If you had $2k for a mandolin [Archive]

Fuzzyway

Jul-16-2004, 1:32pm

zeebs,

A few questions for you.

1. Will this be your first mandolin?
2. What kind of music do you want to play with it; i.e. oldtime, bluegrass, classical, celtic?
3. Will you want to use it for live performance which might require a pickup?
4. What mandolins have you had a chance to play?

Best, Fuzzy

sonnyjammer

Jul-16-2004, 1:47pm

I'd get a Collings MT A model for 1755. at most stores. or a used MT-2 Collings for 2200 - 2400 used.

jiffyfeet

Jul-16-2004, 2:00pm

I also would buy a Collings MT.

pickinNgrinnin

Jul-16-2004, 2:25pm

Assuming you want to play Bluegrass, I'd look for a used Nashville made, FLatiron Festival F. It's essentially the same instrument as the Gibson F-5G but less $$. Saw one here on the classifieds - NFI. The top and back are graduated to the 1923 Loar specifications. Lots of mojo in these mandos.

brewmaster

Jul-16-2004, 3:25pm

For $2200 I would have to agree that it will be hard to beat a Collings MT.

John Rosett

Jul-16-2004, 3:43pm

those of you that like the collings mt should check out the new prucha A models that greg boyd has. they're priced the same as the collings, but i personally think that they sound better. at any rate, if you get a chance, give them a try.
john

saintanne

Jul-16-2004, 3:55pm

I am currently in love with this guy: http://www.tradingmusician.com/catalog....id=3263 (http://www.tradingmusician.com/catalog/index.cfm?fuseaction=product&theParentId=144&id=3263)

keymandoguy

Jul-16-2004, 5:50pm

All mandolins sound different & play different, I would go around and play as many as you could find in your price range and buy what sounds good to you and has a comfortable fret board. I think there is to much emphasis on names imop ! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

jim_n_virginia

Jul-16-2004, 6:57pm

Man if I had 2k right now i would buy that Flatiron Master Model that was up on eBay for $1900 and take the hundred bucks left over and buy a round for the fella's because i would DEFINITELY be celebrating!

johnnymando

Jul-16-2004, 7:48pm

I'd try for a Flatiron Festival F5 or a Ratliff F5 or a Stiver A model.For around $2000 used,you can find a decent mandolin.Also depends on your taste, would be mine for bluegrass.Don't forget a Gibson F9,I've played some good ones.It all falls on your taste for tone,playability and volume....this discussion goes on and on....

dfrady

Jul-16-2004, 8:11pm

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

Jim Garber

Jul-16-2004, 9:26pm

I am currently in love with this guy: http://www.tradingmusician.com/catalog....id=3263 (http://www.tradingmusician.com/catalog/index.cfm?fuseaction=product&theParentId=144&id=3263)
Have you played that mandolin? Is it exceptional? The price seem to be on the high side esp missing the pickguard.

Jim

dj9124

Jul-16-2004, 9:44pm

I would buy a custom Rose F5 mandolin, in fact I already did! Should be done by the end of August.
Dave

saintanne

Jul-19-2004, 8:45am

Jim:

I think I am blinded by lust. I've played it, and it sounds as good as any A-4 from that era. Still, I've been told to never spend more than $2,000 on an A-4, which is why I haven't made the plunge (that, and I just don't have that kind of money). It's just rare for me to find A-4's at stores like that, so it's always a delight to see one.

Jim Garber

Jul-19-2004, 9:32am

saintanne:
I would be curious to know how long that mandolin has been sitting in that store. Old Gibsons are anything but rare. They were built to last.

I would do a concerted search for other A4s. For instance, at this site (http://www.vintageinstruments.com/mandolins.html) (scroll down) I see another 1915 blackface A-4 for $1695. There is a 1920 for $1850 and a 1923 (Loar era for $2550 (sold already).

I would arm myself with all this info and then, assuming you are ready to buy this one, bargain with them. I can almost guarantee that you can get it for a cheaper price, tho how much they are willing to deal may vary. if it has been there for over a year and the shop is hungry, you may do well.

Good luck.
Jim

ethanopia

Jul-19-2004, 9:40am

**This just in**

Elderly has a used Ratliff F5 style for 2000 buckeroo's

I've played one or two Ratliffs and for what I can tell they remain a very solid value, and probably under-valued, instrument. A lot of bang for your buck there. my .02

that is all

ira

Jul-19-2004, 9:42am

weber bridger!

Mandolin Guy

Jul-19-2004, 11:58am

I would buy a Weber Bitterroot. I bought a custom Bitterroot w/ maple back and sides, faded leather finish. From Lanning music. Great folks, and service. Oh the bitterroot was $2675.oo http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

FrankenMouse

Jul-19-2004, 2:45pm

I'd buy a really nice teens Gibson and pocket the change.

ronlane3

Jul-19-2004, 3:15pm

Gibson F-9 or I would wait around and find a used F-5G that someone was needing to part with.

Yellowmandolin

Jul-19-2004, 6:01pm

I just bought a used 2003 Gibson F5-G for 2900 with a calton deluxe case. I'm pretty sure that I got a good deal so to find one for 2000 would be rare I think.

Jacob Hawkins

otterly2k

Jul-20-2004, 10:33am

Phoenix Neoclassical

I spent an afternoon at Mandolin Brothers, playing everything they had up on the wall...this one had a really unique feel, lightweight, big sound, light touch...none of the others touched it. And they had a pretty wide variety.

jom

Jul-20-2004, 11:29am

A used Gibson A5L goes in this price range. All of the above recommendations are great mandolins. For whats its worth, I've been *very* happy with my A5L, but I think it has a sound that I haven't heard in other Gibsons, so its worth playing several before-hand. The Phoenix Neoclassical is a great instrument, and I'd love to have one, but my Gibson works best for bluegrass.

Bobby Brite

Jul-20-2004, 11:33am

Glenn F-5 varnish. Unbelievable at this price range.

sonnyjammer

Jul-20-2004, 12:11pm

Hey Bobby, how does one get in touch with the builder for Glenn mandolins. I didn't see him in the Builder's list. You're right though, That Glenn of yours sounds great, I didn't know that was the price range.

Bobby Brite

Jul-20-2004, 12:23pm

Hey Sonny and everyone else here is the link to his website.Glenn Mandolins (http://community.webtv.net/bubbyjones/Glennmandolins)

jmkatcher

Jul-20-2004, 12:40pm

There's a used Rigel G-110 for sale on the Cafe right now for $2K (no connection with me). That's a first rate mandolin especially for that price. Also, that Newell A for $1500 really grabs me, but my wife would kill me if I bought it http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif.

Walter

Jul-20-2004, 5:52pm

Easy choice. Unless you're set on an F style, I'd go with a Collings MT.

mrt10x

Jul-20-2004, 9:43pm

Easy choice. Call Bruce Weber.

Lee

Jul-21-2004, 2:49pm

My mouth starts watering whenever I think about my Old Wave oval-A. Still a good chunk of change back from $2K too.

Jul-22-2004, 9:07pm

gdae85

Jul-25-2004, 1:21am

All of these choices aare nice, but if I had the extra $2000 I would definitely be looking at non-factory made mandos. #Ultimately I would love to find something like #<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10179&item=3737032661&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW
" target="_blank">THIS</a>.
That Moon Beam certainly looks good for 2k ... but that triangle inlay is just horrible for my taste! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

Kbone

Jul-25-2004, 6:41am

Rose mandolin F5 - Darby has his wormanship up to or close to the better builders - mine is beautiful

jim simpson

Jul-25-2004, 8:33am

I have to agree with Chris K, the instrument looks good but the triangles, why? I would prefer a plain fingerboard, the side dots should be enough.

Mando Dan

Jul-25-2004, 3:08pm

I am particularly found of the triangle inlay, although my Harvest Moon does have a more of a jazz look. #You really only need the side marker dots while your playing, but a little flash never hurt anyone. #At any rate it would be a steal for $2k. #His workmanship is unsurpassed. #But I guess everyone already knows what I think. #What I Think! (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=12;t=16628;hl=moon+and+beam )http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

Aug-03-2004, 6:26am

uhh. workmanship is unsurpassed??? I think we are going a little overboard here don't you think.. Moon Beam in my opinion is just another so so mando.. Kinda mando you would pick in the closet but not take out in public. IMHO http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Mando Dan

Aug-03-2004, 7:39am

Maverick, I have asked you before. #Have you played a Moon Beam? #Just curios since you are usually the one to run down the Moon Beam name. #I did not see your name on the current or previous owners list Glenn gave me. #My guess is that you have yet to play one and probably never will. #At least from your posts, I make this assumption. #IMHO.

Aug-03-2004, 7:55am

the reason why I am not on his owners list is because I don't own one. Don't care to either untill they get better IMHO. Just not made it to that level yet. It may be a good mandolin for you but not for me. I prefer a quality mando to play. Maybe one day Moon Beam can get there but he needs some improvements in his mandolins and his business ethics. I did play one at a festival a while back only brieflyand I admit that. It didnt jump out as one that I would want or sell. It was very amateurish. It does not hold a candle to a BRW, Phoenix and others like that.

Remember this is just my opinion.. Moon Beam may work for you just not for me. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Mando Dan

Aug-03-2004, 8:28am

Well that explains alot! #What number did you play and what did it look like? #I have yet to play a Moon Beam that did not blow me away. #Moon Beam has been displayed at only three festivals in his almost 10 years of building. #It is rare to actually find someone who has seen them at a festival. #Even with my 30 years experience, I still love the opportunity to play numerous mandolins. # # # # # http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

Mando Dan

Aug-03-2004, 8:34am

By the way. #I also own a Phoenix and I prefer the Moon Beam hands down. #And I have played "others like that", Several Nugget mandolins, Gilchrist, Weins, and Red Diamond. #All within my price range. #I choose to play a Moon Beam because it is the best IMHO. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Aug-03-2004, 9:39am

Mando Dan.. I choose not to play a Moon Beam and choose not to take drugs while choosing mandolins.. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif repeat after me

I will not take drugs while choosing mandos..
I will not take drugs while choosing mandos..

I will not take drugs while choosing mandos..
I will not take drugs while choosing mandos..

Aug-03-2004, 10:03am

That is a real good one Maverick! #By the way when you graduate up to high school mentality #you should try this one. #

I BE WE TODD DID! #Say that ten times. #It should #explain a lot!

I BE WE TODD DID!I BE WE TODD DID!I BE WE TODD DID!I BE WE TODD DID!I BE WE TODD DID!I BE WE TODD DID!I BE WE TODD DID!I BE WE TODD DID!http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif