Gibson Jam Masters - New Models

[MikeEdgerton]

I was having a discussion with Dennis Vance of the Mandolin Store (http://www.themandolinstore.com)about Gibson F9 and A9 models and how much I liked the older models when he mentioned that Gibson was bringing out a new model called the Jam Master that at least looks like the old F9 and A9 models. He was kind enough to pass me the two pictures below. They won't be available (as far as I know) for a month or so and the MAP for the F is in the range of 2799.00. I'm assuming they will retail for a bit less than that if what I've seen in the past holds true. I'm told the fretboard is radiused and Dennis tells me he's ordering his batch with large frets. I'm sure Gibson will send out there usual announcement. These look good to me, I'm looking forward to more information as it becomes available.

[chip]

Ya just gotta love Gibson!:)

[Steve Perry]

I saw those back in March. Dave Harvey told me then that they would be available as Oval holes too.

[Gary Hedrick]

Now if they will just make an F4.....say a 1927 copy.....great neck etc and tweaked to be just better than the original.....ah Heaven on Earth....

[MikeEdgerton]

I saw those back in March. Dave Harvey told me then that they would be available as Oval holes too.

I was told they released the information to the dealers today, it will be interestng if that holds true. That would be kind of cool.

[HarveyB]

As someone who is looking to upgrade in the next few months those look very inticing. What is the benefit of having large frets; Better for folks with large hands or more foregiving on finger placement?

Harvey

[mandopixie]

I just see Gibson scrambling to keep up (stay in the game) with the competition.

Quote: Gary Hedrick- "Now if they will just make an F4.....say a 1927 copy.....great neck etc and tweaked to be just better than the original.....ah Heaven on Earth...."

If they would only bring back their 1922-24 work ethic..

[MikeEdgerton]

Personal preference really. My Gibson has the original small frets. Some folks like them, some don't. Nothing to do with the size of the hands.

[Mike Bromley]

Niiiice

I wonder if they'll make a few with a wide nut for Wide Nuts like myself? :grin:

[MikeEdgerton]

Give Dennis at the Mandolin Store a shout. I think that the dealer can order them with some changes. He would know or will be able to get you an answer.

[lenf12]

The larger frets allow you to play with a lighter touch since you won't have to press the string down to the fingerboard. If you press the string lightly enough to make contact with the top of the fret, it will sound just fine. If you press further than that, you'll likely raise the string sharp (not a good thing).

Len B.
Clearwater, FL

[MikeEdgerton]

Rather than taking this thread in another direction, take a look at these (http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/search.php?query=larger+frets&exactname=0&starteronly=0&forumchoice%5B%5D=45&prefixchoice%5B%5D=&childforums=1&titleonly=0&searchdate=0&beforeafter=after&do=process) threads. The applicable subjects will jump out at you.

[mandopixie]

The larger frets allow you to play with a lighter touch since you won't have to press the string down to the fingerboard. If you press the string lightly enough to make contact with the top of the fret, it will sound just fine. If you press further than that, you'll likely raise the string sharp (not a good thing).
Len B.
Clearwater, FL

If the nut slots are cut to the correct height for its frets, there shouldn't be any difference in the pressure required to depress the string - whatever fret-wire is involved.

[MadisonBRG]

Other than the fretboard radius--what's the difference between the Jam Masters and the F-9 circa 2003?

[allenhopkins]

Looks like Gibson recognizes the big slice of the market companies like Kentucky and Eastman are getting, with well-made mid-range instruments. Viewing the Cafe postings recently, I was struck by the number of people discussing their sub-$1K purchases of new Eastmans, Kentuckies, etc. Don't know what the Jam Masters (eww -- not my favorite name) will sell for, but there's a lot of appeal in the Gibson name, and for the on-the-way-up mandolinist or the recreational picker, an affordable, decently-made Gibson may have a great appeal.

[Mike Bromley]

Give Dennis at the Mandolin Store a shout. I think that the dealer can order them with some changes. He would know or will be able to get you an answer.

Thanks Mike

Judging from the pictures, the nut does look wider than the normal nine.


