What is your dream mando

[Baron Collins-Hill]

my dream mandolin would, besides a custom from a luthier, would either be a gibson f9 with a radiused fretboad, or a driftwood, perhaps one like #6, what's yours?

[Eugene]

Well, I think I may already own it. #Not that any reader here is likely to care in my freakish tastes, but I would also love to own a high-end Calace from the teens-twenties...and a Calace liuto cantabile (i.e. 5-course mandocello) while I'm at it. #One of these days, I'll get around to a late 18th-c. mandolin by some Vinaccia shop or G.B. Fabricatore. #I'd also love to own an original baroque-era mandolino by Smorsone or Brambilla...or Antonio Stradivari.

[Big Joe]

I already have my dream mando...my Master Model. What more could one want???
PhishPhan...we can build you an F9 with a radiused board whenever you want.

[jasona]

I don't usually indulge in these wishing day dreamy threads, despite Dr Darrow's evil temptations towards that end, but I have to admit that when I think back over the mandos I've been lucky enough to have played I keep remembering this Gibson F12 that Randy Wood had converted to an F5 for sale at the Twelfth Fret a few years back. That thing had such power it still leaves me speechless.

Best tone, and mandos I'd love to have, were a prototype Master Model and a Sephan Sobel small body rosewood. I'd take either if offered http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[springer_spaniel]

Big Joe,

Your trying too hard now to promote Gibson .... I respect your position and your posts and your honesty, but not everyone wants the "Gibson" sound. I for one find it too "woody". I prefer a darker more classical sound with more overtones than a Gibson has to offer. Your "what more could one want" comment put you over the promotional top.

Sorry if this is mando sacriledge, I know Gibson's are great mandos but let's recognize that the master model isn't the sound that "everybody" wants.

Feel free to flame on .. I probably deserve it.

--Pete


>> I already have my dream mando...my Master Model. What more could one want??? <<

[grandmainger]

Dream mando for me (it is vintage...):

FrankenMouse's 1914 Gibson F4 Blackface (see thread here (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=15;t=17696)).

The more I look at it, the more I am completely amazed at the perfection of it. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

[fatt-dad]

Hey, if BigJoe is happy with his Master Model, let him be. He is involved in the Mandolin Cafe and that is a good thing.

I would like to have the distressed master model. I guess I would like to have any Gibson made in the current shop, so why not go for the top?

[MANDOLINMYSTER]

Zeidler Carrara.............. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[Philip Halcomb]

Varnished "The Gibson Master Model" or a varnished fern...

[Jim Garber]

Zeidler Carrara.............. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif
Mike:
Have you ever played one?

They are indeed beautiful and the workmanship was impeccable, but the one I played many years ago (when Zeidler was still with us) was lacking in the tone one would expect from a high-end instrument. Just my 2 cents.

I didn't intend to burst your bubble...

Jim

[Eugene]

Well, I think I may already own it.
After such a bold statement, I forgot to define "it."
C.F. Martin & Co., 1908, one-of-a-kind bowlback ("unidetified special" in Longworth's book).

[Keith Wallen]

A 37 Gibson F5 like "Hoss" http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blues.gif

[AlanN]

A Nugget F I picked on at IBMA 4 years, just a very great mandolin.

[mandonewbie]

For me at the present...it would have to be a Gibson F9....I really appreciate the sound, but what strikes me more is the clean and simple finish......kinda like a little brother to my Martin D-15 which is also a simple looking, but fantastic sounding instrument. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[Big Joe]

Hey Springer_spaniel...no promotion. Just my favorite. I could dream of a Loar, but that ain't a gonna happen so why bother. Save my dreams for something I might get http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif . I could also be happy with a good Gilchrist but no quite as happy as I am with my MM. Did not intend to promote. Just stated my preference. Each has their own and that is good. Just like politics, except we all know one party is wrong...you just have to figure out which one http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[danb]

One of Charlie's Gibson MMs or Varnished Ferns, lightish tobacco sunburst, with a virzi and light green master model case

[grandmainger]

A Nugget F I picked on at IBMA 4 years, just a very great mandolin.
Or this nugget, that is the most beautiful scroll I have ever seen.

[jmkatcher]

Monteleone Radio Flyer

[Eugene]

Or this nugget, that is the most beautiful scroll I have ever seen.
...And those fret markers are mighty cool to boot.

[Lane Pryce]

I'd like to have an F9 with a rediused fret board and oversized frets! Or a Rigel G5!! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif Lp

[Gary]

I'd like a phoenix bluegrass model...someday perhaps.

-gary

[Joe F]

Anything that comes from Hans Brentrup's shop.

[mad dawg]

I've never played one, but this Monteleone-esque Holst really, really, really speaks to me.

[ronlane3]

springer_spaniel,

Man that is wrong. How do you get that he is promoting Gibson?? I know he works for them, but the topic asked for your dream mandolin. Joe's is a MM, yours doesn't have to be, but you don't have to rip a guy for his choice.

Just so you know, my dream would be a distress MM, or a Gilchrist, or a Dude. Heck I'd take just about any or all of them and be tickled pink.

[davestem]

Ooooohhh...

I have 2 dream instruments (and one of them is very achievable!). One is a Martin slant-top oval-hole (specifically the one at the Double Stop Fiddle Shop), and the other is a Phoenix Master Model two-pointer.

[doanepoole]

Sobell!

[johnnymando]

Really like my 03 Sam Bush but wouldn't mind a Varnish Master Model....or a Smith Creek...or a Gil or a Nugget...AAAAAAAAARRRGGGG!!!Its like the guys who allways have to get a bigger boat.Help me....:( http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Baron Collins-Hill]

nice thoughts everybody, i know, its an addiction, theyre going to come out with medication soon enough...

yeah, ive seen those stephen holsts, there real nice but i dont know much about them or how they sound so..

[sandcastlefaith]

I was looking really hard at one of those Holst's, but didn't end up getting one because at the time, they didn't have an approval period policy. I dont know if they've adopt a policy for that yet, or not. I really wanted to play it first though, and wasn't willing to risk it. Has anyone played one of these? Any comments and insight would be appreciated.

[straight-a]

To date, my dream would be either a Rattlesnake or Randy Wood A-model.

[Joe Parker]

I want Paganoni Lawson Model #8 that I sold in a weak moment. If you have it please get in touch!!

JPP

[Unseen122]

A Jazz guitar style one like the Bacorn FL5 it really calls to me. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Lee]

Hah, my dream mandolin is ON HOLD until the present owner returns from vacation. It's just a money order away. Hopefully it will have a neck as playable as my Old Wave, and a tone to match that myrtlewood Peter Coombe A5 I played last year.

[jessboo]

#47 Elliott in a cherry sun bust http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[mnosretep]

Gibson MM

[Bradley]

I'll Chime in another vote for the Master Model

[tiltman]

I've heard good things about those Brunkalla mandolins... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

I would love to try out a distressed Master Model, as long as I'm dreaming...

Kirk

[onlyagibsonisgoodenuff]

I'm pretty happy with the Varnish Fern I have, but if I'm going to wish, I'd like to have Big Joe's Master Model!

Or . . .

That Collings is one of the finest headstocks period by any maker

Joe. Last I heard Grisman has the Doyle Pag #8

Does this bring back memorys? I wish I still had it to. It was a great mandolin.

[springer_spaniel]

Big Joe,

I apologize to you and everybody else on the board for my post accusing you of over promoting Gibson as your dream mando. I knew it was wrong when I posted it and I realize that your favorite would probably be a Gibson. I have intense pride in the products that my company makes ( not mando related ). I hope to own a Gibson A-4 myself one day.

I can offer lots of excuses of why I wrote what I did, but basically, I was in a bad mood, unable to "play" and momentarily immature and or insane.
I'm sure you all don't want to hear the details of why I was crabby last night so I won't go into it.

To everyone, I appreciate this community and the dialog we have,sorry if my rant ruined any possibilty of our having productive conversation in the future.

[Dave Caulkins]

Ahhh... Fantasy...

Rigel Jethro - First and foremost! (Some of you must be sick of me saying this - just listen to the bloody sound clips on their site - DROOL!)
Monteleone - I would take anything, I fear, preferably not an "F"... I gotta hold my ground http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Lyon & Healy - Once again... just about anything will do as long as it has great tone and that way too cool fiddle scroll.

Argh! I can't keep thinking like this

Dave

[toddr]

i played a couple of flatirons this weekend....an '86' and '87'.......both carlson signed and x-braced. killer mandos, put my fern(2003) to shame.

[Big Joe]

Hey Springer...no offense taken. Everyone is entitled to a little PMS from time to time http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif . The great thing is everyone has a dream and they may come true. The do on Disney http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif .

[8ch(pl)]

I have always liked the looks of a Gibson A-3 whiteface, with the original white pickguard. I have never seen one, but from sound of the few Gibson A's from that era that I have played it was always what I wanted.

