MAS comes to Mark's House

[J. Mark Lane]

I promised myself I would wait until the Spring to buy any new instruments. #I have a room full of things I don't play, some of them costing me quite a bit. #But...it's winter, and I'm itchin' fer a new manderlin.

I figure I'll go up to $3500. #That should give me a better instrument than the Morris F5 I mostly play these days. #

I could go to Mandolin Bros with $3500 in my pocket, and I probably will. #But, I've occasionally gotten better deals via Internet purchases. #So I'm considering that. #Proviso: I must have it now. #I cannot wait for a custom order. #I am an impatient man. #And it must be American made. #And it must be an F5 (I'm getting in touch with my feminine side) (and I have a nice A already).
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Candidates that come to mind are:

Silver Angel F5
Ratliff R5
Weber Yellowstone (used?) or other model?
Collings MF
Givens (or Legacy)
Old Wave

I am not interested in a Breedlove or a Rigel or any of the other "radical" designs. #I want an F5. #OTOH, I do prefer simple simple simple, within the genre. #That is, ideally I like a natural finish, very little inlay, simple headstock, etc. #I realize mostly I won't find that. #But thought I'd mention it anyway. #

Sound-wise, I want something with real "woof" -- and with volume, clarity and balance. #A light-bodied, push the envelope, rings-like-a-bell instrument. #My interests are bluegrass and related stuff. #But I also like the Collings sound.... #I would also prefer something that will hold its value. #

I would welcome any suggestions, thoughts, criticisms, etc. #I realize it's not always easy to make negative comments about people we know, so I would welcome private emails, as well. #Your comments will be treated with absolute confidentiality (hey, I'm a lawyer, I know what secrets are all about <g>). #

The hunt is on....

Thanks.

Mark

[jim simpson]

J. Mark,
Your budget is the price of a Daley basic model. From what you've described as your interests, this mandolin sounds like it would meet your needs in terms of plain or simple design and it has the bluegrass woof. I previously owned 2 from your list (Ratliff & Weber Yellowstone). Neither one had the Woof. I was considering the Collings MF prior to finding the Daley. The Collings has the woof and I like it's plain/simple design. It seems like I recently saw an MF on Ebay that would have been under your budget - a new one will be over your budget. I don't know if Sim Daley has a basic in stock but it might not hurt to contact him.
Good luck!

[JimW]

Mark, coming home from my Nashville visit Friday, I swung by First Quality in Louisville, KY. I had never had the opportunity to play or hear a Collings in person. I was really impressed. In your range and you stating you like the more simple adornments and bluegrass being your genre of choice, a Gibson F9 or Collings MF would be my recommendations. FQMS had 2 Collings MF's and I'll tell you, they were already honkin and the craftsmanship is flawless. I really liked the Collings line of mandolins.

Jim Watts

[RI-Grass]

Mark,

I have been playing my Yellowstone for the last month and this thing is great! Super clarity and projection. Great chop and tone. The fit and finish is outstanding. You should be able to pick up a standard Yellowstone for somewhere around $3500 new. (I think they're $3600 at most places).

[J. Mark Lane]

Thanks, guys. I've just looked over the Daley website. Nice. Add that one to the list. Personal experiences with instruments, like you guys are reporting, are very very valuable to me.

Mark

[jasona]

Mark, I love the tone out of my Silver Angel (Ratcliff) A5. It, as I have been playing it in, is becoming more woody and sharply defined (losing the overtones and developing that hollow "woody" tone I love). That said, I see BRW #6 is back for sale and in your price range...prolly wouldn't go wrong there.

[Professor PT]

Your description sounds exactly like the F-9. It's too bad you didn't jump on the Guitar Center clearance; you could have had one for $1600. MSRP right now is $3400( still within your budget, actually ).

[jasona]

Last time I was at McCabe's Music they had a Summit F5 that was pretty impressive. FYI

[J. Mark Lane]

I suppose I should consider the F9. I did try to find one locally during the whole GC thing, but had no luck. I was thinking perhaps I could get a better instrument for $3500, but maybe I'm wrong.

Jason, is the BRW you refer to the one currently on his website?

Thanks, guys, and please keep the comments coming.

Mark

[jjboone101]

Or, a used Flatiron F5 or Gibson F5G are both under that price limit. I've owned both, and depending on the actual model/instrument, are great mandos.

[RichM]

I loved my Old Wave F5 when I had it. Great classic bluegrass tone and not bad looking to boot. Charles Johnson has it now, and even though you could have bought it from me for a lot less, the price is still pretty agreeable. I have no financial interest in this, just vouching for a mandolin that I know to be excellent.

http://www.vintagemandolin.com/00oldwavef5_501931.html

[jasona]

Jason, is the BRW you refer to the one currently on his website?
Its Scotti's old one that appeared a day or two back in the classifieds.

[Bob DeVellis]

Mark, I'd recommend that if you're considering an F-9, you play before you buy. I've played a couple that were rather disappointing. They were both brand spankin' new and it might be that they would eventually open up, but as they were, I wasn't impressed. I know others have had very different experiences with them, which is why I suggest playing before you buy. That's good advice in general, although I have to say that I don't recall ever having played a bad Collings.