Hmmmmmm....eek :whistling:

[mandopixie]

..for the on-the-way-up mandolinist or the recreational picker, an affordable, decently-made Gibson may have a great appeal.

Gibson: Best bang for your mando-buck? hmm..

[MikeEdgerton]

Other than the fretboard radius--what's the difference between the Jam Masters and the F-9 circa 2003?

I don't know if anyone knows that yet. I was over on the Gibson site and there's no specifications listed... actually there's no mention of this mandolin at all...yet.

[GRW3]

Where is it built?

Nashville at OAI?
Canada at the previous Garrison plant?
China where they make the good Epiphone Guitars?

Until Gibson started building 'Gibson' labeled guitars in Canada I would have assumed Nashville. The MSRP acceptablity will be be a function of the answer. If they are built in Nashville and get a reasonable discount that would be a decent price. If they are built in China that would be ridiculous price for such a plain mando.

[lovethemf5s]

Will anyone other than the Mandolin Store be selling these?

[dhmando]

All Gibson mandolins, including the Jam Masters are built at Opry Mills in Nashville TN.
The Jam Masters are 1 3/16" nut width, F-9s and A-9s are more Loar nut width and neck shape. JMs also have 14" radius fingerboards, and a white script Gibson decal logo on the peghead.
They ALL play and sound great.
In these trying economic times we wanted to offer a great buy, at a lower price, on a Gibson mandolin built in the USA without sacrificing quality.

[bgjunkie]

Is Gibson going to continue producing F9's as well as the Jam Masters? As an F9 owner I'm just wondering what this does to the value of my F9.

[MikeEdgerton]

Where is it built?

I'm assuming Gibson will eventually announce that

[MikeEdgerton]

Will anyone other than the Mandolin Store be selling these?

It's not a mandolin store exclusive, Dennis just happened to be the guy that mentioned it to me.

[MikeEdgerton]

...As an F9 owner I'm just wondering what this does to the value of my F9.

Probably nothing.

[Mike Bromley]

I'm assuming Gibson will eventually announce that


All Gibson mandolins, including the Jam Masters are built at Opry Mills in Nashville TN.
The Jam Masters are 1 3/16" nut width, F-9s and A-9s are more Loar nut width and neck shape. JMs also have 14" radius fingerboards, and a white script Gibson decal logo on the peghead.
They ALL play and sound great.
In these trying economic times we wanted to offer a great buy, at a lower price, on a Gibson mandolin built in the USA without sacrificing quality.

Thanks, Dave...that neck sounds delish.:mandosmiley:

[diptanshu]

i really wanted to buy the A9 when i had the money. dont tell me they are gonna stop making it!!!! i somehow dont like the look of this...:(

[MikeEdgerton]

All Gibson mandolins, including the Jam Masters are built at Opry Mills in Nashville TN.
The Jam Masters are 1 3/16" nut width, F-9s and A-9s are more Loar nut width and neck shape. JMs also have 14" radius fingerboards, and a white script Gibson decal logo on the peghead.
They ALL play and sound great.
In these trying economic times we wanted to offer a great buy, at a lower price, on a Gibson mandolin built in the USA without sacrificing quality.

And there you have it.

[woodwizard]

They sound like they are going to be wonderful. I only wish they would have inlayed w/mop "Gibson" instead of a decal. I bet the oval hole models are going to be sweet! I'd like to try out one of those some time.

[The Mandolin Store]

Hey guys, I actually got to play the prototype A and F models of these new mandos. I was very impressed with the sound. The neck and 14" radius was very comfortable. I would have prefered larger fret wire, but Rome was'nt built in a day, so I was happy that Gibson was doing a radius mandolin at this price point. It also appears that we may be able to actually special order them with the larger wire too but I have not gotten the details about that just yet.

Thanks,

[diptanshu]

also i prefer a flat finger board to a radiuses one. and a slimmer neck. anyway as long as the keep the a9s like it is now.

[mandopixie]

Also I prefer a flat finger board to a radiused one..and a slimmer neck. Anyway, as long as they keep the A9 like it is now..

