Trying out some mandolins in the Harrisburg, PA area

[wadeyankey]

Hi all,

I am a mandolin player in the Harrisburg, PA area, and I am thinking about upgrading mandolins in the near future. The problem is, as with many places, there are not a lot of high end mandolins around to try out. I thought i would post here to see if anyone in my area has an example of some of the instruents that I am considering, and if these folks would be interested in letting me take them for a test drive. Some of the things I have been thinking about are:

F styles - Stiver, Hamlett, Brock, Ludewig, Triggs
A styles - Ellis, Heiden, Red Diamond, Kimble

If anyone has any of these types of mandolins, and lives in the area (within reason), and would be willing to let me try them out, please let me know. You can send me a PM. I would really appreciate it. Also, if you have something in this sort of price range that you feel is outstanding and would like to let me check it out, that would be great too! I can't think of another way to get to try out mandolins from small builders without driving all over the country. Thanks in advance to all you folks on the cafe. There is no better resource for pickers anywhere.

Wade

[Dave Greenspoon]

Wade-
You are just down the road from the Bluett brothers in York. Here's the link:

http://www.bluettbros-violins.com/mandolins.shtml

I've experienced a few Bluett instruments at jams and festivals, and they are always amazing to hear, hold, and see. My sense is that they are in the ballpark for what you are looking to spend given the other fine luthiers you mention. You can't go wrong with any of them, but with Bluett you've got a local builder, which is a mighty fine bonus.

Good luck with your search, wherever it leads you!
Dave

[Geiss]

I think Ward Elliot, who's listed on the builders area, has a customer in Harrisburg with a handful of his fine instruments.
Can't go wrong via word of mouth if this customer has had good experiences and you like his instruments...building only A styles from what I know.

Best,
David

[Charles Johnson]

I think Ward Elliot, who's listed on the builders area, has a customer in Harrisburg with a handful of his fine instruments.
Can't go wrong via word of mouth if this customer has had good experiences and you like his instruments...building only A styles from what I know.

Best,
David

Ward has built a number of fine F styles as well, both F4 and F5.
Best regards
Charles

[sgarrity]

There's a great Heiden in the classifieds and I bet he'd send it to you on approval. They are an exceptional mandolin for the $$$.

[Capt. E]

I have played several Ellis A's and they are fabulous. There is even a new oval hole.