to get one sent to his store so I could play one. I brought my Breedlove Quartz KF along to compare to the Bridger. I liked the tone (for a new instrument), more woody than the Breedlove, but the playability was worse to the point that I couldn't justify the extra money. Both had slightly radiused finger boards with the Breedlove being a little wider. I was disappointed, because I really was hoping to buy the Bridger.

[WireBoy]

Reeljigs,
#your profile lists you as a californian. #get your pitooty down to Acoustic Expressions in San Diego. #They have a fabulous bridger hanging on thier wall Right Now! #(or at least it was there 10 days ago). #they have a wall of Weber and Michael Kelly. #try 'em all and compare. #they were very good about letting me play to my hearts content. #Also try Buffalo Brothers in Carlsbad, #they've got a much bigger wall (but i don't know if they have a bridger.) Good luck.

[pathfinder]

Being curious about the Bridgers for over a year, I ordered one in February. #It's a beautifully-made mando (blonde gloss top with non-radius fingerboard) with a deep resonant sound, mainly due to the oval hole (actually a 'D' hole). #

To me, it definitely sounds better for Celtic than for bluegrass, IMHO. #

And it's 'playability' is different than my Big Sky or Gallatin. #It takes a bit more work, but I haven't done anything to change the original setup since February. #Overall, I like it.

I'm seeing three used Bridger 'A's floating around for sale right now. #Elderly has a 2000 model in Lansing MI listing for $1,400. #FOTW has a 1998 model for $1,425 in Ruidoso NM. #And The Twelfth Fret in Toronto ON has a 1999 'lefty' for $1,395 (see the Cafe classifieds).

[Professor PT]

I don't know what kind of music you play, but I will assume from your screen name that you play Celtic/ Irish. I played that same Bridger at Acoustic Expressions and found it to be rather flat sounding. Now, I do play an F-hole mando, so that may have "tainted" my ears. But, I've got to say, I wouldn't have bought that mando. There was an oval hole Bitteroot, I believe, that sounded much better. From what I recall, the playability was similar. You've definitely got to play these mandos in person; it's been said many times here on the cafe, but it is very important...especially if you're going to spend a lot of money.

[ira]

played a bridger down at mandolin bros. in ny. one of the best sounding mandolins i have ever played. i loved the tone- and i thought it was quite playable.- go for it!!!!

[Hoyt]

Reeljigs,

If you are on a much tighther budget right now than what's being discussed here, consider a Weber Aspen. It's a flattop, but is quite playable and it sounds good. The wood is very nice.

I had a Weber Sage -- which is the mandola equivalent to an Aspen -- before I bought my Weber Bridger mandola. It was a great instrument. Yes, the Bridger sounds a little better, but I could be quite happy with the Sage if necessary. A well setup Aspen will sound and look nice. A used one should hold most of its value so you could trade up to a Bridger later.

Hoyt

[reeljigs]

Thanks for all the replies. It is great to hear the different experiences. This may be a silly question, but I was wondering something....Since Webers and Mid-MO's are both American made with oval holes, I was wondering how they compare with each other? The Webers are in a much higher price range- does that reflect in the sound qualities as well? Do people with Mid-mo's eventually want to upgrade to a 'better sounding/playing' (if that be the case) Weber?

[Wesley]

I've owned a MidMo and a Bridger - I still own the Bridger. The MidMo was great to get started - it helped me decide that I wanted to continue playing the mandolin and that it would fit into the group I was playing with at the time. But I greatly prefer the Bridger. More volume,better tone and intonation, easier to play, ect. I think once you have a chance to play them side by side you will prefer the Bridger too. But your ears and wallet have to be the final judge.

[pathfinder]

Quote (reeljigs):
"Since Webers and Mid-MO's are both American made with oval holes, I was wondering how they compare with each other?"

Good question. #They're both oval holes. #But you must remember that the Mid-Mo and Weber Aspen are flat-top spruce mandos, whereas the Weber Bridger is a carved-top spruce mando. #There's a big difference in tonal qualities and, therefore, in prices.