I doubt they'll stop making the A9 as long as they're still selling them. Sounds like this is a wider, radiused neck option for the A series.


I really wanted to buy the A9 when I had the money. Don't tell me they are gonna stop making it!!! I somehow don't like the look of this..:(

Hey, don't depair, diptanshu! There are plenty of them out there already, so you can always buy a used one. It'll be played-in, and cost you less! :grin:

[Chris "Bucket" Thomas]

Gibson: Best bang for your mando-buck? hmm..

Two attempts to stir the pot and no takers on the same 'ol worn out arguments.

[mandopixie]

Two attempts to stir the pot and no takers on the same 'ol worn out arguments.
What does that mean (and what is 'ol)?

[allenhopkins]

Want the pot stirred? Go here. (http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/showthread.php?t=51270)

[mandopixie]

Want the pot stirred? Go here. (http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/showthread.php?t=51270)

You're funny!

[allenhopkins]

You're funny!

Well, looks ain't everything...

[hemidemisemiquavered]

That kind of makes me wonder if it will sound better than most Gibson mandolins. I went to The Music Outlet in Sevierville, TN, a few weeks ago and I played the $20,000.00 Gibson mandolin and one of the $2,000.00 Gibson mandolins and they both sounded exactly alike.:mandosmiley:

[mandopixie]

That kind of makes me wonder if it will sound better than most Gibson mandolins. I went to The Music Outlet in Sevierville, TN, a few weeks ago and I played the $20,000.00 Gibson mandolin and one of the $2,000.00 Gibson mandolins and they both sounded exactly alike.:mandosmiley:

Maybe beauty (of tone) is in the ear of the beholder?

[Gary Hedrick]

Did someone wake up on the wrong side of the bed this morning??

[frankenstein]

I'm going back to bed..

[Scott Tichenor]

Seems to be a small breakout of collective group adolescent behavior around the Gibson subject matter in the past few hours. Tip: Ted's out of town for a few days and I'm the guy that'll pull the strings on these threads when folks start tossing flames.

Known dislikes: anonymous users that like to push the envelope. You've been warned, and my fuse is very short. There are people here that like to have sensible discussions and aren't afraid to use their own names. If you're not one of those, suggest you move on to somewhere else on the web to get your jollies.

[Mike Bromley]

Hear Hear.

I can't wait to try one out. Personally I think Gibson is shrewd in offering up "the sound" in a burlap bag, so to speak.

[sgarrity]

They look pretty much like the -9 series to me with a few slight modifications. If they do offer these with an oval hole, that might be something worth looking at.

[MikeEdgerton]

Inlay vs decal on the headstock logo, beyond that I'm not sure. Once they get the specs on the website we should know a little more.

[Gary Hedrick]

I find it interesting that Gibson is building a well constructed, lower priced instrument for the market and folks still want to bash them. It seems that they can't do anything right in some eyes.

In a positive note, I salute Mr Harvey in that he is trying to do his best to manage a very very small part of Gibson's overall business and bring innovation and options to their product line. The instruments he brought to the November picking session I hosted were all well built and sounded very good. I had no complaints with what I saw there.....some were ones I liked more than others but there were all nicely done instruments.

I also think that blind loyality to any brand is a little shortsighted ....we should encourage all of the luthiers to make the best possible instruments they can for the price charged...that is good old American free market dynamics in use.

But really, having lived through the 60's and 70's that had little choice for a quality instrument , these times we are going through now is heaven on earth......lots and lots of good builders making lots of really good instruments.....this is great!!!

[allenhopkins]

Instrument dealers I talk to, say that the current recession is cutting into sales of student-grade instruments and accessories, but that higher-end sales don't seem to be affected. I'm assuming the new G's will come in at a bit below $1K, where there still seems to be a good deal of activity. Quality imports like Eastman, Kentucky, The Loar, etc. are very appealing to people upgrading from their first instrument; if Gibson can get a decent share of that market, the Jam Masters will prove to be a good business initiative. Whatever we Cafe opinionators may think about Gibson (notice that latest "what's wrong with Gibson" troll-a-thon just got locked down), there's a certain cachet to showing up with an instrument with that historic nameplate, especially if you paid no more than your friend with the Asian import. If a company has a reputation, it would be foolish not to trade on it.

