Choosing a good A model mandolin

[smittypants]

I am in the market for a new A model mandolin (new or used). #I really like the Gibson A-9 but was wondering if anyone knew other similar makes in that price range. #I have been looking at Flatirons and they all sound pretty good as well. #Any suggestion would be much appreciated. I play mostly Irish/Bluegrass and would like something loud and bright for acoustic sessions.

[homermando]

Look at Old Wave. There is a used C# in the classifieds for 1450. Or you can get a new A with F holes fromOld Wave for 1850. I have one and it is as loud as most of the F-5s I`ve encountered, has a great chop and works well on Irish tunes too.

[dasspunk]

I would highly recommend picking up a Laura Ratcliff (http://www.silverangelmandolins.com/index.html).

I first played one of Laura's mandos at a jam along with a nice Flatiron A and a Nugget A. Laura's was the best of the three... I was hooked and found one for myself shortly thereafter. I would put her mandos up against anyones.

In addition, I've not played an A9 that was anything special but I do really like the Collings As I've played.

[Ken Berner]

You might be on the lookout for a used Weber Beartooth (top of the line A) or a new Absaroka. Of course, if you purchase new, you will have a warranty as well as several optional features to suit your taste, I can vouch for Weber mandolins and Montana-built Flatirons!

[Dru Lee Parsec]

I am really happy with my Breedlove KO mandolin. Buffalo Brothers (http://www.buffalobrosguitars.com/mandolin.htm) has a KO and several KF manolins right now and they're right in your price range. They're not A style, they're . . . well . . . K-Style ! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif But I love the look, tone, and feel of Breedlove instruments.

[dasspunk]

Forgot to mention... I made a few videos of my Laura Ratcliff (http://dasspunk.com/index.php?wl_mode=more&wl_eid=120) . Take a peek if you like.

[ab4usa]

smitty,

Just been through a similar dilemma, magnified by being a lefty so I can't even find them to play them. I'm ordering an old wave. Slightly more than your ceiling (1850) but I believe well worth it.

[RobP]

How come no one's said Rigel A+ deluxe yet? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
They have been in the classifieds for around 1300 used.

I love mine!

Cheers,

Rob

[mmukav]

Here's a vote for Gibson A9---got great tone, set up nice, great neck--rings like a bell!

[gretschbigsby]

I'd second the New Gibson A9 or used Rigel A+ Deluxe. I've owned both, and ended up keeping the Rigel over the Gibson, but both are fine instruments. I find the Rigel to be easier to play and have a more versatile sound... but if you know you want to play bluegrass alone, the Gibson might be the better choice.

I truly could not be happier with my Rigel.

[jcs271]

Weber Absaroka in the classifieds right now for $795,,they are usually very nice!

[MANNDOLINS]

WWW.MANNDOLINS.COM

[Jeff Baldwin]

I have liked a number of Gibson a9 I played. Very nice!! I bought a Collings MT.....
a little more than 1500 ....check it out if you are willing to pay ~1755...

[smittypants]

Thanks to everyone for some great suggestions. I really liked the Laura Ratcliff. Dasspunk, your videos are killer by the way. Nice playing. And your mandolin has great tone. I have to say that's what sold me on them. I also like the Eastman A and the Flatiron Performer. I am not that big a fan of the Breedlove, but I have heard a lot of good things from people who own them. Glad to hear some praise for the Gibson A-9. I haven't ruled that out yet. If I had the dough, I would probably buy the Collings MT, but I am really jonesing for a new mando and don't know if I can wait to raise another couple hundred. I am going to take a ferry ride over to Mandolin Brothers this weekend (one of the privliges of living in the Big Apple) and get my hands on some models. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Incidentally, you should all check out this site: http://www.folkofthewood.com/page2518.htm

It's got some great video samples of a lot of nice mandolins. Check it one time!

