New A- Model

[baron]

I am thinking about getting an A model to go along with my F. I guess I just have the fever!
What whould you purchase?
1. Any one of the Dearstone A's
2. Collins Mt-2
3. Gibson- A-9
4.Weber Absaroka
I realize there are some differences in price!
Suggestions?

Thanks so much!

[wdrysd]

I looked at a Sumi A the other day that had great workmanship, volume and tone for bluegrass. If you can find one, try it.
Wilson

[John Rosett]

i just got a prucha A from greg boyd. it's like the collings mandos with satin finish and minimal binding. it's a killer! you can see pics of it on his site.
john

[dasspunk]

I absolutely love my Laura Ratcliff (http://www.silverangelmandolins.com/products.html). You're wellcom to take a look/listen... (http://dasspunk.com/index.php?wl_mode=more&wl_eid=120)

Note: I spelled Laura's name wrong in my videos... sorry Laura, I'll fix it soon!

[John Flynn]

My choice would be the Collings, hands down. It is the best sounding mandolin I have every heard in the under $2,000 price range and it beats many in the higher price ranges. Fit, finish and playability are excellent and it looks great too.

[homermando]

Once again I have to put a word in for Bussman`s Old Wave mandos. I played several Collings `A`s and found them to be really nice mandos in every way but their tone just didn`t speak to me. I would say that they had a more `modern` sound and I wanted a more `traditional` sound. As usual, play as many examples as you can find and see what `speaks` to you.

[straight-a]

I'll have to vote for the A-9. I've had mine since Christmas and it just continues to open up in tone and volume. The deep, woody tone and the balance continue to improve and it is settling in nicely overall. Well worth the money.

[daikon]

The Andersen A at Old Town Pick'n Parlor is unbelievable. I keep hoping $3500 will fall out of the sky so I can get it.