Bowlback decision

[dorenac]

I know nothing about bowlbacks,but would like to expand my interest and range in mandolin playing. I am looking at a Vega and a Stahl bowlback. There's a few hundred dollars in price difference, too. The Vega being the higher priced of the two. Any advice or generalisations about either or both? Neither is identified by model, each seems in good playable condition.
Thanks

[Bob A]

I have one of each; each is different. Have them strung with fresh strings and get the one you like best, would be my best advice. You'll of course evaluate action and possible need of repair. Check the intonation and for buzzing up to the 15th fret at least.

[dorenac]

Unfortunately one is on the favorite auction site and the other from private seller, long distance. So comparing in hand will not be possible. I'm taking a chance on either which is why I want some general opinions and reputation. The owner of the Stahl seems and sounds much more knowledgeable and forthcoming about the condition of his instrument than the Vega owner.

[Eugene]

Buying from a seller who really knows how to assess the condition and especially functionality of these things is a real asset. Some Stahls were by the Larson brothers and thus carry some collectors premium. Personally, I find the Larson aesthetic to be a little quirky.

I think Vega may have generated the most consistently decent sounding mandolins of the
US's golden era, but they are really abundant and only the really high-end stuff should out price a Stahl by "a few hundred." ...And if the seller can't or won't assess the Vega's functionality, approach with extreme skepticism.

[Schlegel]

They do both get pretty good reviews in general. I have never had a Vega, but I just received a Stahl (don't know if it's a Larson) and while I need to shorten the bridge so the mandolin intones right, I have to say that the Stahl got surprised comments from my friends when I played it a little... they were shocked at how loud and clear it sounded. It was very light and rang like a bell.

[dorenac]

I'll add one more brand to the mix toconsider. A Ditson? Who made those and what about them? And also what type/brand of strings should I be considering?

[Bob A]

Never having handled a Ditson, I'll pass on that one.

I'll second the surprising volume from a Stahl. They can be excellent instruments. Since it seems available from a knowledgeable seller, you might consider getting a 24 to 48 hr approval period; this is fairly common practice. If you find it suits you, you can end your search, for the time being.

Regarding strings, GHS makes a cheap extra light set that is OK for the money, and readily available. Many here dislike the set, but I'm not in their number. You can also consider Dogal Calace, rw92b, which is their lightest set. It is made with iron windings on the g and d strings, and is available from Bernunzio. Lenzner makes a bronze set, with your choice of a wound a or plain steel. The wound a string is in the "consort" set. (Actually I believe tha maker's name has been changed, but as I have a bunch of Lenzner sets, I haven't ordered any of the new ones, and am vague about the name. Doubtless someone here can fill us in, along with a source).

Both the Dogal and Lenzner sets are more than twice as expensive as the GHS; they also last a very long time, which makes up for the price differential, and they do sound better. As to which you prefer, it depends on you and your mandolin.

There is more string info on Alison Stephens' website; I'm not up on all the various European varieties.

[Eugene]

I'll add one more brand to the mix toconsider. A Ditson? Who made those and what about them?

A great many different companies--including Lyon & Healy, Vega, and even Martin--built for Ditson's house brand, but most were generally decent.

[Jim Garber]

I'll add one more brand to the mix toconsider. A Ditson? Who made those and what about them? And also what type/brand of strings should I be considering?

I have a friend who is selling a very nice sounding and playing Ditson, which, from its tone and the position of the bridge, I take to be made by Vega. I have played it and can probably take another look for you over this weekend. If you are interested. PM me.

[CraigF]

(Actually I believe tha maker's name has been changed, but as I have a bunch of Lenzner sets, I haven't ordered any of the new ones, and am vague about the name. Doubtless someone here can fill us in, along with a source).They are now called Fisoma but, many still call them Lenzner. bigcitystrings has them on their website but, I've never ordered from them.

[allenhopkins]

I'll add one more brand to the mix toconsider. A Ditson? Who made those and what about them?

According to Mike Longworth's book, Martin Guitars; A History, Martin made mandolins for the Ditson family of stores: Oliver Ditson in Boston, Charles H. Ditson in NY City, and J.E. Ditson in Philadelphia.

The Martin-made mandolins were made in the early 1900's, and carried "style" or model numbers 1517, 2250, 2538, 3035, and 3540. Longworth's book gives a description of each style, too long to reproduce here.

Ditson was a music publisher and general-purpose distributor and retailer of instruments, music, supplies etc. As far as I know, Ditson didn't build instruments, but purchased them from other manufacturers such as Martin. These instruments were labeled "Ditson."

[Eugene]

Based upon the instruments I personally have encountered, Martin-made Ditson mandolins seem quite rare compared to the other makers to have built to that house brand.