[Gary Hedrick]

Allen, very well stated......

[Mike Bromley]

But really, having lived through the 60's and 70's that had little choice for a quality instrument , these times we are going through now is heaven on earth......lots and lots of good builders making lots of really good instruments.....this is great!!!

Weren't they lovely times though.

My '75 G F5 needed serious modification to kinda sound OK. In original condition you could see light sideways through the gob of finish on the high part of the scroll spiral.

IMHO, Gibson has really stepped up to the plate. The F9 I have owned for two years, now battered and bruised, sounds gorgeous. I'll be able to hand that instrument down with pride once ol' see-ment hands has chopped his last chord.

[Bernie Daniel]

The Jam Masters are 1 3/16" nut width, F-9s and A-9s are more Loar nut width and neck shape. JMs also have 14" radius fingerboards, and a white script Gibson decal logo on the peghead.

Pinch me! A genuine Gibson F-style mandolin with radiused fretboard and 1 3/16 inch nut plus all that great tradition and history -- then add in the signature Gibson tone and panache -- and all of this for less than $3K?

I think this is terrific mandolin deal. IMO someone in Gibson has got their eye on the ball and deserves a bonus. This is a no-brainer GREAT idea! :mandosmiley:


allenhopkins: there's a certain cachet to showing up with an instrument with that historic nameplate, especially if you paid no more than your friend with the Asian import. If a company has a reputation, it would be foolish not to trade on it.

Exactamondo!

[Chris "Bucket" Thomas]

I really would like to play the oval hole.

Now how do I "keep it" with out my wife finding out :grin:

[Mike Bromley]

Exactamondo!

Wouldn't that be "Exactomando"?

[Gary Hedrick]

Ah yes Mike.....the dreaded 1/4 inch thick finish......I can remember going to Arthur's music store in Indianapolis and playing the A-5's and the occational F5 and you'd hit them hard and they would just sit there and look at you......no response....just this little flat sound coming out of the sound holes...

[woodwizard]

I really would like to play the oval hole.

Now how do I "keep it" with out my wife finding out :grin:

Me too! :mandosmiley:

Yup! I had one of those 1970ish G F5's too. Don't know why I kept it so long but atleast I got my money back/broke even after 10 years of playing it. I felt really lucky. :grin:

[Scott Holt]

I played the Jam Master at the Mandolin Store in Wickenburg, AZ. I was totally impressed, it sounded great and was a blast to play. I personally like the more "Spartan" appearance of the matte finish. My only gripe was the name. Seemed like a name that Fender would use. But IMHO, a great deal on a really good mandolin at an affordable price. Kuddos to Gibson.
Scott

[Darryl Wolfe]

Looks sort of like a modern age take on the "Junior" line of instrments that someone used to have. Oh yes, that was Gibson also

[Gary Hedrick]

Hmmm Darryl......and what is a 1924 A Jr worth today......good point you make

[Bernie Daniel]

Chris Thomas: Now how do I "keep it" with out my wife finding out


Buy it and keep it at my house she will never know.

I will feed it and keep it in tune and broken in for nothing. I will let you borrow it whenever you want!

[Steve Perry]

Looks sort of like a modern age take on the "Junior" line of instrments that someone used to have. Oh yes, that was Gibson also

My thoughts exactly... especially the oval hole.

[Rob Powell]

I played the Jam Master at the Mandolin Store in Wickenburg, AZ. I was totally impressed, it sounded great and was a blast to play. I personally like the more "Spartan" appearance of the matte finish. My only gripe was the name. Seemed like a name that Fender would use. But IMHO, a great deal on a really good mandolin at an affordable price. Kuddos to Gibson.
Scott

I was thinking the name made perfect sense. Master Model, which you keep at home and the Jam Master Model which you, um, take to Jams ;)

Personally, I think this was a fabulous idea and I look forward to trying one.

As for the wife...well, I won't be getting a Jam Master until we redo the kitchen but after that, Katie bar the door:))

[DryBones]

Anybody know if these will be available in a left hand model?

[Scott Holt]

I was thinking the name made perfect sense. Master Model, which you keep at home and the Jam Master Model which you, um, take to Jams ;)

Personally, I think this was a fabulous idea and I look forward to trying one.

As for the wife...well, I won't be getting a Jam Master until we redo the kitchen but after that, Katie bar the door:))

You know that didn't even occur to me, good point
Scott

[woodwizard]

I want to play one! Wonder when Janet Davis will get some in? That would be the closest for me... about a 2 hour drive.

[Trey Young]

so did any one ever get definite word on if these would for sure be offered with an oval hole?

[MikeEdgerton]

Anybody know if these will be available in a left hand model?

Jason, give Dennis at the mandolin store a call. He should be able to tell you.

[GRW3]

Anybody have any price points yet? The mention of sub $1000 seems unlikely but a $1500-1800 competitor to the Weber Gallatin series would be cool. No problem with the 'Gibson' decal. It's not exactly a new concept for Gibson or other quality manufactures. (My Martin guitar has a decal on the headstock.)

[JEStanek]

Well, taking some data from Musician's Friend
The F-9 lists for 3665 and sells for 3299 saves 10% off list.
The A-9 lists for 2554 and sells for 2299 saves 10% off list and 30% less expensive than the F-9

If the Jam Master F lists at 2799 and a similar pricing holds it will sell for 2519
and the Jam Master A should list around 1959 and sell around 1763. This would put a new Gibson made mandolin in your hands for the similar price of the fanciest regular Eastman models. This also puts Gibson into the mix with Breedlove and Weber for the 1.5K-2.5K market.

That should be of interest to a great deal of people. Especially, if the line includes the long sought after Gibson re-issue of the oval hole mandolin. The market has spoken and Gibson has answered! I wonder if the oval hole models will have a 12 or 15 fret neck. I can't even begin to speculate.

Pretty interesting,
Jamie

[The Mandolin Store]

The Jam Master A lists for $1999 and the Jam Master F lists for $3110. The prices mentioned before in other posts were MAP prices. I have confirmed that we will have them with jumbo frets...............probably by the end of June
Thanks

[Ken Olmstead]

"Jam Master" rhymes with "Lack Luster!" :)) Sorry, I could not help myself! These look to be pretty cool. They could start making A model ovals day and night and they might be able to go home in a year!!

[JEStanek]

Thanks for the update, Dennis. I'm looking forward to seeing one of the oval models. And Ken, not all that glitters is gold. I wonder what the differences in build between the 9 series and the Jam Masters is that can offer the price point breaks?

Jamie

[Jim Broyles]

What does that mean (and what is 'ol)?

'ol = Bol. Manute, remember? Could be Sol = for Ol' Sol = sunny disposition and all that... Maybe it's lol - dumbest acronym on the internets.:)

[DryBones]

Jason, give Dennis at the mandolin store a call. He should be able to tell you.

I don't dare call him. He will end up selling me that lefty Weber Special Edition he has in stock! ~:> :))

[MikeEdgerton]

I don't dare call him. He will end up selling me that lefty Weber Special Edition he has in stock! ~:> :))

You act like that's a bad thing....

[Ken Olmstead]

Thanks for the update, Dennis. I'm looking forward to seeing one of the oval models. And Ken, not all that glitters is gold. I wonder what the differences in build between the 9 series and the Jam Masters is that can offer the price point breaks?

Jamie

My comment is meant in no way to be derogatory. Hope no one takes it as such, just my wacked sense of humor!

Actually Jamie, seems like this is a general price reduction to me. Cosmetic trim is very similar to the "9" series while they are adding the radius board and giving you a decal on the headstock instead of the inlay. I think this is a clever way to sell an A/F9 for about $500 less during tough economic times while leaving the A/F9 price intact for sunnier days. These could turn out to be a steal if they sound anything like my old F9 and I would not have to radius the board on one of these!

