Left Handed Mandolin Question

[rtmitchell]

I need some advice with regard to a rather unique problem. #Being left handed is tough enough with regard to guitars (even though the years have allowed me to acquire a healthy group of Martins), my search is now for a left handed mandolin. #I have a cheap righty to lefty converted A style mandolin, and a custom left-handed F style mandolin that I had made several years ago. #It looks good, but even with the best efforts of one of Nashville’s best luthiers, it is almost impossible to play ($2000 bucks out the window). As always, lefties can’t go down to Gruhn and A/B mandolins all day in order to choose that “special one.”

Here’s the question, if you were in my position and wanted to get a really fine mandolin, where would you turn. #I know that SouthPaw Guitars or Elderly could order a lefty Gibson for me (perhaps an F-5L “Fern”, hmm……). #Cost is not really a limiting factor (please don’t take that statement as one of arrogance; I’m blessed to be in a position of being able to treat myself to this once in a life time instrument). #Some makers aren’t interested in even building lefty mandolins, and I can understand their position. #With this being such an expensive proposition, I don’t want to end up with another lemon. #Would anyone with an opinion or recommendation on this with regard to instrument maker, model etc., please give me your advice?

Thanks for any and all replies.


Tommy Mitchell
left handed but in my right mind (sort of)

[John Flynn]

It is upsetting to hear that your R to L conversion did not go better than you describe. A good luthier should be a do a creditable job of that.

There was a recent discussion about the best left handed mandos here:
http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin....hl=left (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=13;t=16732;hl=left)

If I were a lefty, I would order one of Bill Bussman's "Old Wave" mandos. He and his products have a great rep and I heard he actually gives a discount for left handed orders!

[Eugene]

Old Wave is a good recommendation. #You could also work with a Weber dealer to custom order a Weber. #There's no additional cost for a flat Weber as a lefty, an extra $90 for any of their arched A-styles, and an extra $400 for any of their F-styles.

[f5joe]

Here's a gorgeous F5L at the Gibson factory.

http://www.lilypix.com/photos/data/1f0e3dad99908345f7439f8ffabdffc4/76_p25483.jpg

[doc holiday]

Hello RT. I'm also a lefty...I think you may want to decide on the sound you are after and then find a maker. #I don't think you'll have too much trouble if you pick a builder known for consistency. #I had a a very nice custom lefty F varnish mando from Weber. #It was a great mandolin and was beautifuly made but didn't have quite the sound I was
after. I did inquire at Gibson and they said they wouldn't make a lefty Master Model. #I have a couple of lefty Collings guitars that are wonderful and currently play a Collings MT set up left-handed at Collings and it sounds great. #I am on the list for a lefty Michael Heiden. #I don't know if Collings has made a lefty F style yet but I bet they would do a great job. #I ordered my Heiden before Collings came out w/ the varnish finish. I am three for three with Collings...1 mando and a D1AV and a CW brazilian lefty and really have had a great experience working with the gentlemen in Austin. #I think there are actually lots of good options out there. #
I understand how you feel about ordering sight unseen, as I have had great instrumental disappointments from both M***(acoustic) and G****(electric), and would not order from a large factory with a wide range of consistency as far as the sound of the instruments. Good Luck.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif Doc

[Eugene]

PS: I'm also a lefty, but you'll never convince me to take a mandolin neck into my right hand. I favor standard mandolins.

[BrazAd]

Tommy,

Good to read your post! I've got 2 great custom lefty guitars, a Burkett AJ in braz/ad, and a Marty Lanham mah/ad dread that is awesome. I just received a custom lefty mandolin almost 2 weeks ago from Ron Cole. I can't praise Ron enough! The quality, tone, fit and finish are just amazing, and Ron was superb to work with from start to finish. He built the mando in 2 months (!!!), and I'm havin' a ball with it.

You can see pics of it (warning: they're large!) at:

http://members.aol.com/mandonewbie

E/mail me if you wanna talk guitars and mandos.... homedezign@aol.com

Gary Collier
Atlanta

[djeffcoat]

I believe that Cotten Music is expecting delivery of a lefty Collings MT next month. You might contact them and see if it is pre-sold.

http://www.cottenmusic.com/inventory.html

Good luck in your search.

DJ

[ab4usa]

Tommy,

The thread to which you were referred was mine originally. I contacted some builders and have decided (and placed an order with) to get an Old Wave from Bill Bussmann. He is a natural lefty and builds his left handed mando's for $1 less than the righty's. I did have a $2K budget so I'm putting off my scroll envy for awhile.