Just my opinion

[Steven Clarkson]

My first mandolin was a throw back mexican model that I had originally purchased for my wife - that was 15 years ago. I went to the only music store selling mandos at the time in Austin within six months and eyed a Weber Bitteroot that I eventually purchased. Since then I have owned an Apitius, a Brentrup, a Dickinson, an old Gibson, a Skip Kelley, a Rigel, a Smart, etc. I have probably not only broke the bank a couple times, I have had the wonderful experience of playing a lot of great instruments. Each of these have had nuances that I just loved. For me, playing a great instrument is one of the wonders of life. I don't see it as MAS. I see it as a learning experience. I just picked up a Eastman DG1 and I love it. I don't know how long it will be until I decide to let it move on, but for now the two of us have some learning to do. It's my first Pac Rim instrument and I am delighted by it's sound and responsiveness. Just my opinion.

[allenhopkins]

Share your opinion, though I haven't played all the wonderful small-builder instruments you've owned. The DGM-1 is a darn nice mandolin, and I'd put it in the class of some of the good US instruments. Doesn't have quite the "woofy" bluegrass voice some prefer, but sharp and clear and clean. And the Giacomel-based styling differentiates it from the F-5 silhouetted mandolins that predominate in the upper echelons of the Mandoverse. For about $2K, you could do a whole lot worse, IMHO.

[jim_n_virginia]

you got MAS ... your just in denial :mandosmiley:

[Steven Clarkson]

Thanks Allen and Jim you are probably right!

[Plectrosaurus]

I have only owned two mandolins in the past 30+ years. My first was an Aria A model and my second one is an Eastman 515 purchased about five years ago from Steve at Gianna Violins. The Eastman is a great little mandolin. I have had a lot of compliments on the sound of it. I feel fortunate to have this one, as it didn't cause a big discussion at home. I think I'll be satisfied for 30 more years with this one.
RR
My first mandolin was a throw back mexican model that I had originally purchased for my wife - that was 15 years ago. I went to the only music store selling mandos at the time in Austin within six months and eyed a Weber Bitteroot that I eventually purchased. Since then I have owned an Apitius, a Brentrup, a Dickinson, an old Gibson, a Skip Kelley, a Rigel, a Smart, etc. I have probably not only broke the bank a couple times, I have had the wonderful experience of playing a lot of great instruments. Each of these have had nuances that I just loved. For me, playing a great instrument is one of the wonders of life. I don't see it as MAS. I see it as a learning experience. I just picked up a Eastman DG1 and I love it. I don't know how long it will be until I decide to let it move on, but for now the two of us have some learning to do. It's my first Pac Rim instrument and I am delighted by it's sound and responsiveness. Just my opinion.

[SternART]

I call it a quest to experience the many voices of the mandolin. I know I'm a better player from trying to learn to get the best tone out of each instrument I've been caretaker of.......or maybe more like a stewardship......after all we don't own them, they last longer than us. And a new instrument can sometimes be the inspiration that gets you playing more, so you progress from the plateau you might find yourself sitting at. I've also enjoyed the experience of commissioning many of the small builders for custom instruments, most are incredibly nice folks, and some are great players too. I celebrate the differences, and have enjoyed the quest.

[Steven Clarkson]

I completely agree with you SternArt - but for me it's more of a journey - each mandolin giving me a better perspective on the instrument. I have not been displeased with any of the builders I have worked with, or any of the mandolins I've owned. They have each refined my skill and made me a better player. Some I had to release quickly due to a large neck or scale or the like. Others I've owned for years - I guess you could call it MAS but I am a one mandolin kind of guy - the only time I've had more than one in the house is when I had an octave as well - hope everyone has a blessed weekend.

[re simmers]

:mandosmiley:"I'm Steve Clarkson and I have MAS." Hello Steve!

Once you acknowledge it we can help you!

I also think you are in denial.

Bob