[JEStanek]

I knew, Ken... It was a lame attempt at the Aragorn LOTR reference that these could be a real good thing for Gibson, esp. the oval holes.

Can you tell I prefer the oval holes?

I don't even have a stake in it or need a new mandolin now and I'm very curious about these. Go Dave Harvey!

Jamie

[Steve Perry]

I wonder if the oval hole models will have a 12 or 15 fret neck. I can't even begin to speculate.

Pretty interesting,
Jamie

If I was a betting man, I'd be betting on the 15 fret neck. Not that that's a bad thing. Seems like Gibson can build whatever they want... as long as it fits the 15 fret molds. I'm also assuming the Jam Masters will be like the proto Flatirons they made in Nashville 3 or 4 years ago.

[Nick Triesch]

No problem with just a decal. My old "23" Gibson A did not even come with a decal! And I love it just the same! Nick

[mandobsessed]

I like them As one of the early adopters of the A9 I of course like the spartan looks. If the tone is comparable then they will be a steal

[allenhopkins]

I want to play one! Wonder when Janet Davis will get some in? That would be the closest for me... about a 2 hour drive.

Janet Davis is advertising the A model here (http://www.janetdavismusic.com/jam_master_a.html) as a "limited edition" (?) for $1800. Snakehead, dark "Sheraton brown" matte finish, nickel plated hardware, no fingerboard inlays. Script "Gibson" on the headstock, but a "The Gibson" tailpiece. Comes with a gig bag.

I haven't been pricing new A style mandolins recently, but the JM hardly seems priced for the import-dominated mid-range market. Collings MT A-models are a few hundred more, Musician's Friend has Gibson's A-9 here (http://folk-instruments.musiciansfriend.com/product/Gibson-Acoustic-A9-Mandolin?sku=514281&src=3WWRWXGB&ZYXSEM=0) for $500 more, Eastman 800 series A-models are half that price. So it's 22% below Gibson's current least expensive model -- significant, but not trail-blazing. Looks like Gibson's going to compete for that market with its Flatiron imports (do they have a current A-model?), not try to do it domestically. Perhaps it wouldn't be possible to economize more, but IMHO they're relying on the "Gibson" name to make a $1.8K stripped-down model attractive and competitive.

[onassis]

Allen, I was thinking along similar lines, that the price point didn't seem to be THAT great compared to other choices out there. That said, however, I imagine the radiused 'board will attract a lot of people who weren't interested in an A9, and the Gibson name and "American-made" will be worth the price jump to a LOT of people! Not me, necessarily, but a lot of people, especially newer players making their first multi-K mando purchase. Gibson should be able to sell these as fast as they can make them.

[MikeEdgerton]

I'll note that Janet Davis (and musiciansfriend.com for that matter) is an authorized Gibson Internet dealer and cannot go below what Gibson tells them they can sell them for. Look to see what the street price ends up being at the dealers that can't advertise their prices on the Internet. That will be the telling number, not that anyone would ever sell a GIbson mandolin for less than the MAP. :cool:

[Jason Kessler]

I have to weigh in about the name.

The Jam Master sounds like the hundred dollar Pac-rim guitar package you'd buy a 7-year old boy for his birthday. ("replete with a Strat copy, a 3-watt amp, strings, cord, and fancy strap with lightening bolt! Rock on, Lil' Dude!").

It seems that Gibson is completely out of touch with their market. We don't need racy names to attract us to their product. How "sexy" does "F5" sound?

I feel like I'm being talked down to, and my regard for the company overall has lessened quite a bit.

[allenhopkins]

...the radiused 'board will attract a lot of people who weren't interested in an A9...Gibson should be able to sell these as fast as they can make them.


But then I'd have to buy a new capo for my mandolin!

[Chris "Bucket" Thomas]

Is anyone carrying the oval hold yet (with pictures)?

[mando.player]

I hear that there may be a J model, complete with a matching Adidas jogging suit.

[Jim Ferguson]

I too am a Gibson F-9 owner and love my mandolin. The pics in the original post also seem to show a slightly darker satin finish than my 2004 F-9 has (maybe it is just the lighting however....:-). I agree also.....the name "Jam Master" just doesn't do it for me. Having an affordable Gibson that can compete with other mid-range models is a great move for Gibson as others have stated and offers the mandoenthusiast a Gibson at a reasonable cost. Hope the new models sound as nice as mine does.

[guitar junkie]

Ok so I suppose it is time for me to weigh in (though I am not an active enough member to have much weight)

My thoughts are that Gibson has in the past made some innovations in the instrument market that have set the other makers on their ear.

As for me I find that Gibson makes fine mandolins and I would be proud to play them. Frankly I do not have near the money to spend on a Gibson mandolin of any price point.

I have played a few from Weber and some other nice makes and a fair amount of "vintage" stuff and it all sounds like a mandolin to me! I know that tone is a critical part in inspiring performance and also in keeping the music enjoyable but let's face it they all for the most part sound like 8 strings ringing, and to me as long as it is in tune and playing well up and down the fingerboard it is a good mandolin, though I prefer solid tonewoods just like everybody else.

Now as for these "tough times" I am an un employed factory worker without enough money to pay for groceries right now, let alone buy a Gibson Mandolin even if it is their "cheapest"

My hat is off to companies like Eastman who have managed to make a product that a poverty level musician might be able to aspire to at some point in the next 5 years. Feeding my wife and keeping a roof over our heads takes a higher mark on the list than historical warm fuzzies when looking at the name on my headstock.

Right now playing as many shows as we can is what is letting us eat and for that we are truly thankful, my Eastman guitar that I have had since before we got married is helping us get food on the table, andBill Monroe most likely felt the same about his Loar for many years.

I would love to upgrade to a mandolin costing $1k or morebut honestly there are musicians out there like me who most likely will never own a true Gibson mandolin for a long time to come.

All that said I was very blessed to be able to get my hands on a 30s Kalamazoo Gibson at a local store for $100.00! so I guess I do own a "vintage" Gibson of some degree and as of right now it is having to pull a lot of duties for our mandolin playing.

I know there are Epiphone and Flatiron models from Gibson that are lower priced and frankly the Epiphone stuff needs the clown barf looking finish changed out for something less UGLY, and maybe if Gibson would use a plainer looking finish other than the horrible looking bursts on Epiphone they could afford to make something that would sound better for the money. (Think Fullerton here)

Flatirons of today sound nowhere near as good as the handful of Eastman mandolins I have played as of late.


But to put in prospective for those out there who think Gibson is making an affordable mandolin that lower budget musicians can afford I guess it is all a matter of what you consider "budget"
To me budget means an $0.89 cent can of beans is a major purchase right now.

[JEStanek]

Guitar Junkie, there's a great deal of perspective in that post and like you said budget and affordable are very much on a sliding scale. I often find myself even as I weigh in on discussions about $1K+ mandolins being budget minded, how many "real" musicians I see playing the inexpensive Fender acoustic electric mandolins. The main perspective point for that is the Women with Mandolins thread where a goodly percentage of the artists pictured are using the less expensive A styles and earning a living or some extra money.

I'm pretty sure if we had a post a picture of the local bands with mandolins thread we would see these instruments in many male hands too.

I'm still wanting to see the oval hole Jam Master. For me at least, the model name is kind of moot. How many Gibson owners (or any other brand) refer to their mandolin, when asked, by the model number? "Oh, this? It's an Eastman 805D." I just say it's a mandolin then if a follow up is asked for I'll tell them its an Eastman. (My only mandolin with words on the headstock.)

Jamie

[Ben Lyman]

...the name "Jam Master" just doesn't do it for me...

I think you may be right about that, I bet they could sell a boatload of those things if they called them the 'Vintage Series' including such models as the 'Artisan' and the 'Elitist'...
;)

[Larry S Sherman]

Some recent video demonstrations:





Larry

[MikeEdgerton]

Janet Davis Music (http://www.janetdavismusic.com) has these on their main page today. I still don't see any oval holes.

