Choosing a good A model mandolin

[smittypants]

I am in the market for a new A model mandolin. I really like the Gibson A-9 but was wondering if anyone knew any other similar makes in that price range. I have been looking and some Flatirons and they all sound pretty good as well. Any suggestion would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

[John Flynn]

The two you are looking at are good choices. I would also add the Rigel A's, the A Natural new and the A+ Deluxe used are in your range. Also the Breedlove Quartz' new and the higher models used. If you can find one of the new Eastmans, they are real contenders also. They have been hard to find, though. If you can get up to $1750, that Collings MT is a killer for the money.

[Lee]

It's kinda hard to point you in the right direction until you let us know what type of music you like to play and/or what type of tone you're looking for, and if you want new or used. What have you played and liked or disliked, and why?
Also, you'd get more replies in the"Looking for Information..." forum.

[John Rosett]

greg boyd has a pair of prucha mandolins that are very similar to the collings mt. i personally think that they're better sounding than the collings. definately worth checking out.
john

[ShaneJ]

There's a used Weber Absaroka for $795 in the Classifieds right now. Might be a good choice if you don't have to have a new one.

[frets1]

You can find a Flatiron Performer (or maybe an Artist) A in the $1500 range. These are wonderful mandolins with a great bluegrass sound. Doyle Lawson has played one for years. Played it on stage and played it on recordings. Hummm? Must be something to it! Good Luck.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[smittypants]

These are some good suggestions. I will also check out the "Looking for Information" section. I have actually checked out the Collings model and loved the look of it. I also saw the Eastman but didn't know much about it. I am not the biggest Webber fan, but maybe I will rethink it. I am looking for either used or new. I mostly play Celtic/Irish music, with a healthy dose of bluegrass here and there. I was looking for something loud and bright to cut above the fiddles and guitars in unamplified sessions.

[Rick Schmidlin]

I agree about Grg Boyds Prucha A's . If you want a great sounding player mandolin they are just that.mandorose turned me on to my Prucha and I it was a keep far better the the Collings I played.

Rick

[c3hammer]

I have a Weber Absoroka. #I bought it new a year and a half ago. #It has been one great mandolin. #I paid $1500 for it at the local dealer.

I would jump on that one for $750. #That is a great deal as long as it's not damaged in any way. #

You can make the sound of it much louder and brighter by going with a solid one piece maple bridge. #They can really brighten up an otherwise flat sounding mandolin. #

Also see if you can get a week to try it out. #If it is really not to your liking you can return it and only be out the cost of shipping.

Cheers,
Pete

[Steven Stone]

I would consider an Eastman A model 805.

Come to think of it, I did buy an Eastman A AND I now have it for sale in the classifieds. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

If I didn't have four other far more expensive F-models, I'd be playing, not selling, my Eastman. It's a fine bluegrass instrument.

[Greenmando]

I bought a fine A 9 from the classifieds for $950, sounds wonderful.
http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/Jul/20047237221748646400586.jpg

[Ken Berner]

Greenmando, Is that a GIBSON A9?; marvelous flame, for sure! I was under the impression that they were quite bland looking. I've only had my hands on one of the F9 mandolins and liked it better that the F5-G hanging next to it.

By the way, does anyone have a Montana-built Flatiron A5 Artist they want to sell for $1,500? I might go to the bank and buy all I can get for that price.

[jasona]

I bought a used Laura Ratcliff A in that price range and love it. New they run around $1400-1700. Lots of wood in that tone--see the thread in the Images forum for a video clip of a new one to get an idea how they sound.

[smittypants]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I really like the Laura Ratcliffs. I am torn between them and a Flatiron performer A. I am still looking though. I'll let you know what I decided. I am going to take the ferry ride out to Mandolin Bros. this weekend and see if I can get my hands on some of these.

Chris