I also like both the Gibson A-9 and the Weber Absaroka. Some day perhaps.

[Peter Hackman]

I stopped dreaming when I saw my dentist the other day.
The bill will land at 9,000 kronor (8-900 E)
But a blonde oval-hole, possibly long scale,
would be nice, for jazz.

[Joe Parker]

Mav-that is down right cruel-man that's a great mandolin! I could kick myself for letting that one go. Please e-mail me pics for my archive-I lost the ones I had in my last computer crash. Thanks!

[Ken Sager]

Nugget A or F. I haven't played a bad one. Not that I've played that many, mind you.

[Jim Hilburn]

How about Scott's Nugget? You can feel the concussion hit you in the chest when your standing in front of it.
I'm looking forward to that experience again next week.

[Andrew Reckhart]

I really like the Blackface Gibson Master Model that Emory Lester has advertised in the classifieds! #It would be high on my list.

A new Gibson Master Model that I could work with Charlie and Joe on to give it a 'personal touch' of my own.

But my real Dream Mandolin would have to be Bill Monroe's Lloyd Loar!

Hey...When I dream - I dream BIG! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

OOps .Sorry I didn't realize that the Loars were not allowed!

[EasyEd]

Hey All,

For me an A like this Sullivan

http://quicksitebuilder.cnet.com/sullivan_mandos/joasd.jpg

and/or an asymetrical 2 point like this old Kay

http://i24.ebayimg.com/03/i/02/67/2b/42_12_s.JPG

colored like the A and custom built by??? (I don't know who yet!).

Take Care! -Ed-

[jasona]

How about Scott's Nugget? You can feel the concussion hit you in the chest when your standing in front of it.
I'm looking forward to that experience again next week.
I'll bite on that one Jim. From all of the MP3s that's the one that really catches my attention the most.

Build me one that sounds like that? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[Jeff Baldwin]

I just got my dream mando...a collings mt....I got lucky
I have a ticket to ride....and enjoying every minute of it....

there are a lot of great mandos out there...and ...I got mine....thanks bill....

[mad dawg]

"I really like the Blackface Gibson Master Model that Emory Lester has advertised in the classifieds!"
Andrew's post reminded me that I also really like the Ludewig blackface Emory Lester model pictured here.

[danb]

Ed, that second one is a Harmony Baroque (also called a "Harmony Batwing")

[saznpins]

My dream mando is that Flatiron Performer F5 in the classifieds... And soon it will be mine http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif I just sent the money for it today, can't wait for it to arrive! Hooray!
Cheers,
Sarah

[bluesmandolinman]

my dream mando would be the personal mandolin of Carl Martin or Charlie McCoy or Johnny Young ... hope their spirit make me play better http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

and in real life I would take a National Style 2 with german silver body ...hhhmmmmm
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[EasyEd]

Hey All,

Dan you are absolutely right! My Bad! It is a Harmony I guess Kay was easier to type. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Anyway I did a little more looking for asymetrical 2 points and I really really like the Nugget that sold for $12,000. Given my inability to afford that maybe I'll buy a few lottery tickets and try for an Old Wave C# (actually I'd like 2 one voiced for bluegrass and the other for Celtic, Irish, etc).

Take Care! -Ed-

[Magnus Geijer]

My current dream mando is Geijer #2, as that would mean that it was finished. Taking me forever.

/Magnus

[Yellowmandolin]

I guess I could settle for a Gibson Distressed Master Model. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[PlayerOf8]

Monteleone RADIO FLYER

[mandojimmy]

Definately a 1915-1917 Gibson F4. With the sunburst top and inlaid tuners it has to be the most beautiful mandolin and the sound is right up there as well. The wide fingerboard may not appeal to bluegrassers but it certainly does seem to be appealing to most other mando players. I have a 1920 F4 (oversprayed but still wonderful mando) but am keeping my eyes open for an earlier one with the handel tuners.. I'm in the UK so it's very unlikely but who knows>
MandoJimmy

[mandopete]

You've neglected to note whether this was a good dream or a bad dream.

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif


For me it's any mandolin that plays in tune.

[fatt-dad]

I got this tired old Hondo that I occasionally dream about - I dream it would go away and something better would be there instead - ha.

f-d

[Steve L]

A large bodied Sobell. I could have "made do" with the red Owsley-Smith oval hole Dan B sold a while ago, but I just couldn't swing it.

I'm pretty happy with my Breedelove KF from the dealer- formerly -known- as- Dale Cater.