Thanks again,
Chris

[Keith Newell]

Smittypants, I just listed an A style in the classifieds. There are a lot of nice instruments out there so grab what strikes a "chord" in your gut and dont look back. I have passed up several instruments over the years that I still regret to this day. I have owned many in the past and sold them to finance new ones and some of them I really wish I would have thought twice...or at least slept on it.
Keith Newell

I hear Glenn Robertson at Moon Beam (http://www.moonbeammandolins.com) makes excelent A-Styles. His wait isn't long and everyone I have talked to says they are world class instruments. Ask about internet specials. True HIGH END!

[pathfinder]

It's almost August 1st. #Any luck with getting your money back from Moonbeam in the past 60 days, Dale?

none, havn't received a dime of it yet.......

I also find it interesting that if they were so close to being completed, why are they not listed on the website under "available instruments".........

[pathfinder]

Sorry to hear that. I was kinda hoping this story would have a happy ending by now.

[lindensensei]

Hve you actully played an A9? It will blow your mind. They are as good as the best that Gibson has ever made. I recently bought an F9 and I think the A9 sounds as good or better.

[phynie]

I have played a moon beam that sounded just great! I have one on order right now and I just can't wait for it to come. I have not had any bad experience with glenn at all. I would definitley look into that option.

So you've played one & liked it......ordered one & have not recieved it yet. No one would like to see Glen succeed & do well anymore than I would......but I would also like to receive my refund & I've dang well waited long enough!

I wouldnt give a dime for a moon beam http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

[Mando Dan]

I would have to go with the Moon Beam as well. Money well spent I say!

Dale, I would ask to remove that post. #Slanderous remarks were made by your instigation, not to mention the Ebay listing. #If Glen does decide to seek legal advice you will be liable.

Speaking of Moon Beam here is an auction (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3739542440) of interest. #Should be a lot of action there.

Dale-You have really given Glenn Robertson a bad wrap. #What about your August 1st deadline? #Ain’t you jumpin the gun somewhat? #Maybe it is just me, but I wouldn't refund you a dime. #I would use your refund to seek legal advice. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blues.gif

[pathfinder]

OK, let's get some popcorn and a fresh cup of coffee. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[Dave Caulkins]

Howdy...

I second (third? fourth?) the Rigel A+ recommendation, especially if it is not going to be a BG instrument. My old Flatiron A does remarkably well for bluegrass (and everything else) but I've become skittish about taking away from home too much. Old Flatirons aren't that common, though, anymore... but the 80s ones are definately worth the coin (I haven't really played a 90s Flatiron A, so I can't vouch...).

Later,

Dave

Moon Beam ripped Dale off.. If it was your money. You would be pretty pissed to.. I bet ya Moon Beam doesnt make good on August the 1st. If you want to sink your money into somebody that does dirty business go ahead.. Just remember Dale warned you. If Dale took moon beam to court. Moon Beam would lose hands down.. Dale paid money and never recieved product. Case closed.. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

Being in the law profession myself, I'm afraid Dale would not have a case legally. #All of Glen's evidence is posted all over this sight. #If most of their communication was verbal, then they had a verbal contract. #One mans word against the other. #Dale took it upon himself to slander Moon Beam. #Dale would be liable for interferring with bussines practices.

#http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[250sc]

Was it slander or the truth?

[Bill Snyder]

IF what Dale has said is based in fact how can that be slanderous? I realize in a court of law he would have to offer up some proof (such as written confirmation of the order and terms). Because the MoonBeams website has details of his refund policy does not mean he and Dale (a dealer) had this agreement. Posted terms and those actually negotiated can be very different.
I know that in the residential construction business we generally use our "standard" contract when we construct a custom house, but there are some provisions of our contract that we are willing to change if the customer wishes.

Dale speaks the truth.. no slander to it.. Dale paid money he does have proof not just in verbal communications. MoonBeam just does dirty business.

[Potosimando]

Oh, for crying out loud--most of us are here, at the MC Cafe, to help each other out. #Hats off to Dale for throwing out some firsthand experience for consideration. #Some of us prefer to function at a level that doesn't involve worrying about being sued on some esoteric grounds that an attorney might be able to hang his hat on someday. #Jeez, what a sad aspect to our current culture--and only getting worse.

For Mama Hen, here is some fodder for you to sue me on (lucky day...your ship just came in), even though it is meant only to be helpful: #As a professional word person (that's what the legal profession deals in after all--"words"), you should learn the difference between "sight" and "site", and you should pay a little closer attention to your spelling--use spell check if you can't do it on your own. #Not very professional for a professional word person, by golly. #So sue me.

[Hondo]

I don't know nuthin' bout no legal profession, but ain't slander an oral communication? I sure haven't heard a single word. But then there's that libel word...

Just glad I don't need a lawyer.

Let me clear a couple of things up & everyone take a time out. Glen is a good builder and a fine person. His refund policy is just not what we in the industry would consider the norm.

A 48hr approval & full refund less shipping is the industry norm. Glen has chosen to handle it differently & that's fine as long as both parties know that going in to the deal.

While I feel his policy came about after our agreement & in this particular chain of events should not apply. He has been quite gracious about it & the time frame in which the refund was to be made was the main problem.

I'll gladly post when this situation has been rectified & it will have been a learning experience for all involved. In hindsight I may have been rather harsh but if these threads spare Glen & any future buyers some grief, it will have all been worth it. That was my ultimate goal in going public with this to begin with (whether some of you believe that or not).

You folks reap the benefits of learning of both my & Glen's mistakes or misunderstandings. This has made you a more educated buyer & hopefully benefits us all in the long run.

[GVD]

Mama Hen Posted on July 30 2004, 09:09
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Being in the law profession myself, I'm afraid Dale would not have a case legally. #All of Glen's evidence is posted all over this sight. #If most of their communication was verbal, then they had a verbal contract. #One mans word against the other. #Dale took it upon himself to slander Moon Beam. #Dale would be liable for interferring with bussines practices.


Potosimando Posted on July 30 2004, 12:55
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For Mama Hen, here is some fodder for you to sue me on (lucky day...your ship just came in), even though it is meant only to be helpful: #As a professional word person (that's what the legal profession deals in after all--"words"), you should learn the difference between "sight" and "site", and you should pay a little closer attention to your spelling--use spell check if you can't do it on your own. #Not very professional for a professional word person, by golly. #So sue me.

Careful there Potosimando, Mama Hen may tell you to mind your own bussines. #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

GVD

[smittypants]

People, this string was intended to help give me some help on selecting a good A model. Now it has turned into this petty squabble. Would you please take your moon beam discussion somewhere else? This has gotten out of control. Let's please try to stay on topic.

Thanks,
Smittypants

[sonnyjammer]

Welcome to the internet, this is the risk you take by opening any topic for discussion. Many topics often hit a nerve of someone just waiting to lash out at vulnerable targets and share their own experiences, in Dale's case, his point was educational, I must admit, I have been considering one of the really awesome looking Moonbeam's but am now feeling nervous about entering an agreement with them. Living in central Texas I was planning to contact Dale. Probably not now. Good luck in your search for the A model. I am another fan of the Collings MT A model. Sweet.
Sorry your thread went astray. It happens to many of us, sometimes you need that asbestos suit. For the Spelling Pooleec, please forgive me, The cafe editor doesn't seem to have Spell Checker, and I'm too lazy to look things up in the big book. Audios, and play your hearts out. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[BrazAd]

Smittypants,

I'm not a mandolin expert, but after MUCH searching and reading and talking and listening, I've got a A mandolin on order from Ron Cole in Idaho. More money than your $1,500 ceiling, but customized to what I want, and Ron has been an absolute delight to work with. His customers have nothing but good things to say about him, and I hope to join that "satisfied customer" list upon delivery of my A in another month or two. Check him out at:

www.colemandolins.com

Gary Collier
Atlanta

[fatt-dad]

You can find a Nashville A5-L on ebay for $1,800.00. Likely to be a great A-style mandolin. Sorry not to provide the hypertext, but it's late.

f-d