[Jeff May]

Some recent video demonstrations
Larry

I know you can't really judge tone with a youtube clip, but does anybody else think those sounded a little "thin". Maybe that room wasn't the best place to demo those.

[onassis]

yeah didn't sound that great to me, either, but that room didn't really seem like the optimal environment.

[Michael Gowell]

Sound reflecting bare wood floor & hard walls (with instruments...bound to be some sympathetic return from them) and a mic some distance from the mandolin. Still, better than nothing.

[Ivan Kelsall]

Cosmetically,they look very nice,except for the 'sawn off square' fingerboard. A small end radius would have looked much nicer IMHO - i do however,like the overall 'look'. I think Allen may be right in considering that Gibson are looking to claw back a bit of 'lost territory' as well. It will be interesting to 'hear' how they sound & hopefully maybe a 'Cafe member will play one (or two) & let us know,
Ivan

[Dave Ashby]

Y'know, if you're just looking for the status of having "Gibson" on the peghead, that's fine. My Breedlove Quartz OF sounds and plays every bit as good as the Jam Master A style for about a grand less. Don't get me wrong, if I could afford a Gibson F5, I'd have one. I play what I can afford.










Talking about music is like dancing about architecture. - Steve Martin

[300win]

I got the F-5 on Wendsday, # 50 signed by Dave Harvey, he is signing and dating a seperate label on the treble side of the first 100 made. As far as the one I have, it is in one word AWESOME !, in every way. I've played many mandolins over the years, not owned mine you, but played. Some of these were vintage F-5's, some were independant builders copies of F-5's. The mandolin I got is among the top three I've ever held in my hands. It has no weakness anywhere, tone, volume, power, balance, clarity is everything a great mandolin should have. It already sounds like it is 50 years old, and it is just 1 month ago to today that Mr. Harvey signed it. I will have this mandolin until the day I move on from this world. It is a JOY to play.

[Rick Cadger]

...Talking about music is like dancing about architecture. - Steve Martin

That's the first time I ever saw that quote attributed to Steve Martin!

[Rick Schmidlin]

That's the first time I ever saw that quote attributed to Steve Martin!

Steve who?

PS, I look forward to trying a Jam Master but am not in the market to buy one.~o)

[wundo]

"I got the F-5 on Wendsday, # 50 signed by Dave Harvey,"

300 Win, where did you purchase your mandolin?

[300win]

"I got the F-5 on Wendsday, # 50 signed by Dave Harvey,"

300 Win, where did you purchase your mandolin?

At Jackson's Music Store in Winston Salem, North Carolina. They are a authorized Gibson dealer.

[Mandoist]

I just see Gibson scrambling to keep up (stay in the game) with the competition.

If they would only bring back their 1922-24 work ethic..


FONT="Times New Roman"]Just getting back to this 'work ethic' statement. That one bugged me then, and still does. Anyone who has any knowledge of, or experience with David Harvey, would never question his amazing ability as a luthier, repairman...and certainly not his work ethic!FONT]

Not sure if that statement was an accusation, or just a little fun reference to the days of Loar. I'm guessing it was the latter...but felt the need to say my piece nonetheless.

[AlanN]

That's the first time I ever saw that quote attributed to Steve Martin!


Thought it was FZ.

[300win]

All I can say is the one I have is GREAT!!!!!

[MikeEdgerton]

Thought it was FZ.

It's attributed to Elvis Costello, Steve Martin and probably a few dozen more people. The first time I heard that quote I was about 15 years old (forty some years ago) and it was "Writing about music is like dancing about architecture". I saw Steve Martin for the first time in Eugene, Oregon when I was in my early 20's and I don't think anyone was writing down his quotes. Elvis Costello might have been taking guitar lessons then, I don't know. I think you'll find that it's a quote by that famous person Anonymous that has been distorted by the those with knowledge on the web. Be sure to e-mail this message to everyone in your address book because AOL says this quote can destroy your hard drive. :)

[Rick Cadger]

Yeh, I'd heard it attributed to Frank Zappa, Costello, Thelonius Monk and more, but not Steve Martin before. I live and learn.

Sorry. Off topic. I'm easily distracted...