Got a Rose Mandolin?

[Tim Saxton]

Greetings all!

Just a thought. I spoke with Darby the other day about his mandolins. I was wanting to get a thread going for players and owners of Rose Mandolin's to post their thoughts and feelings.

Tim Saxton

[wayfaringstranger]

I've played two of them, and liked them both. A friend of mine just took one home, and I ordered one for myself a couple of months ago.

Sweet tone, excellent value. And Darby's a good guy.

[dj9124]

Darby built one for me, #20 with Engleman spruce top. It was a downright monster. Unfortunately my left hand started developing cramps, I need a larger neck. Even though it was way past the trial period, had it about a month, I talked to Darby and he bought it back from me. It was by far the best mando I had in that price range, actually it sounded better than some that cost much more. I would not hesitate to recommend Darby and his Rose mandolins, outstanding tone and volume.
Dave

[jeffyork]

I just got mine yesterday. It is incredible; tone, looks, playability are all excellent. Darby is great to work with. He gave me a varnish finish as a surprise with no additional charges. I would compare it to a Collins F5; that's the only thing I've played that really compared. It has a great woody chop and notes ring like bells. Anyone in the Richmond, VA that wants to play mine is welcome to get in touch. The neck is very comfortable - I played for 3 hours non-stop last night at a jam and my hand still wasn't all that tired. Now if I can just learn to play about 10X better..... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[dasspunk]

I've got #10. She's not quite as purtty as Darby's latest creations but she makes up for it in tone...

Have a listen (http://dasspunk.com/index.php?wl_mode=more&wl_eid=118) if you like...
or here... (http://www.dasspunk.com/music/secretstate/2-14%20Nine%20Pound%20Hammer.mp3)
or here as well... (http://www.dasspunk.com/music/secretstate/1-17%20Little%20Maggie.mp3)
I suppose this counts as too... (http://www.dasspunk.com/music/secretstate/2-01%20Think%20of%20What%20you've%20Done.mp3)
this one's kinda fun too... (http://www.dasspunk.com/music/secretstate/1-12%20White%20Dove.mp3)

[rose#1]

I hope I am getting the hang of this mando building thing ....Orrin Starr just ordered 2 varnished.I think he is considered a respected musician....and still well under $3000.00

Darby

[Kbone]

These mandolins are such a great bargain , I can't tell you how much i've enjoyed my last one - real banjo busters..

[Mando Andy G]

Hello some fellow rose mando owners. I own number 19 [ibma rose]. I love the tone and the mando is a beaut. The workmanship is completely awesome. The price is unbeliveabe. I am very happy http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif.

[bones12]

I recently got # 15, an F4 with a great dark top and fantasic sound that is much like my F4 and F2 gibsons. It is easy in the hands and a joy to play- great balance. What a very nice find. Detail work and sweet spot are grand. But I love that F4 sound. Doug

[T_Crow]

I am getting a used fir-topped model from Darby. #I've never played a mando with a fir top before. #How do they compare to the spruces?

[wayfaringstranger]

I played one of his fir-tops a few months ago that was back in the shop for a visit. It kicked some serious booty. Darby seems to prefer them, though I'll leave it to him to explain why. I think he replied to question about a fir top in another thread a few months back.

Anyway, the one I played convinced me (plus it seems to me like it's a good idea to go with a builder's recommendations). My fir top is on order and should be one of the next ones he builds. I'll report on it when it arrives. Hopefully it'll be fairly soon as I'm about to become mando-less.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Also, a friend of mine here in DC owns #20. It has an Engleman Spruce top (I think), and it's a pretty sweet instrument, too.

john

[T_Crow]

Thanks wayfaringstranger. I know what you mean. There's a reason that things are the way they are... I was really more curious than anything. I work in the timber industry and Douglas-fir is one of our main species. That and Western Red Cedar are my two favorites. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[wayfaringstranger]

Sure. I did a little research on the topic myself when I was getting ready to place my order. It seems that fir is a bit harder than most (if not all?) varieties of spruce. One source said that this meant that it could be carved somewhat thinner without sacrificing strength.

In practical terms, though, I don't know what that means, and I don't know if that's how Darby does it (it would be interesting to hear his take on the different kinds of wood sometime, though). I just know that I liked the one that I played. I also know that I'm psyched to get mine.

[telepbrman]

I'm in, I bought that one used off of Buffalo Brothers, and I like it a lot. I'll keep you posted, dy.

[Tim Saxton]

yeah,

I was gonna buy that one. The had the low fret fixed and they were gonna call me when it was done and the next thing I heard you owned it.

Enjoy

Tim

[mandohusband]

Darby called today. Wanted me to stop by. I own #16 and live literally 2 miles down the road. Darby had #14 in the shop for a tune-up.

Mike Andes of Nothin' Fancy has had #14 on the road for the better part of a year. The mandolin has some road rash, but talk about mojo... It has the fir top and growl to boot. The lacquer is wearing from the scroll (pick induced) and the neck (cool...). I baby #16, so it's just really neat to see one of Darby's mandolin's after a year of constant touring and playing--and to hear one that's been played hard. And the tone...

Shaun