Trying to play a Collings/Weber/etc.

[richtone]

Hi y'all. Long-time guitarist, first-time mandolinist (mandolinier? mandolinnor?). I want to jump in with both feet and buy a quality instrument. After reading your forum for a while, I am considering a Weber Gallatin A, a Collings MT and a couple other models. However, I'm in Northern Virginia and there just aren't many places to try them out. (Btw, I'm a warranty kinda guy, so Plan A is buying new rather than used. I know some might snicker at that attitude, but what can I say).

So, my question is: Is it rude to have a few mandos shipped to me to try them out with the hope of keeping only one (at most)? If so, what are the best places to do that without spending a ton on shipping fees? I've seen one place - MacNichols - that apparently pays shipping both ways, but they don't carry Collings. They seem like a good shop, but I didn't see many reviews on them. Other places that have gotten great reviews (Elderly, Gryphon, forum sponsors, etc.) seem to charge for outgoing shipping if you return. Totally reasonable, but I'd like to avoid spending a couple hundo just to try out models. Maybe that's unavoidable, but I thought I'd ask for your advice.

Great site, and thanks in advance for any help!

[blawson]

If you're in NoVA, a short drive to Fredericksburg to visit Bran et al. at Picker's Supply might be in order. They carry Collings, and occasionally have another interesting mando or two on consignment, plus some vintage mandos that you could honk on in the "sound room".

NFI... but I've known those guys for several years. It would save you on shipping costs.

[Lee]

He's right, for the cost of shipping a few mandolins back and forth you could travel. I took a mini-vacation once to Nashville to see the full size replica of the Parthenon. I wasn't even in the market, stumbled across Gruhn's and an Old Wave oval-A stole my heart.

[TomTyrrell]

<< Is it rude to have a few mandos shipped to me to try them out with the hope of keeping only one (at most)? >>

Yes it is rude. Even though most dealers have an approval period they can't afford to send a bunch of mandolins out for a pick one party.

If Picker's doesn't have what you want take a field trip to Mandolin Brothers in NYC. They have Collings, Weber and a bunch of others. You might even run into an old Gibson you like.

[GRW3]

Appalacian Bluegrass on the South Side of Baltimore is worth a visit. They sell Weber Mandolins. I try to visit when I'm in the general area.

[richtone]

Thanks for the suggestions! I'll do a little hunting online. Maybe a roadtrip is in my near future, though NYC is a little ambitious for now.

Tom, that was my initial instinct as well - that it was probably rude to have models shipped to me. But part of me also thought that some dealers would be willing (maybe even glad) to deal with a serious customer who has narrowed it down to 2 or 3 instruments worth $1500 or more. (Less a "pick one party" then an "intimate pick one gathering among close mandolins"). After all, if I put together a roadtrip and find something I like, odds are I'll try to negotiate a deal rather than go home empty-handed and order some unplayed mandolin by phone.

Anyway, that was my internal debate, and why I asked. Thanks for weighing in!

[Chris Biorkman]

Go for a Collings MT. I don't think I've ever heard anyone who bought one say they weren't satisfied. Collings quality is very, very consistent.

[Rob Powell]

Melodee Music in Sterling and Leesburg have an outstanding selection of Webers, Breedloves and Eastmans. House of Musical Traditions in Takoma Park also have some Webers.

[JEStanek]

I would not dream of using a companies free shipping in that way. Like Tom suggested for the cost of getting 4 mandolins shipped round trip and keeping one you could afford a trip to NYC or Nashville and have a real big tasting party and come home with the one you liked the best (and could afford).

Jamie.

[Ken Olmstead]

Go for a Collings MT. I don't think I've ever heard anyone who bought one say they weren't satisfied. Collings quality is very, very consistent.

I sheepishly have to agree. :redface: I am a major Weber guy and have not played a Collings that I would buy...EXCEPT the MTs. Every one was superb! Something about those with the englemann tops really works for me! Living in Alaska, buying a mandolin that I have not played is pretty normal, so if I had the criteria that you laid out in your OP, I would take the chance on the Collings with an approval period. I seriously doubt that you will feel the need to send it back. Obviously an opinion based on my personal experiences but that is all I have to offer! :)

[Bernie Daniel]

richtone: Is it rude to have a few mandos shipped to me to try them out with the hope of keeping only one (at most)? If so, what are the best places to do that without spending a ton on shipping fees? I've seen one place - MacNichols - that apparently pays shipping both ways, but they don't carry Collings.

Like others I think it is bad form to take advantage of a generous program like the MacNichols company seems to be offering -- these are tough times for any small business and you know they are doing it only because they assume you are a serious buyer and that the chance of the customer wanting a return are low. So I agree with others it is unfair to use this as a try-out program.

Besides as others pointed out you would be better served getting to some place where you can try and compare - one mandolin coming in the mail does not give you anything to test it against -- you need to be able to compare in real time (IMHO).

And this too is just my opinion but if you are just starting out and you have the money you will not go too far wrong with ANY new Gibson, Collings, Weber or most of the private luthiers who are on this forum. Just look at the stuff they are making and realize it sounds as good as it looks.

Chances are not matter what you get in a few years your tastes in mandolins will mature and you will want something else anyway.

Good luck in your quest. A mandolin is a wonderful thing. :mandosmiley:

[Paul 64]

I am also located in an area with no quality mandolins for sale close by. 5 years ago I ordered a brand new Weber sight unseen. I feel it was a good move, and I am very happy with it.

Now, after having the opportunity to play a bunch of different mandolins, knowing what I know now, I would definitely order a Collings MT. They are consistently excellent sounding and playing instruments. You can't go wrong with one of those.

[Greg H.]

Go for a Collings MT. I don't think I've ever heard anyone who bought one say they weren't satisfied. Collings quality is very, very consistent.

Well, I guess I'm the bad one in that mix. I've never really been a Collings fan (in either the mandolins or guitars). Yes, the quality is very good, and clearly most folks seem to love them, but Collings seems to have a specific tone in both guitars and mandolins that I just don't prefer. In that, I would second the idea of making a drive (if needs be go to gnashville) and find the exact mandolins you really want.

[Ivan Kelsall]

I'm with Ken Olmstead on that as well. I am a Weber fan,but one of the VERY sweetest sounding Mandolins which was also a joy to play, was a Collings MT belonging to another 'Cafe member,in June last year. But try to play as many Mandolin in your price range as you can - keep an open mind on things & you might be surprised at what comes up,
Saska

[Lawn Jockey]

I've seen one place - MacNichols - that apparently pays shipping both ways, but they don't carry Collings. They seem like a good shop, but I didn't see many reviews on them.

Since nobody else has spoken up about MacNichol I will. Michael is a great person to do business with.....and that has absolutely NOTHING to do with our sponsorship from him/them.

I would see having mandolins sent to you and returned (with no charge to you) as taking advantage of something that is offered to give actual buyers peace of mind. I don't believe his policy is for "auditioning" instruments.

With that said, don't discount the Breedlove mandolins he sells as well. He definitely has two great lines with Weber and Breedlove and generally speaking is also more than fair with pricing.

He also has access to the new line of Larrivee mandolins.

Good luck with your search.

[LVH]

I would go to first quality or elderly if I were you.

[Rick Schmidlin]

Go for a Collings MT. I don't think I've ever heard anyone who bought one say they weren't satisfied. Collings quality is very, very consistent.


I agree with this above quote. I would spend more time searching and asking question her on the cafe. Based on that I think you could choose a mandolin that may be a winner right from the start. Both Weber and Collings get great reviews here. Personaly I think a Collinging MT would be a great choice and have a fair trade value if in the future you want to move on.

