Top Modern Mandolin Maker [Archive]

San Rafael

Oct-23-2009, 9:04am

Actually, yes. The OP asked about "top," not "best." In terms of numbers of instruments built and sold, "fame" (including the world outside the Cafe), duration of career as a "famous" maker, and sustained quality of instruments and reputation, Gilchrist is probably top dog (if we simply must ignore Gibson).

I like the Cafe a lot, but sometimes simple questions and discussions here go wonky because of a kind of unchallenged Cafe conventional wisdom, or echo chamber effect.

Just one example: in a post above, a list is given which includes one rather new maker (granted of gorgeous mandolins), as well as Collings (the pet factory-maker of the Cafe), as well as a salad of other well-known and less-well-known makers. It doesn't include Gibson, which is inarguably the MOST famous brand, with far and away the greatest number of quality instruments produced.

Someone will probably very soon add in this thread that it's about individual instruments, not brands. Well, yes, in a way, but is that the intention of the OP?

I mean no disrespect to the Cafe or to previous posters in this thread, but I think there are "common understanding" standards that can sometimes be applied, rather than "Cafe standard" answers.

JEStanek

Oct-23-2009, 9:04am

I don't think there is a competition and there certainly isn't a trophy awaiting to be awarded. Maybe you can get something from a) the prices they get or b) their back log of orders.

I hesitate to speak for the builders but I don't think they would be comfortable with the question. Espescially given the top class folks who participate here who so willingly share information with each other and hobby builders.

Another thing I think you might find is folks who own a mandolin by a builder will say it their builder is the best. ;)

A final consideration, may be that the best builder may be the best for a certain style. There may be a bunch of folks who make stellar Loar like instruments, or superb moder toned instrruments, the most innovative modern look, best distressed look, stellar Teens oval sounds, or stellar flat tops, or stellar bowls. Some folks can do a coupl of these, I don't think anyone does them all, nor should we expect such.

Jamie

sgarrity

Oct-23-2009, 9:29am

San Rafael

Oct-23-2009, 9:53am

Shaun--

I hadn't thought of the good point you make in your first paragraph, second post.

yankees1

Oct-23-2009, 10:08am

I responded the way I did for a couple of reasons. First off, I'm always leary of a new anonymous board member with three posts asking questions about the "top" or "best" anything. Sometimes it's someone new that is genuinely interested in mandolins. Other times it's jsut someone trying to stir up the natives. Let's assume this is the former.

Secondly, if you're going to have a "top" anything there has to be criteria involved, and there were none given. So I just wanted to throw a few names out there for a new person to investigate. Using the search feature on this site you can find a wealth of information.

As for leaving Gibson off, I'm not even going down that road today. They have certainly made a lot of mandolins! Gilchrist is somewhere around the 650 mark, give or take a few, and his quality is undeniable. But you can get on his list for a 2010 delivery....... :mandosmiley:

Hey, I'm not trying to stir up anyone! I;m a beginning mandolin player ( I hope) with 63 years on me and very interested in instruments! I played fiddle for a number of years and was always interested in violin makers. Back when I played in the 80's and 90's many around the world considered Sergio Peresson of Haddonfield, NJ as the best modern day maker but he passed away in the early 90's. Just ordered an Eastman 505 and will begin playing next week! So relax, you are just dealing with a rookie!! :)

Santiago

Oct-23-2009, 10:14am

I am new to the world of mandolins and I am sure there are several if not many great mando makers today, but is there one maker who is arguably rated as the top living maker?

Arguably is the salient term. ~o)

banjoboy

Oct-23-2009, 10:20am

There are a lot, and I mean A LOT, of really good mandolin builders out there and many of them frequent this message board. Gilchrist, Dudenbostel, Nugget, Monteleone, Heiden, Kimble, Brentrup, Ellis, Red Diamond, Mowry, Phoenix, Collings, Hamlett, and the list goes on and on. Some are more expensive than others but I don't think there is a "best."

It seems that everytime this topic comes up, all of the same builders are mentioned. No doubt they all make really fine instruments. But I just want to throw Hester into the pot as well. She has really come into her own. Because she's still so new, you don't see a lot of her mandolins out there. I think she deserves mention of one of the best builders.

MikeEdgerton

Oct-23-2009, 10:28am

sgarrity

Oct-23-2009, 10:32am

......you are just dealing with a rookie!! :)

Well good! Glad to have you here. You will not find a better music related site on the internet. The wealth of knowledge and information that is available on this site and from it's members is truly astounding.

Scott Crabtree

Oct-23-2009, 10:33am

This thread screams controversy...

Maybe a better question would be who are the "some" best up and coming builders...

AlanN

Oct-23-2009, 10:37am

Reminds me of one of the Jethro Speaks columns at the back of Grisman's MWN.

The topic of (then) current mandolin pickers came up. Jethro offered up the most popular pickers, and he was clear to say "Notice I don't say 'best'", then proceeded to tongue-in-cheek (Ah, Jethro!) list the usual gang. If he were alive today, that list clearly would have grown.

So, it's a fluid thing, bound to ebb and flow.

Mattg

Oct-23-2009, 10:44am

This is the golden age of lutherie.

I've come to believe this in the last several years. Alot of folks don't agree with me but I think it's true.

Sorry, back to thread.

yankees1

Oct-23-2009, 10:45am

My original thread was not worded correctly! In my mind, I was not thinking of "best" in terms of instruments sold but in quality (sound) alone. After reading all your posts, I now realize that this would be a very subjective and impossible ! What would sound great to one person may not to another and then you would have to consider the type of music being played. I do remember a violin maker from central illinois who made beautiful violins but the tone was dead! So, I should have requested a list of very good to great mando makers today!

Scotti Adams

Oct-23-2009, 10:45am

..and sometimes some of us tend to over analyze things.

johnwalser

Oct-23-2009, 11:02am

Gilchrist!!!

JonZ

Oct-23-2009, 11:08am

It does seem that a lot of simple, straight-forward questions on this board get answered with some variation of "You are asking the wrong question".

Either you have an opinion about this or you don't, but there is nothing essentially "wrong" with the question as stated.

Dagger Gordon

Oct-23-2009, 11:13am

Remember that mandolins are not only used for bluegrass!

Someone like the English builder Stefan Sobell makes wonderful instruments that are rarely used for bluegrass, as far as I'm aware, so I'm not sure how you could say that his stuff was any better or worse than an American (or indeed Australian) builder who makes bluegrass instruments. Quite different.

And indeed David Grisman himself now plays an Italian instrument that is considerably different from the bluegrass norm.

