Is there a mando....

[telepbrman]

....that sounds like: Ronnie's Gilchrist, or Franks Gibson, or the Dawg-----for $1500 to 2000 clams?

[JiminRussia]

If you find two of them let me know, I'll take the other one.

[Jim Garber]

Yes.

[GBG]

Yes, if you can play like Ronnie, Frank, or the Dawg.

[August Watters]

I'm sure Ronnie, Frank or Dawg could make any $1500 instrument sound like their own -- because it's only a little overstated to say the tone is not in the instrument, it's in the fingers. I think we get WAY too focused on the equipment, and forget there's no short cut to tone: just practice!

Of course, when someone invents a $1500 mandolin that sounds like Dawg all by itself, I'll be the first in line. . . .

August W

http://www.augustwatters.com

Im sure thier is out there somewhere a mandolin that just has it, even though the seller is only asking 1,500. But running into such a deal is not often the case.

[Jim Garber]

My terse reply above was to be followed by something very similar to what August stated. I think listening to Tone Poems you can hear that a large portion of the sounds come from the player and are enhanced by the instrument.

Jim

[telepbrman]

Good deal. I'm still on the hunt, I'll keep you posted, dy.

[250sc]

jgarger,

Funny you should mention Tone Poems. I just picked up a copy and last night I noticed that it didn't matter much what Grisman played. The tone was very close to the same.

[jim simpson]

So let me get this straight: When I get a compliment on the great tone of my mandolin, I will say that it's all in my hands not the mando! On second thought, I better not, I'm too humble (and insecure). I have been on that journey to find the mandolin that would produce the right tone, volume, etc. yet when I have listened to past recordings with previously owned mandolins, I'm surprised to hear how much I can't hear the differences in the instruments. I think it must be a comination of instrument quality and one's own achieved tone.

[mandobsessed]

So I guess the converse is true and I can't blame the wolf tones and off notes on the instrument.....oh well I guess I need more practice.

[August Watters]

Controlling the wolf tones is part of the technique. Getting the notes to ring is a matter of technique. Bringing out the bass. . .you get the idea. Obviously every instrument sounds different, and problems with setup contribute to the tone as well -- but #for a more experienced player, the differences in sound from one instrument to the next contribute less to the tone than the technique does.

So why don't great players save their money and play crummy instruments? Actually, I know some who do, just to make a point! But I think we need better instruments to improve -- because they're more sensitive and give more back to the player. It's safe to say that good players don't usually become good players by playing lousy instruments.

A beginning player can strum any level of mandolin and hear the difference between oval hole or f-hole; low quality or high. They may be able to recognize a good handmade mandolin without looking at the headstock. But distinguishing a great mandolin from a good one takes developed technique and an experienced ear.

When you work on your tone and are ready for that upgrade, you will take that tone with you to the next instrument. Sure, the next instrument will sound better -- but you probably wouldn't have been able to bring out those sounds, or even recognize the characteristics of a better instrument, without your previous experience.

I think I'll sign off and go work on my tone! #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

August W
http://www.augustwatters.com

[Lee]

Great reply August! #You're often so able to put things clearly in perspective. #

[fatt-dad]

Im sure thier is out there somewhere a mandolin that just has it, even though the seller is only asking 1,500. But running into such a deal is not often the case.
Don't rule out the Stiver A-model mandolin as an option. I know that we all like to brag about our "special" mandolins, but I just happened on a Stiver A-model and it has a great tone and can be had (not from me though) in the under $2,000.00 range.

Prior to getting the Stiver, my "best" mandolin was an 83 Flatiron A5-1, which I bought from Gruhn for under $1200.00 - also a great sounding mandolin. But that Stiver. . . . . .

f-d

[Moose]

I must commend you guys!! - for once this valid question/post has not ran off on a "...mine's-better-than-yours" ,or *(enter mando maker's name) is the best for that amount of bucks". - Yes, of course quality and workmanship ARE factors ; but, I submit the largest "contributing factor" is THE PLAYER - his heart, mind and HANDS...- Keep up the good work folks! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Lee]

Fatt-Dad, new Stivers are in the mid-2K range now. And I hardly ever see them go up for sale on the used market. Wishful thinking, but we all can't be as lucky as you! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[fatt-dad]

O.K. how about a luthier named Dobie Toms, who has two f-style mandolins at Lynchburg Music (Virginia) for $1,500.00. Spoke to him today. I have played one of them, very good tone, finish is o.k., but all good construction and playability. He is a very minor builder, has bible versus written on the inside wood and uses a cross on the headstock inlay. Hand carved tops, greater than average recurve (i.e., tall bridge), but they do sound good.

What you are looking for is the monster recurve for the pure tone with a punch. Basically, the Gilchrist or Nugget sound without having to get a loan. I have been looking for an upgrade myself. #You should check out Moon Beam Mandolins (http://www.moonbeammandolins.com). #The fit and finish is worth talking about with plenty of tone to spare. # http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif