Ratliff or Silver Angel

[robert.najlis]

No that is not a typo in the title (I'm pretty sure I typed it correctly...) I am looking at a couple of used mandolins. A Ratliff Ra5 and a Silver Angel econo mandolin. I have never played either, but they both have good reputations, so they both seem like good bets.

My main concerns are playability and tone. I am not a bluegrass player, I know Ratliffs are more for bluegrass, but are they more diverse than that as well? Playability is really important, as I am trying to improve my playing, and I think that a really playable mandolin would help with that a lot.

Any comparisons on sound and feel? Say to brands like Collings, Weber, Gibson, Kentucky, Eastman? I have tried all of those so those comparisons would help.

Thanks

[D C Blood]

Hi...No financial interest here, but I am always trying to spread the word about Silverangel mandolins. They are very versatile, good for bluegrass and any other kind of music. Check the Silverangel Myspace site on my signature block. Good pickin'...

[TDMpicker]

There is a used econo A in the classified at the moment.

[sachmo63]

Not to dissuade or disagree but I've owned both and out of the two the Ratcliff IS A BLUEGRASS powerhouse. They typically have that deep bellowy tone that is sought after in the bluegrass community. Mine was a banjo-killer.

The Ratliff, in comparison typically have a very even and balanced tone. All i've owned and seen have been loud and had a very complex tone.

Another point to consider is the workmanship: The Ratliff mandolin's i've seen/owned have all been flawless in workmanship. I mean spotless. My SA was not as refined or perfect on the workmanship end of the conversation, but still a good mandolin.

S

[barry k]

Both are great mandolins from 2 great builders, best bet is to play in person and select the one that sounds best to you for the style of music that you play.

[robert.najlis]

I agree that trying would be best. I forgot to mention that I am not near either one, so unfortunately that is not an option...


Both are great mandolins from 2 great builders, best bet is to play in person and select the one that sounds best to you for the style of music that you play.

[barry k]

Thats a tough one..... maybe you could call or e mail each builder and they could refer you to a client that may be close to where you live that would allow you to demo their mandolin or order one and ask for an approval period. There is always a solution.

[tburcham]

Of course I'm biased, so let me get that out of the way right up front. The Silverangel I own and an Econo-A I regularly play are just phenomenal mandolins. The Econo-A's sound so close to the Distressed F-5 Ken builds that one would really have to love a scroll to pay the difference. I would agree that the detail and workmanship on the Ratliff might be better (and the Ratliff's I've played have been good). If you like the distressed look, Ken is a Master of that 100 year old look....and sound! Happy hunting!