Then of course there are classical builders, etc etc. Everyone's a bit different.

Steelee

Oct-23-2009, 11:14am

Welcome Yankee 1 to this site.

I started mandolin 3 years ago at the age of 57 and its a blast.

The gold standard of mandolins was made by Gibson. Gibson is still a well thought of mass manufacturer of mandolins.

The gold standards were F5 models made in the early 1920's, when a man by the name of Lloyd Loar was supervising production and signed his name on the inside labels of the mandolins made in his tenure..

Currently, Gibson Loars fetch over $200,000. Elderly Music has 1 or 2 for sale. They sometimes come up for sale in the classified section on this site.

Regards,

Lee Oliver

Santiago

Oct-23-2009, 11:21am

We can discuss and argue and nominate many great current luthiers for "King of the new golden age." But this history will be written 50 years from now when Cafe members (in live video perhaps) debate which new luthiers are most in the Loar/???? tradition.

Who knows about music styles then. Maybe it will be Rover!

Randy Smith

Oct-23-2009, 11:47am

Hey, I'm not trying to stir up anyone! I;m a beginning mandolin player ( I hope) with 63 years on me and very interested in instruments! I played fiddle for a number of years and was always interested in violin makers. Back when I played in the 80's and 90's many around the world considered Sergio Peresson of Haddonfield, NJ as the best modern day maker but he passed away in the early 90's. Just ordered an Eastman 505 and will begin playing next week! So relax, you are just dealing with a rookie!! :)

yankees1,

Don't let Cafe posters get to you. I suspect many of us are looking forward to the weekend when we can really get our fingers moving, maybe even on our mandolins rather than our keyboards connected to our computers. A good way of looking at what's happened this morning, though, is that your question about mandolin makers might have already initiated more responses than any other post you'll ever send! Speaking of the Yankees, you might have hit a home run your first time at the plate.

Enjoy your Eastman! If you've been fiddling, playing the mandolin should be fun from the start.

R.S.

Caleb

Oct-23-2009, 11:57am

This is the golden age of lutherie. You have builders all over the world. The list can grow as you add Sumi and all the builders in Europe. You've got a ton of small builders that are emerging in the US. There is no way to ever quantify this.
I have to agree with Mike. This is the Golden Age of lutherie right now. Never in the history of stringed instruments have you been able to get something of quality for such a relatively low price. Even just a couple decades ago "cheaper" instruments were, for the most part, made of laminate woods with low-quality hardware and truly awful finishes. But now you can get an all-solid wood instrument with decent appointments and a pretty good finish for a very decent price. An excellent example is the Eastman 505 I paid 4 bills for. It's not as "good" as a Gibson or Collings et al, but one could make music on it for years (if not the rest of their life) and have no trouble at all.

I'm continually amazed at the quality of "cheaper" guitars, mandolins and fiddles that are being sold today. And then you have the small builders like Jade making things completely by hand, but just on a different continent. If a person isn't hung up on the "Made in China" (or wherever else) stigma, that person could have a lifetime instrument that in many cases would cost less than one month's mortgage payment.

The US-made instruments will probably always have a strong hold here simply because of the history associated with many of the brand names. And let's face it, many of the US-made instruments are very, very good ones. I'm just glad that folks don't have to shell out $2k to get started on the mandolin; if that were the case I'd have never started myself.

CES

Oct-23-2009, 12:25pm

Yankees1,

No harm done. Often new players will ask, "Who is the best mandolin player right now" or "Who is the best of all time." Those questions are not answerable because of their subjective nature, but they really get us fired up. A celebrity death match with Ricky Skaggs vs Chris Thile would be epic if broadcast on the Cafe...don't worry, you'll understand soon enough :). What they really want to ask is, "Who are some good players I should be listening to?"

I don't take offense to your question at all...I think the list of names Shaun threw out is a good one to get you started as far as looking into potential purchases (:)) )...add to it Giacomel, and also add to it some posters on here (Skip Kelly, Bulldog, Copperhead) who I've been told "Make mandolins that'll bark as good or better'n any Gibson out there" by some local players, or James Corino out of Asheville, who makes uniquely styled mandos (The Cricket, for one). And I love the Clark 2-pt featured on the homepage of Jazzmando.com.

MOST on here would agree the "gold standard" for bluegrass is Gibson's Loar era mandos, though not everyone prefers their tone or playability to modern builders, and those who've played/owned several will also tell you that not all of those were the gems we'd like to think they were. I have not had the pleasure, though I have heard one live, and it was spectacular...Those who disagree are often flogged to death with "What did Bill Monroe play?"

I think reputation-wise you'd be hard pressed to find a modern builder with more respect (at least in US bluegrass circles) than Dudenbostal or Gilchrist. That doesn't mean there aren't those that may build mandos as good or perhaps better, particularly when you consider all of the different styles of mandos available, but they're able to charge a premium for their work because they've built a reputation for producing top notch instruments.

Welcome to the cafe, and I hope the Yanks close it out Saturday...I'm about ready to squash that darn rally monkey!!

re simmers

Oct-23-2009, 12:29pm

"This thread screams controversy..." No it doesn't. Controversy would be to ask for the worst!

"there is nothing essentially "wrong" with the question as stated." Thanks. I wish that were written after nearly every question.

The civil response would be to simply answer.

Randy Wood. John Paganoni. Many others, some no one has heard of. But, those 2 should at least be mentioned.

Sim Daley's are not the high dollar, but the ones I've played are super.

Bob

SternART

Oct-23-2009, 12:37pm

Did I miss mention of Michael Heiden and Lawrence Smart........

lenf12

Oct-23-2009, 2:23pm

Did I miss mention of Michael Heiden and Lawrence Smart........

My thoughts exactly Art, and how about adding Doug Woodley to that list? The number of Doug's instruments isn't very large but the quality and variety of his work is/was very impressive. Maybe Bob Givens deserves some consideration as well. I'm just thinking..........

Len B.
Clearwater, FL

sgarrity

Oct-23-2009, 2:40pm

Heiden was mentioned in the third post of the thread. I'm slightly biased when it comes to Heidens! Smart, Givens and Woodley would be on the list too. See how many really good manolin builders there are? When I said a lot, I meant A LOT! :grin:

re simmers

Oct-23-2009, 2:53pm

Hutto?

Mike Bunting

Oct-23-2009, 2:57pm

Chris Stanley. Is the list long enough now?

mandroid

Oct-23-2009, 3:01pm

To Yankees1, get thee to the Mandolin Brothers Store and try a bunch of their inventory ..