[Russ Partain]

The problem lies in the fact that these instruments are inheranrtly expensive. Would you want to send out 10 to 15 thousand dollars worth of instruments on 4 thousand dollar sale. I know I wouldn't. UPS/FEDex is just too risky. For me, I am dying for a Blonde Collings MF with a Red Spruce Top. I have been to Mandolin Brothers and also lived near Gryphon. I would suggest goin online and lokking at the inventory. If they have the style you are looking for in your price range(everybody has a price range) then hop a plane to get the thing. Mandolin Brothers had the biggest variety of all of these stores. Ask for the high end room if you have the funds. You will not be dissapointed.

I have a Varnish F-5 with Red spruce and will never get a mandolin without that wood. Trust me, it makes all the difference in the world in terms of tone and volume.

[JeffD]

Last I checked, the Washington Music Center, in Wheaton MD, had a good selection of Weber mandolins. They are within walking distance of the metro stop.

[kirksdad]

My 2 cents here:

Picker's Supply in Fredericksburg is outstanding. They had a Collins F Model there recently that was outstanding.

You should also consider Dennis at the Mandolin Store. My very first high end mando, a Weber came from there, and I love it. Dennis and I talked a lot what kind of sound I was looking for before he suggested what I eventually bought from him. He has very good prices and often has used Webers for a great price. He has an excellent selection of Collins too.

The Appalachian Store in Maryland gets a thumbs up too !!!

[Chunky But Funky]

Acoustic Music Works near Pittsburgh is a dealer for both Collings and Weber. I bought all of the instruments on my signature line there, except the A4. That came from a family from church! Steve is a great guy to work with, NFI BTW. You can check out his inventory here:

Acoustic Music Works (www.acousticmusicworks.com)

Doug

[richtone]

Thanks so much for all the suggestions and input. I'll check 'em all out and keep surfing the boards.

[Kevin Briggs]

I also like teh acoustic music works. It's a small shop but carries lots of great mandolin stuff. Steve's a good guy who will give you an honest opinion, even abotu the stuff he carries, which is refreshing.

[DryBones]

Pickers Supply and Appalachian Bluegrass shops both deserve a visit. Call before going to check inventory.

[EdHanrahan]

... then hop a plane to get the thing. Mandolin Brothers had the biggest variety ...

I'm not at all putting down Mandolin Brothers (they did a fine job of fixing my D-35's cracked headstock), but if you DO travel all the way to NYC, there are two places worth checking before heading to the wilds of Staten Island:
- Rudy's Music Stop in Manhattan is one of the classic NY stores (see the recent Acoustic Guitar mag article on "great guitar towns"). The only one on guitar-centric 48th St. with a number of interesting mandolins.
- Lark St. Music in Bogota, NJ, is several miles west of the GW Bridge, and has an array of used/vintage mandolins. A great chance to play and compare. Closed on Saturdays, but the inventory is on-line with photos.

Hope this helps! - Ed

[Alex Orr]

As I recall, Appalachain Bluegrass is a certified Collings dealer. They usually have a bunch of them up there. Their wall of mandolins is well-worth making the drive up to see and play. They also have an excellent collection of guitars.

A month or so back, they had a Weber Gallatin at House of Musical Traditions over in Takoma Park. They also had a couple of sweeeeet Bourgeois guitars that have been a joy to play. That being said, you should call them first. That place usually doesn't have too much in the way of higher-end stuff unless they stumble upon it used.

[shadco]

I think I would drive to Pittsburgh to visit acoustic musicworks. Especially if they have built out their inventory of Weber, they usually have one of the best Collings inventories. App Bluegrass rarely has much Collings or higher end weber stuff. Melodee usually has some nice Webers, Chuck's a few collings but not much. Pickers supply just had some old Eastman stock last time I was by.

It would take all day but you would have a hard time seeing as much inventory short of visiting the mandolin store or mando bros

[Alex Orr]

App Bluegrass rarely has much Collings
Granted, I haven't been there in about a year, but every time I've been there they had at least seven or eight Collings of various builds, as well as a number of Gibsons.