Sumi Mandolins

[Jefa432]

Thinking about upgrading my mando, the only two types of nicer mandolins in my area are Breedlove and Sumi. The Breedlove has a great sound but I can't get past that "K" model design. The Sumi has a great sound also but with having that "F" body, I'm leaning towards the Sumi. Does anyone have any remarks good or bad about the Sumi?

[Michael Lewis]

Sumi mandolins are very good, and low priced for what they are. This has been discussed here several times previously. Mr. Sumi has been making instruments for many years, has 3 apprentices, and makes instruments for other companies under their names.

[Frank Russell]

Buffalo Bros. in Carlsbad, CA has two Sumi mandolins that are just excellent. There was a standard (like an F5G - no back binding) and a deluxe, and I would put them up against just about any Gibson model I've played. No slam on Gibson, I still want a Bush model, but these Sumis were just a joy to play. Great workmanship and finish, optimal playability and tone. The only reason I didn't get one was the fact that I had already put my money down on my Collings MF. Frank

[Scott Tichenor]

I don't profess to know much of anything about Sumi, but while at the summer NAMM show in July I visited Cotten Music (this is in Nashville). I had a chance to play Roland White's personal Sumi Mandolin that is for sale there. Really nice instrument, and you know it's been broken in major league by a great musician (and great guy). No financial interest.

Links to all of the rest of the pix on this page. (http://www.cottenmusic.com/inventory.html)

From the site: # Sumi S-5 Mandolin (2000, #09, Exc+++) Japan; Varnish finish; One piece Maple back and sides, Maple neck with 'light' finish on the back of the neck; Japanese Spruce top (their equivalent to Adirondack Spruce); non-radiused Ebony fretboard with extension; pearl dot inlay; pearl Sumi logo and flowerpot in the peghead; nickel Schallers with pearl buttons; hand-built and hand-carved by the premier Japanese luthier Sumi (who is no longer building mandolins under his own name); Sumi logo on the nickel tailpiece; formerly owned by Roland White. A wonderful mandolin with beautiful tone. back full OHSC $7195

http://www.cottenmusic.com/images/Misc/Sumi%20S5%20front%20full.jpg

[Greg H.]

I haven't played many of Sumi's mandolins, but if the one you're looking at is anything like the three point he had at IBMA you've got a winner. That one was a joy to play and hear (though you just about had to wait in line to play it).

[earthsave]

The Sumi I played was a killer.

[Christine W]

The Sumi Greg H was talking about now resides at First quality music supply. I was going to pay it a visit real soon to give it another test drive. #It was #also one of my favorites at IBMA.

Just noticed your from louisville go out to first quality it's out in tradeport they have so many mandolins to choose from and that way you can play till your fingers bleed. I would not buy another mandolin without first getting to play it.

[Spruce]

The Sumi folks at IBMA...

[Mando Andy G]

I advise you to check rose mandolins. I own one and the workmanship is great. The tone is super. You will save a ton of money by going with rose mandos. You can contact Mr. Darby Boofer at rose mandolins at his e-mail address which is rosemando@wmconnect.com.