You may walk out the door with just the right one for you , that day, or at least know more
about the variety of sounds that come out of them.

Then again Peter Mix's Carbon Fiber F5 is a unique instrument, and very top notch.

Will Kimble

Oct-23-2009, 3:04pm

Gilchrist.

Will Kimble
www.kimblemandolins.com

Ryk

Oct-23-2009, 3:04pm

Haven't seen these names yet: Montelone, Langdell and Brentrup.

And i have to agree that for those of us playing fretted instruments we are indeed living in a Golden Age.

Ryk

mtucker

Oct-23-2009, 3:10pm

Gilchrist is somewhere around the 650 mark, give or take a few, and his quality is undeniable. But you can get on his list for a 2010 delivery....... :mandosmiley:

The decision's easy, sgarrity!

A different place, a different time, a different dimension.

46977

Sans ...

46976

the Gil MAS Zone!!!
:)):mandosmiley::)):mandosmiley:

Scott Crabtree

Oct-23-2009, 3:13pm

Weins
Apitius

fatt-dad

Oct-23-2009, 3:21pm

If I won the lottery, I'd have Dave Cohen build me a mandolin. Simple as that! Sure, there are other builders out there and he may not be the most famous, I just really like his approach to building and innovation. Every one of his mandolins that I've played are great! It's just that he's only built 40 or 50 mandolins, so the numbers are not out there to get quite the same buzz. Also, he's not catering to the bluegrass market. That said, I'd be quite happy noodling over fiddle tunes on a Cohen A-model. And, if the lottery money was great enough, I'd get one in f- and oval-hole configuration!

I like the other guys to, but gotta to support the local boy, eh?

f-d

p.s., got to ask the OP what is meant by "modern mandolin maker?" Is this a maker of "modern" mandolins or a "modern maker" of mandolins? I'd say anybody striving to replicate the tubby sound of an old Gibson A4 or the precussion of a Loar wouldn't be "modern."

sgarrity

Oct-23-2009, 3:33pm

The decision's easy, sgarrity!
the Gil MAS Zone!!!
:)):mandosmiley::)):mandosmiley:

You have no idea the will power it's taking not to get on that list!! If they were about a grand cheaper I'd be hooked like a trophy bass. :))

MikeEdgerton

Oct-23-2009, 3:34pm

Haven't seen these names yet: Montelone, Langdell and Brentrup.

And i have to agree that for those of us playing fretted instruments we are indeed living in a Golden Age.

Ryk

Brentrup was in post number 3.

Don Grieser

Oct-23-2009, 3:35pm

If Will Kimble says Gilchrist, then Gilchrist it is. :mandosmiley:

sgarrity

Oct-23-2009, 3:39pm

So far we have:

Gilchrist
Dudenbostel
Nugget
Monteleone
Heiden
Kimble
Brentrup
Ellis
Red Diamond
Mowry
Phoenix
Collings
Hamlett
Gibson
Sumi
Clark
Sobell
Giacomel
Kelley
Bulldog
Copperhead
Condino
Wood
Paganoni
Daley
Smart
Woodley
Givens
Hutto
Stanley
Weber
Mix
Cohen
Langdell
Weins
Apitius
and.......

Santiago

Oct-23-2009, 3:47pm

That's a pretty good list. I'd be honored to play any one of those. Now where's that lottery ticket?

Links

Oct-23-2009, 3:52pm

Dale Ludwig

Woody Turner

Oct-23-2009, 4:04pm

Other notables:

Fletcher Brock
Brian Dean
Gail Hester
Mario Proulx

Scott Crabtree

Oct-23-2009, 4:08pm

Gerald Anderson

45ACP-GDLF5

Oct-23-2009, 4:15pm

According to the Builders list here, there are 476 builders here in the US, that we know of. No telling what the number is worldwide.

Of course, if it wasn't for the Gibson Co. and Lloyd Loar, there wouldn't be so many F-5 builders out there today.

Scott Crabtree

Oct-23-2009, 4:16pm

fishdawg40

Oct-23-2009, 4:21pm

Gilchrist.

Will Kimble
www.kimblemandolins.com

Even though I've never played a Gil, in my mind he is the top independent builder. And like the above quote, I'm guessing a lot of other top mandolin builders think he's top dog as well. Just for the fact of output, quality, prestige, and professionals who use them. That's just a guess though.

Bill Bradshaw

Oct-23-2009, 4:38pm

It probably goes without saying, but I feel compelled to say it anyway. Lou Stiver.

Cheers,

Bill

JEStanek

Oct-23-2009, 4:47pm

Who I would pick would depend on my budget. For me, an F5 would be 4rth or 5th on my list of dream instruments to own.

There are many talented builders still alive. We also have some young folks coming up who will soon warrant being included on that summary list (if not already).

To Yankees1, enjoy your Eastman. It's a fine instrument and should suffice for a while. However, what we need and what we want aren't always the same. I know my wants far outshine my needs.

Jamie

45ACP-GDLF5

Oct-23-2009, 4:48pm

It probably goes without saying, but I feel compelled to say it anyway. Lou Stiver.

Cheers,

Bill

Excellent builder! Jesse McReynolds has been playing a Stiver for many years.

John Kinn

Oct-23-2009, 5:26pm

Victor Smith (Flatbush instruments) is a very respected builder this side (Europe) of the Atlantic. And I couldn't agree more with Jestanek: What I want far outweighs what I need..I love my old plain Jane A40, but of course, if I stumbled upon a Loyd Loar in my grandmas attic, well...I would probably sell it :)

Maybe the builders that LL precided over should be regarded as the top ones?
John

man dough nollij

Oct-23-2009, 5:34pm

Don't forget Bill Bussmann (http://www.theacousticmusicco.co.uk/index.php/mandolin-luithers/old-wave-mandolins.html).

sgarrity

Oct-23-2009, 5:35pm

It's a heckuva long list....

D C Blood

Oct-23-2009, 6:48pm

Out of product loyalty, I have to add Ken Ratcliff to that list. Never heard a Silverangel or Eagle that didn't sound top notch. Also I didn't see Tucker mentioned...

mtucker

Oct-23-2009, 7:27pm

You have no idea the will power it's taking not to get on that list!! If they were about a grand cheaper I'd be hooked like a trophy bass. :))

dood, it's a keeper for sure and costing $1Grrrr out over 20 years, is $50 per year! get on that hook!

JonZ

Oct-23-2009, 7:31pm

A couple of other ways to come up with an answer would be...

The Wisdom of the Herd
Which modern instruments has the market determined are the "Top" based on the prices they command?

Or

The Wisdom of the Elites
Which instruments do our most decerning players--the pros--use? This would only apply to instruments that they are not paid to play.

I don't really keep up on these things, so I wouldn't know which instruments these would be. Probably a lot of the ones on that long list.

Randy Smith

Oct-23-2009, 7:34pm

It's a heckuva long list....

Indeed it is, Shaun! Somebody borrowing your name started that list this a.m.! (See post #3.) :)

Another for this list is Andy Poe.

Randy S.

hank

Oct-23-2009, 7:34pm

The answer to your original question can be answered in the future when now is in the past. Even then considering the number of magnificent builders in the game there may still be a long list. Orville's genius was carving the top and back like a violin and of course arguably the costly strap hanger and body points. After Orville left the fine luthiers at Gibson were already producing some really great instruments when Lloyd got involved and seemed to guide the team in a direction that has put these mandolins at the top of the most valued list. Today there are many more builders and players but my best guess would be to follow the price tag that buyers are willing to pay as the best indicator but only time will tell.

mrmando

Oct-23-2009, 7:57pm

if I stumbled upon a Loyd Loar in my grandmas attic, well...I would probably sell it :)
I would sell the attic, and keep the Loar.

Chris Wofford

Oct-23-2009, 8:16pm

There is someone in China turning out amazing mandolins for Eastman and The Loar and Jade. Nobody knows their name(s), but whoever it is apparently turns out mandolins that make professionals say, "That sounds as good as my Gibson". Or so I've read.......

Santiago

Oct-23-2009, 8:58pm

[QUOTE=JonZ;726735]
"The Wisdom of the Herd"
It's not about quantity here, but quality.

""The Wisdom of the Elites"
The top players seem to be surprisingly less worried about "brand" and much more concerned about sound, feel and playability.

I thinkt he real test is time, which means one day we'll look back and see the answer that today may be (wonderfully) elusive. Viva variety!

Eric Hanson

Oct-23-2009, 8:59pm

He may not the best builder today, though maybe one that could be added to the list of modern builders is Bruce Taggart of Brown County Indiana. Just down the road from Bean Blossom.
He is not as well known, but very high quality.
His instruments are very well built and beautiful in form. He is meticulous in his fit and finish. His inlay is not just cut out, but also engraved. He is extremely picky about his woods and how they fit together.
All of this and they just lay in your hands and scream to be played. You fingers simply fall into place. I think this is likely to the way he carves his necks. True, again, not as well known. But at just under 100 built, there are real works of art and sound.

fatt-dad

Oct-23-2009, 9:33pm

+1 on Lou Stiver - Great mandolins (sorry, really sorry, I sold my A-5)!

To add to the list, let us not forget Wayne Henderson - that's right, mandolins. I'm already on his list (for a guitar though).

f-d

RustyPickup

Oct-23-2009, 9:35pm

Patrick Gunning

Oct-23-2009, 9:48pm

Gilchrist.

Will Kimble
www.kimblemandolins.com

Welcome to the mandolin, Yankees1, you'll enjoy yourself for sure.

Mr. Kimble, who I would regard as being one of the top 5% (approximately) of makers, is in agreement with me. The top independent builder of american-style mandolins (I have no comment on bowlbacks) is Steve Gilchrist, when you factor in price point ($20-something k+ for an F5), tone quality, fit and finish quality, the sheer number of instruments of high quality produced (in the hundreds), as well as his ability to stand at the top of the heap in both F-hole mandolins and oval-hole mandolins.

Another top name is Lynn Dudenbostel, who made Chris Thile's longtime mandolin. His price point (around $30k last I heard) is higher than Gilchrist, but he has produced an order of magnitude of instruments fewer than Gilchrist. Also, he is not known for producing oval holes.

John Monteleone shared Gilchrist's position for a while, and still builds instruments to match those two in both price and quality, but his focus is primarily on archtop guitars now.

Mike Kemnitzer of Nugget Mandolins has a 20k+ price point, and has been producing consistently highest-quality instruments since the 70's. Also, not known for producing oval holes.

Those four are traditionally recognized as the top tier of individual builders today. Indicators of this quality they all share: 1) price point above 20k, 2) important professional musicians as players (both past and present), 3) well-known history of instruments of "top" quality.

Those four makers are the only builders that produce a 20k+ instrument (except Gibson's Distressed Master Model).

Saying that individual builders other than these four are widely recognized as the top is disingenuous. The market bears this out as indicated by the prices these makers command.

On this site, there is often the desire to spread the love around and not state that any one musician or builder is objectively superior to another. This is generally polite and appropriate, but don't let it blind you to reality. There are many fine builders on this site, and everybody will want to step in and plug friends or makers of their own personal instrument. But there is a clear difference between "good," "great," and "the absolute best."

Joe Parker

Oct-23-2009, 9:51pm

my answer to the original question

sgarrity

Oct-23-2009, 11:18pm

Saying that individual builders other than these four are widely recognized as the top is disingenuous. The market bears this out as indicated by the prices these makers command.

On this site, there is often the desire to spread the love around and not state that any one musician or builder is objectively superior to another. This is generally polite and appropriate, but don't let it blind you to reality. There are many fine builders on this site, and everybody will want to step in and plug friends or makers of their own personal instrument. But there is a clear difference between "good," "great," and "the absolute best."

I couldn't disagree more. When you hit a certain level of craftsmanship, you are absolutely picking nits about the differences. And he who commands the highest price isn't always the "best." I've had the good fortune to have my hands on the majority of mandolins listed in this thread and I can tell you from first hand experience there are generally many more similarities than differences.

Scott Crabtree

Oct-24-2009, 12:02am

One of the sweetest mandolins I have ever heard is an Apitius, fwiw.:popcorn:

Although one of my favorite pickers is all about the Nugget.

In your all's search for THE tone, what mandos have you come across personally.

Glassweb

Oct-24-2009, 12:10am

of all the currently built mandolins i've played i'd say that i've been most impressed by the tonal quality of Will Kimble's instruments...

Patrick Gunning

Oct-24-2009, 12:34am

I couldn't disagree more. When you hit a certain level of craftsmanship, you are absolutely picking nits about the differences. And he who commands the highest price isn't always the "best."

Out of curiosity, at what price point would you put that level of craftsmanship? When do you think the differences move from substantive to "picking nits?"

I've had the good fortune to have my hands on the majority of mandolins listed in this thread and I can tell you from first hand experience there are generally many more similarities than differences.

