A5L--> Low, Medium, High....

[telepbrman]

I was wondering what are the 3 A5L's out there: A low, Medium, and High price/quality? I was thinking the Kentucky 380, Eastman A, and Gibson A5-L...I am thinking of buying one and wanted a starting place for research. Thanx, dy.

[jasona]

The only A5-L I've played (Gibson--haven't played the others you mentioned) was a cannon.

[8ch(pl)]

I would look at a Gibson A9 for the medium range.

[fatt-dad]

I have a Flatiron A5-1 and a Stiver (just got it) A5. Both are great mandolins and I bought each of them for under $1200.00 (used). I was looking at a Gibson A5L last year (signed by Darrington) that was about $2,000. I didn't buy it, but maybe should have.

I love the A5 mandolins. They sound great and you get GREAT value in tone, playability and (hopefully) investment.

f-d

[Ken Berner]

fatt-dadd is a very good madolin shopper, apparently! Both of the named instruments were steals for sure, in my most humble opinion. A few short years ago, a friend bought an extremely nice '95 Gibson A5-L for less than $1,800, which I thought was a wonderful price. Lately I've seen several of these being sold by big dealers for up to $2,600.

[fatt-dad]

Oh yeah, I also picked up a 1919 A-3 for $75.00, but that was 20 years ago (and it needed about $500 in fix-up work - love it though.

f-d

[telepbrman]

Excellent scoop...it looks like I'll stay on the high end, in terms of $1500-2000 will be my range. Also, used is the area I'll research. Elderly has 3 A5L's from $2100-2400 Gibson's. I own a Martin LSV, and it is a one off type of axe based on Clarence/Tony's piece...thus, I am looking into the one off type of mando. I think it is a neet concept, BUT it is time to go for a pro mando. I play a locally built F-mando, and I feel that a pro F-mando is way out of my price range, so the theme of a pro A-mando, that is a bit uncommon, and has a history/story means to do the following: Track down a cool A5-L. Thanks, and keep me posted, dy.

[fatt-dad]

Be sure to check out vintagemandolin.com Charles Johnson has quite an inventory of mandolins and one may suite you. He is a good guy that you can trust. You may also want to look at Summit mandolins. Paul Schneider used to make mandolins for Flatiron. You may also want to consider Old Wave mandolins or Dave Cohen mandolins. As I mentioned above, the Stiver I just received is a wonderful A-model mandolin - another choice. That said, you can't go wrong with a Gibson A5-L, which I figure one day I will acquire.

fatt-dad

[Fred G]

I have a '99 A5-L and a '02 A-9 and love them both. The A-9 does not have the complexitites of tone the A5 has but it is a bluegrass cannon. I got it for festivals and now use it for all jamming. I think anything under $2,400 is a good deal for a A5-L

[Fred G]

come to think of it, I have a Kentucky 380 too!!!http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif and it is for sale.

[telepbrman]

I have gotten in touch with Vintage Mandolin's and he is great. He is also in Va. and I like to do busnisess with local dealers for the local vibe. Thanks for the scoop.

[Ken Berner]

Just a note of interest here; there is a '95 Flatiron Performer A mandolin in the classifieds for only $900. I wish I needed another mandolin!

[fatt-dad]

Heck if your in Richmond, I'll sell you a mandolin - ha. I'm in Richmond, VA as well and can tell you some good places to pick with others. If you want to set your sights on a good a-model Ibanez, Alvarez or Kentucky in the under $350.00 range, let me know (ain't no A5L though).

Good luck with Charles. He has lots to choose from and I'm sure you will enjoy the shopping (what budget?).

f-d