Does anyone have information on Antoria F-style mandolins?

[swelkie]

Hi,

Does anyone know anything about the current Antoria F-style mandolins - I tried one in my local music shop the other day, along with five other makes ranging in price from £350 to £900, and this one was way ahead of the others in tone, projection and general build quality. It was priced at £650.
I'm pretty tempted, as I'm looking for an F-style to complement my 50 year vintage Hoyer. Does anyone have experience of the Antoria, or know where they're made currently? I can't find any reference to them on the Antoria site, and wonder whether this particular instrument is typical of the brand or just happens to be an exceptional " one- off ".

Thanks.

[JEStanek]

Here's some information on the brand (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antoria). Imported from Asia either Korea or Japan depending upon how old the instrument is. Good advice is, buy the best sounding one you can afford regardless of the name on the headstock.

Jamie

[swelkie]

Thanks for the info Jamie. I do agree that if you can get to hear and play and like it, it's better than buying remotely even if the name is good.