This seems to assume that the person you're disagreeing with lacks the same experience. Probably not a good assumption, on this site of all places.

Chris Biorkman

Oct-24-2009, 12:38am

I'd put my Kimble up against anything I've heard, regardless of price. However, I agree that Gil is at the top of the list.

8ch(pl)

Oct-24-2009, 5:23am

Kate Smith said that she had God Given talent. I think this applies to the builders meantioned. Developed through experience, reputation built by the instruments and the customer's appreciation for quality.

If I have talent for something, it doesn't signify if I am the only person that says so.

Hans

Oct-24-2009, 6:36am

sgarrity

Oct-24-2009, 7:38am

Out of curiosity, at what price point would you put that level of craftsmanship? When do you think the differences move from substantive to "picking nits?"

Let's keep the discussion to F5 mandolins so we kinda have a baseline for comparison. I think there are builders that are delivering $8-10K+ F5s that have the tone and fit and finish equal to the big four (Gil, Nugget, Dude, Monty). FWIW, I agree with the rest of what you said about those four builders. But that's not the end of the discussion.

There is no clear difference between "Good," "Better," and "Absolute Best." I've played Gils that fit into all three of those categories. A couple of them I would have had zero interest in owning. I've played some new Gibsons, a company I'm usually very critical of, and various mandolins by other makers that made me contemplate a second mortage. (As an aside, the best mandolin I've ever played was a blond Gil A5. Spectacular in every way!)

Does anyone remember those MandoTasting the the 'cafe sponsored a few times? Get ahold of one of those recordings and listen without looking at who made the mandolins. What your ears tell you may surprise you!
(I concede that a recording doesn't always capture the true essence of an instrument and there are many other variables including feel, feedback to the player, etc)

This seems to assume that the person you're disagreeing with lacks the same experience. Probably not a good assumption, on this site of all places.

You are assuming I made an assumption. How's that for convoluted?? :)) All I want to get across is where my opinion comes from. This is a site composed of people that have a Rogue and have been playing for a week to people that have a Loar and have been playing for 40+ years. At times it's helpful for people to know the basis of an opinion rather than it just being "Cuz I said so." So I am not assuming you don't have the same experience. Clear as mud now?? ;)

So the only point I'm trying to get across is there are a lot of really good builders out there making great mandolins, some of whom are making instruments whose quality and tone is on par with the "big four." And I don't think stating that belief is disingenuous. :mandosmiley:

Kevin Briggs

Oct-24-2009, 8:03am

I didn't read the second and third page of this thread because I experienced paralysis by analysis, but I do want to chime in on my favorite maker. In the end, I think all we can really say is who we like the best.

For me, I have always had an affinity for Weber mandolins. They were instrumental in helping me when I was getting ripped off by a dealer a few years ago, and they have been there for me as a great builder with great customer service.

That's all fine and good, but what ultimately seals the deal for me is the quality of my mandolin, which I am constantly reminded of every time I play it. I just love the thing, and have never played one I like better. It is loud, sonorous, easy to play, and beautiful.

Sound to Earth (Weber) will make virtually any customization you want, and will make your custom mandolin usually within four to six months from when you place your order. For example, my Fern has a red spruce top instead of a sitka top, and a one-piece back instead of their standard two-piece. It also has a pearl nut, a slightly custom finish, and a custom neck. For the custom neck I sent them my old mandolin, they made their measurements, and did an awesome job applying the measurements to my Fern. in fact, they made the neck I asked, changed a few things on it here and there, and then it was better than I anticipated.

Finally, you the price is great. It's expensive, yes. However, the quality of their mandolins, the incredible customer service, and the positive spiritual mojo you get with a Weber is why they are my builder of choice.

Hope this helps! :))

Sadee

Oct-24-2009, 9:10am

I'd like to add Altman to the list.

Patrick Gunning

Oct-24-2009, 9:23am

Let's keep the discussion to F5 mandolins so we kinda have a baseline for comparison. I think there are builders that are delivering $8-10K+ F5s that have the tone and fit and finish equal to the big four (Gil, Nugget, Dude, Monty). FWIW, I agree with the rest of what you said about those four builders. But that's not the end of the discussion.

There is no clear difference between "Good," "Better," and "Absolute Best." I've played Gils that fit into all three of those categories. A couple of them I would have had zero interest in owning. I've played some new Gibsons, a company I'm usually very critical of, and various mandolins by other makers that made me contemplate a second mortage. (As an aside, the best mandolin I've ever played was a blond Gil A5. Spectacular in every way!)

Can't argue with you there. In that range of quality, there are certainly mandos and makers equal in every respect to the big four. And even lower on down, some individual examples rise to that level (but not a majority). I've also played a good number of mandos by each of those makers, and some just didn't do it for me. Heck, a couple of the Loars I have played I thought were just "so-so." The best mandolins I have ever played are a Gil F5 and a 23 Loar. I think we agree more than we disagree, but I was just responding to the 36-name list you posted, including some makers who I would describe as "good," but not (with respect) at the very top of the profession and thought to myself "that doesn't answer the question." I realize that was just assembling the posts of other members, not so much your opinion as to the equality of all its members now.

All I want to get across is where my opinion comes from. This is a site composed of people that have a Rogue and have been playing for a week to people that have a Loar and have been playing for 40+ years. At times it's helpful for people to know the basis of an opinion rather than it just being "Cuz I said so."

I've always wanted more people to state the basis for their opinions to weed out some of the armchair expertise, and when someone does so, I jump on 'em for it. That was both convoluted and unnecessary of me.

So the only point I'm trying to get across is there are a lot of really good builders out there making great mandolins, some of whom are making instruments whose quality and tone is on par with the "big four." And I don't think stating that belief is disingenuous. :mandosmiley:

Agreed. Sorry for getting in your face for what seems, upon closer inspection, to be a pretty general agreement.

barry

Oct-24-2009, 10:01am

Are we talking about the "BEST" or everyone's personal "favorite"???

Best....objective.

Favorite...subjective

It seems to me that the only way to objectively define the true "best" is to determine who has produced the most successful body of work.

Take the total number of mandolin-related instruments produced and multiply them by the amount of money for which they were originally sold. Then add to that number all instruments that have been resold on the secondary (used) market. Whoever has the greatest dollar amount would be the true best.

I assume, by this criteria, no one would even come close to Gilchrist.

barry

sgarrity

Oct-24-2009, 10:22am

Agreed. Sorry for getting in your face for what seems, upon closer inspection, to be a pretty general agreement.

No worries man. It's all good!! :mandosmiley:

evanreilly

Oct-24-2009, 10:46am

Just keep in mind this....
Ronnie McCoury was playing a Gilchrist, but now plays a [blank]...
Chris Thile trades off playing his Dudenbostel to play a [blank]....
Apropos not much, maybe, but....

barry

Oct-24-2009, 10:58am

....."Just keep in mind this....
Ronnie McCoury was playing a Gilchrist, but now plays a [blank]...
Chris Thile trades off playing his Dudenbostel to play a [blank]...."

But also keep in mind the title of the thread is "top modern mandolin maker"...

not...."most desirable mandolin ever built".

barry

fishdawg40

Oct-24-2009, 12:20pm

Just keep in mind this....
Ronnie McCoury was playing a Gilchrist, but now plays a [blank]...
Chris Thile trades off playing his Dudenbostel to play a [blank]....
Apropos not much, maybe, but....

But now you have Dawg who trades off his [blank] with a Giacomel or Red Diamond.

I just wanted to say blank.

PhilGE

Oct-24-2009, 12:45pm

Beauty is in the eye, ear, and hands of the beholder, player. There are many choices these days at many price points.

History is written by the accumulation of many opinions over time and by those who have the most access to means of publishing what they deem as "history". What the truth is we'll never know. Have fun exploring in the mean time!

mando Nick

Oct-24-2009, 1:52pm

With all those names that have come up, over the discussion of this topic, is Paul Duff there? If not, add him.
Nick

JonZ

Oct-24-2009, 1:57pm

Or

The Wisdom of the Silent
Those that are proud to own the instrument they have, play it, could give a rip about rating or endorsement, and rarely or never post on this site. :grin:

If you are going to speak out about the wisdom of your silence, I am going to brag about the awesomeness of my humility.:grin:

DougC

Oct-24-2009, 2:07pm

I agree with Hans and I could give a rip on this topic. Someone should print up some baseball cards with top mandolin makers and then we can trade them. I'll give you two Collings and a Gibson for your Gillcrest, O.K.? No? Well I'll throw in a Cole too. Larivee?

San Rafael

Oct-24-2009, 2:30pm

Better add Michael Kelly, Morgan Monroe, Johnson, and Rover, too.

JEStanek

Oct-24-2009, 2:36pm

Johnson is Out of Vogue. Re-branded as Savannah. No longer a current builder.

Jamie
who still has a Johnson Gibson A4 copy ;)

Hans

Oct-24-2009, 2:39pm

JonZ, you misunderestimitize what I was trying to say...had nothing to do with your post. I know there are a lot of players out there with fine instruments that could care less to have their builder rated, or play an instrument that was endorsed by Horace Slidewell or Icky Raggs. I thought to add to your insight. Obviously I was not silent! ;)
Doug, I also agree with you, and your baseball card idea is a good one. One request...leave me out of the pack. You could put 'em in boxes of Cukoo-Bananas. :)

sgarrity

Oct-24-2009, 2:58pm

Just remember Hans, there's no such thing as bad publicity! :grin:

Glassweb

Oct-24-2009, 3:24pm

[QUOTE=fishdawg40;726930]But now you have Dawg who trades off his [blank] with a Giacomel or Red Diamond.

yes, because he has endorsement agreements with both makers and receives plenty of money from them as a result... if Dave had to keep only one instrument i'm pretty sure it would be one of his Loars... sorry to get off the subject here...

barry

Oct-24-2009, 3:31pm

CES

Oct-24-2009, 4:47pm

Poor OP had no idea what he was getting into...we need a "can of worms" emoticon, with the lid partially opened but worms just spilling out...

And I'd like to thank some of the builders who've actually chimed in. Now, what would be interesting would be to see a list of what all of you guys would take home with you if you could all meet at a festival with an endless supply of each other's mandolins but could only leave with one...to either play or study. Same scenario for pickers considered "top tier" would be interesting, too.

Of course, the advice to play the best mando you can afford holds true regardless of the price point...

barry k

Oct-24-2009, 9:34pm

Ive had a lot of different brands, makers ..instruments in my hands and im not a top pro mandolin player, but the best Ive ever heard or played was John Rigsby's "A" model stewmac kit mando, put together in the 70's or 80's by his uncle. So my vote is for whomever cut out that mando kit ! Might have been Don Mcrostie?

JonZ

Oct-24-2009, 11:37pm

T.J.

Oct-25-2009, 12:16am

Poor OP had no idea what he was getting into...we need a "can of worms" emoticon, with the lid partially opened but worms just spilling out...

http://www.emotty.com/images/emoticons/526.png

jim_n_virginia

Oct-25-2009, 8:08pm

Of course, if it wasn't for the Gibson Co. and Lloyd Loar, there wouldn't be so many F-5 builders out there today.

finally some wisdom! LOL!

yankee1 you can get a Gibson ... or you can get a copy of a Gibson.

Your choice! :grin:

fishdawg40

Oct-25-2009, 11:21pm

yes, because he has endorsement agreements with both makers and receives plenty of money from them as a result... if Dave had to keep only one instrument i'm pretty sure it would be one of his Loars... sorry to get off the subject here...[QUOTE=Glassweb;726962]

I'm so glad you posted that.

b

Like I said, I just wanted to say blank.

And to get further off the subject Gibson the builder now is not the same as Gibson the builder of Loars. I think Dawg's blackened headstock speaks volumes about the company.

MikeEdgerton

Oct-25-2009, 11:27pm

I think Dawg's blackened headstock speaks volumes about the fact that he manages to be a businessman as well as a musician and speaks nothing about Gibson. I honestly think that if David and Gibson ever came to some sort of business deal that blackened headstock would go away. Just because he chooses not to indirectly endorse a brand name doesn't speak poorly of the company, it just means that he realizes he has something of value and doesn't want to give it away for free.

man dough nollij

Oct-26-2009, 2:21am

If you are going to speak out about the wisdom of your silence, I am going to brag about the awesomeness of my humility.:grin:

Oh, you want to get competitive, eh? I'll have you know I can out-humble you any day of the week! My humility would have killed a lesser man. :)

Mando content: Anybody who's ever heard me play will vouch that I'm extremely well qualified to be humble...

Bob1300

Oct-26-2009, 2:53am

For those of us who play left handed (7 to 10 percent) we're always at the end of the queue for this kind of question. Namely, which top builders will toss us a few crumbs and provide a quality unit that is priced within reason, built as a perfect mirror image, and has as good a sound? Not many. Mostly low end like Kelly's. But I was lucky to find a preowned Yellowstone lefty F5 4 years ago with the custom "The Weber" on the headstock, and the MOP shield (not fern). (The righty fern version is now $4,965 at MB's, lefty would be higher.) But the righthander has features I sure would have wanted such as radiused neck and scooped extension and decent setup & volume. Someday I will investigate replacing and setting up the neck. This is more than just MAS; I call it MMAS - mando mods. :mandosmiley:

-Bob

jealbe49

Oct-26-2009, 6:57am

I second Altman's. I have played many on these posts and the Altman's are my favorite...

Hans

Oct-26-2009, 7:10am

I was just cracking wise about the way you phrased it.;)

Ahh, sportin' with me eh? :))

As for us all building F5's because of the BIG G, if Big Bill had found a Larson bros Harp mandolin in a barbershop window, us builders would be building Larsons. ~o)

Hmm, Larson harp...not a bad idea...;)

San Rafael

Oct-26-2009, 7:27am

Also, D. Grisman's electrical tape may have a lot to do with a sense of history and some playful irony, as much as anything to do with the modern company.

Just speculating.

Dfyngravity

Oct-26-2009, 7:32am

I would like to second fatt-dad's choice of Dr. Dave Cohen. If you ever have a chance to play a Cohen mandolin you will be simply floored from the fit and finish, to the weight (so light) of the mandolin, to most importantly the tone of the mandolin. I think he definitely deserve to high on the list.

I am going to through in another vote for Red Diamond mandolins as well. If you are looking for more of a loar sounding mandolin, Don MacRostie is the man to go to. He is building some amazing mandolins that seem as if they were built 60+ years ago.

fishdawg40

Oct-26-2009, 4:56pm

I think Dawg's blackened headstock speaks volumes about the fact that he manages to be a businessman as well as a musician and speaks nothing about Gibson.

Yes, I agree with you for the most part. We can speculate all day (or not hopefully) why. But for the sake of discussion... I respect the Dawg's opinion on his views of music, the industry, and modern culture. Gibson represents, to me at least, the corporate behemoth of the acoustic instrument world. Maybe it pertains to those types of issues. Not wanting to feed the corporate monster. Not dogging the instruments, just the idea. The best Gibson I've played though was an A9, it was nice.

What kind of money is he getting from Red Diamond and Giacomel? I don't think too much.

To get back on topic somehwat. I think the reason why Ronnie, Dawg, Thile play Loars are because they are Loars. They do not play the modern instruments. SO I don't think they are the top builder, not just for that fact but because of reasons I stated previously.

Not really trying to debate here. My 2nd post was tongue-in-cheek.

Peace,
Joe

fredfrank

Oct-26-2009, 5:47pm

Here's a point to ponder . . . it has been stated elsewhere that Reischman's Loar is the best sounding Loar on the planet. Now Don MacRostie has constructed six replicas of that instrument, so wouldn't that naturally follow that the Red Diamonds are at the top?

The problem with a discussion like this is that there are as many answers are there are people answering.

I like Gilchrist mandolins, but they are double the price of a Red Diamond, and in my own opinion, are not any better sounding. At least from the two or three Gils I have played.

So there you have it . . . no closer to a consensus than before.

sunburst

Oct-28-2009, 12:30pm

...you can get a Gibson ... or you can get a copy of a Gibson.

Your choice! :grin:

Yep, there it is again, the reminder that all of us hand builders who purposefully analyze and design every detail of our mandolins can ultimately only aspire to approach a factory mass produced "original". (sigh...)

sunburst

Oct-28-2009, 12:38pm

For those of us who play left handed (7 to 10 percent) we're always at the end of the queue for this kind of question. Namely, which top builders will toss us a few crumbs and provide a quality unit that is priced within reason...

Here we are talking about factory instruments again. If you place a custom order from a hand builder (something pretty common for most hand builders, BTW) you can choose the neck shape, color, etc. etc. including left or right playing orientation. The great builders of "righty" instruments will mostly be the great builders of "lefty" instruments.

I don't really want to be in this thread, but to the OP's question:
There are quite a few builders building great mandolins these days. Past a certain point of quality there is no better or worse, only different, and there are enough builders above that point that no one builder can be rightly said to build the best quality mandolins. The question then becomes; who consistently builds the most great mandolins, and records and statistics can answer that question.

AlanN

Oct-28-2009, 1:06pm

Quote:
Originally Posted by jim_n_virginia
...you can get a Gibson ... or you can get a copy of a Gibson.

Your choice!

Yep, there it is again, the reminder that all of us hand builders who purposefully analyze and design every detail of our mandolins can ultimately only aspire to approach a factory mass produced "original". (sigh...)

"Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain. Talkin' bout me and my guitar."

billbailey

Oct-28-2009, 5:58pm

Dan Voight will undoubtedly become a great builder.

But first he has to graduate from the University of Michigan (their first mandolin major). His early instruments are superb and the science and dedication he brings to the field will be valued and sought after. Keep on eye on this Wolverine.

Bill Bailey

www.thebaileystrap

Rick Schmidlin

Oct-28-2009, 6:01pm

The best is in the ears of the beholder!

Chris Biorkman

Oct-28-2009, 6:14pm

Yep, there it is again, the reminder that all of us hand builders who purposefully analyze and design every detail of our mandolins can ultimately only aspire to approach a factory mass produced "original". (sigh...)

Lol. You can buy a Gibson, or a Gibson copy that is superior in just about every way.

What really bugs me is when people use Gibson slogans as justification for purchases. Only a Gibson is good enough? Not so much.

fredfrank

Oct-28-2009, 6:28pm

I had heard an interesting story about that slogan. It may be true, or perhaps not.

Gibson actually did use the slogan: "Only a Gibson is Good Enough", in fact they used to put it on the peghead of some of their guitars.

The story I heard had a competitor advertising: "When Good Enough Isn't Good Enough". Rumor had it Gibson dropped the slogan shortly after that.

Like I said, it might not be true. But it is somewhat amusing.

mtucker

Oct-28-2009, 6:44pm

Gotta love all of this! Sunburst, you are .. one funny man! :))

Quote:
Originally Posted by sunburst
Yep, there it is again, the reminder that all of us hand builders who purposefully analyze and design every detail of our mandolins can ultimately only aspire to approach a factory mass produced "original". (sigh...)

Mike Bunting

Oct-28-2009, 6:48pm

I find the whole discussion somewhat, I can't think of the right word, maybe silly. Never before have there been so many amazing mandolins with such an array of subtle tonal differences that can satisfy the most discerning ears. Why do so many people worry about the "best" and then ask others to tell them what it is?

Aran

Oct-29-2009, 5:45am

Might be a silly discussion but damn it's giving MAS..... (thought I was cured......apparently not)

Want a nice F4 now.....

Kevin Briggs

Oct-29-2009, 6:01am

I agree that it eventually boils down to what someone likes. In fact, most of the threads on our beloved board boil down to that. From one perspective, there's nothing to discuss. But, since we are human beings we will keep reaching and grasping for the one big truth, regardless of how many people (statistically speaking) find it.

I am in the camp of the first half of Mr. Hamlett's statement, in which he wrote that once we reach a certain point in quality, the quality is unquestionable. I could be very happy with any number of mandolins I've played.

When I went to IBMA a few years ago it was like mandolin heaven. The mandolins were there. The builders were there. I met Hans Brentrup and played four of his mandolins, which were all awesome. I met Sumi too, and Will Kimble, a Stelling for a second time. They were there with their instruments, and you know what? All of their instruments were great. I could own any single one of them and post on this board about how much they are on the top tier of instruments.

So, I own a custom Weber Fern, and I feel the same way about it. I favor it strongly which has as much to do with how great it is as wityh how long I have been playing it. In the middle of a song I know how that G string is going to ring out and how long it will sustain for. I know how piercing the E string sounds up on the 14th fret. I know how hard to strike it for either a woofy, abnoxious chop or something a little smoother and bassier. So, as you can see, my preference is my Fern. It's in that catagory of being great but with its own unique attributes.

Nice work, John Hamlett!

Hans

Oct-29-2009, 7:29am

You tell 'em John!
We don't make copies of "Gibsons". They sorta look like Gibsons because that's what you are all clamoring for. Looks ain't what it's about. You all might consider the independent (from Gibson) thought that we builders have put into our instruments over the years trying to make them sound better than G.
If you like Gibsons, fine, go buy one, and I hope you get a good one. But don't put the rest of us builders in the box of making "Copies". Here's a clue...we don't like that.

Tony Sz

Oct-29-2009, 8:16am

Who makes the best mandolin? Seems to me it's kind of like asking who makes the best meatloaf.

stratton7584

Oct-29-2009, 8:17am

i really like the breedlove mandolins(kim breedlove). Great mandolins at a reasonable price!!!

fishdawg40

Oct-29-2009, 8:57am

I am new to the world of mandolins and I am sure there are several if not many great mando makers today, but is there one maker who is arguably rated as the top living maker?

This is the OP's original question. I guess it's safe to say "no" at this point.

Rex Hart

Oct-29-2009, 9:57am

No doubt there are many fine mando builders out there...Red Diamond's, Gilchrist and others are awesome. However, I do find it a bit disturbing that some are bashing Gibsons. I recently picked up a David Harvey built Fern that sounded to my ears as good as some of the 20K mandolins I have played. I just think that it is easy and sometimes fashionable to knock the big boys, but they are building fine mandolins once again and whether some want to admit it or not, the Gibson Loar design is what everyone is trying to imitate. All I am saying is let's give credit when it is due. That's just my 2 cents which is worth just that.

chip

Oct-29-2009, 10:19am

Gilchrist.

Nolan

Oct-29-2009, 10:41am

Based purely on the volume of mandolins produced divided by the quality and multiplied by the number of consecutive years building? Gilchrist.

Paul Kotapish

Oct-29-2009, 11:46am

The fact that we're able to have this discussion is evidence that we are indeed in "a"--if not "the"-- golden age of lutherie. The sheer number of superb independent makers listed so far is awe inspiring, as is the fact that Gibson is once again earning its previously stellar reputation for excellent acoustic instruments, not to mention other top-notch factory builders such as Collings and Weber and the Chinese contenders like Eastman and Jade plus the many fine Czech, French, and Brazilian makers.

When I first started playing mando in the mid '70s, really good mandolins were few and far between. Gibson's production was a joke and there were just a smattering of independent makers worth their salt. These days it seems like you have to go out of your way to find a clunker.

Certainly there were previous little golden ages for fretted instruments--19th C. Italy or Gibsons first golden years early last century, for example--but I don't think anything compares with the embarassment of riches we now enjoy.

I find it thrilling.

JeffD

Oct-29-2009, 3:23pm

This is the golden age of lutherie. You have builders all over the world. The list can grow as you add Sumi and all the builders in Europe. You've got a ton of small builders that are emerging in the US. There is no way to ever quantify this.

I quite agree.

Also, with the constant sharing of information, and the availability of world class tools, the differences between whatever someone would call the top and the second to the top is very small. Its not like there is one maker laps ahead of everyone else.

JeffD

Oct-29-2009, 3:25pm

Certainly there were previous little golden ages for fretted instruments--19th C. Italy or Gibsons first golden years early last century, for example--but I don't think anything compares with the embarassment of riches we now enjoy.

I find it thrilling.

Very much so.

pickloser

Oct-30-2009, 12:22pm

Who makes the best mandolin? Seems to me it's kind of like asking who makes the best meatloaf.

With all due respect, I believe the issue of who is the best loafier should be addressed in different thread.

:popcorn:

GRW3

Oct-30-2009, 1:14pm

The beauty of the current situation is that you can find a mandolin that sounds great to you. And, in the end, isn't that the most important thing? Fortunately, the nature of the mandolin kind of reduces the junk to good ratio a lot more than for guitars. Buy the best mandolin you can afford for which you can hear a significant difference in quality of tone.

man dough nollij

Oct-31-2009, 2:43pm

With all due respect, I believe the issue of who is the best loafier should be addressed in different thread.

:popcorn:

Don't get me going! Just because you are a meat worker, that does not make you a loafier. Meat working is not loaferie! :grin:

John Eischen

Oct-31-2009, 3:25pm

Never let your meat loaf!

mntmandoman253

Nov-04-2009, 10:42am

Silverangel mandolins.

mandroid

Nov-04-2009, 11:09am

Maybe , since there are so many already mentioned , there should be a numerical ranking

by how high, above sea-level, their shops are? :confused:

:popcorn:

MandoCowboy

Dec-22-2009, 4:47pm

Now the question should be out of that list what would you choose to pick? This thread has now transformed itself somehow back to the original post. Job well done! If I had to choose, I would have to go with a Nugget or a Weins.

After reading several uncomplimentary comments on the cafe forum (do a search), seems Mr. Weins has issues when it comes to customer service, meeting promised build times and one has to wonder about warranty? Maybe he builds a good mando, maybe not. I would think it takes more than that to be a considered a good builder, and not much less to be a bad one.