[Frank Russell]

Mark - I got my MF from Buffalo Bros., and I've been nothing but happy. Unfortunately, unless you find a used one, you're looking at about $3800 plus tax. I wanted one so bad I did the lay-away thing, and it was the best money I've spent so far on mandolins. Old Wave is also a great suggestion - my A model is hard to beat, and I'd love one of his F's. Good luck, Frank

[Jack Roberts]

I thought the "woof" and "bark" was determined by the player, not the instrument, as I tried a lot of mandolins that sell for quite a bit more than the price range you are looking at, and I could never really get a "woof" out of any mandolin. But then one day I picked up a Gibson Sam Bush. Ah, the sound! It was just like what I thought it should sound like, but I didn't have the money to buy it. A few months later I tried the MF at Buffalo Bros (the very one that frussell ended up buying) and, wow, there was that sound at less than half the price! I eventually got my own MF, but a new one is $300 more than your limit.

Not everybody likes Collings, but since there are enough around in shops that you can give one a try and have instant gratification should you decide to buy, at least audition one. There was another great sounding MF at McCabe's last time I was in LA.

I second the suggestion to always play before you buy. I had FQMS ship me two MFs for me to compare, and although they were almost identical in sound, there was enough difference to hear. I picked the "darker" sounding MF. Same for F9s. I played one F9, loved it, but by the time I had enough money to buy one, I could not find another F9 with the sound I was looking for.

Jack

[Larry Simonson]

I recommend you get on Don MacRostie's list for a new 'Red Diamond' A model. Might have to wait a while but it will be worth it. I love mine!

[Lee]

The Classifieds offer several to choose from. The Garrity looks like a Monteleone. The Bluett has a nice color and the shop is not far from me (not that it matters for anyone else), the Ratliff or the Summit might be a great F at a very enticing price.

[otterly2k]

Mark-- I recommend a trip to the Mandolin Bros. store at least to try out a bunch of different mandos and see if any of them stand out to you. If you're close enough to make it a day trip, I think there's no substitution for hand-on, ears-on direct experience.

If it helps you narrow the field, you can look for the best deal wherever....
KE

[Bradley]

Elderly has a MF right now with the white binding which is really nice

[woodysny]

Mandolin World Headquarters has an awesome Dearstone that seems to fit your criteria. Pretty hard to beat at under $3000.

[Lee]

The Dr. Stan Cohen C# on the Classifieds looks enticing. Or go for the Bluett, that might be a real sleeper. (I love spending someone else's money.)

[luckylarue]

Get a Cohen. Dr. Dave combines science with the aesthetic to create a loud, yet, beautiful sounding mandolin. They don't look like everybody else's either. cohen musical instruments.com

[luckylarue]

wow, lee957,

we jinxed each other! your post wasn't up when i began typing mine!

[Lee]

Great minds!

[flairbzzt]

Sounds like you've described a Collings MF. You may want to give Greg Boyd a call; he's got a few and will talk (a long time) to you about them and play them over the phone. I got my Weber Bighorn from him.

[Crowder]

PM sent

[mrt10x]

I would put my money on the Weber. Elderly lists their price on a Weber Yellowstone as 3200. Great thing about Webers is that you can basically get a custom mandolin for the same price. Call them up, you will see. The overall leaning of this board is that only boutique makers can make a mandolin right, or a Gibson from the overwhelming Gibson Mafia here as well. Fact of the matter is that Bruce will make you a flawless mandolin with custom features within your price ceiling, it will have flawless workmanship and will be covered by a company that will be around for a lot longer than the boutique builders that are all the rage on this site.

[Crowder]

I would put my money on the Weber. Elderly lists their price on a Weber Yellowstone as 3200. Great thing about Webers is that you can basically get a custom mandolin for the same price. Call them up, you will see. The overall leaning of this board is that only boutique makers can make a mandolin right, or a Gibson from the overwhelming Gibson Mafia here as well. Fact of the matter is that Bruce will make you a flawless mandolin with custom features within your price ceiling, it will have flawless workmanship and will be covered by a company that will be around for a lot longer than the boutique builders that are all the rage on this site.



That all may be true, we'll see. My experience with multiple Webers is that they look very pretty but sound very flat and lifeless.

[Scotti Adams]

Could it be that J. Mark is the new owner of #6?

[bluegrassjack2]

Go for the Ratliff. He builds a beautiful mandolin and they sound great. Wont spend that much either.

[J. Mark Lane]

Could it be that J. Mark is the new owner of #6?
No, Scotti, if it's sold somebody else got it. I haven't moved yet on anything. I've received a lot of great suggestions, and some enticing offers, via email etc. I really appreciate any and every thought anyone has on this. The possibilities are a little mind-boggling at this point. I need to start getting into the nitty-gritty on the available instruments (neck shape, radius, etc).

I figure I'll follow your various suggestions for a couple more days, then start into the narrowing....

Thanks, all!

Mark

[fatt-dad]

Maybe look for a Stiver. I love the tone of my A-model and the F's can only be great as well. I also think that Lou Stiver is a great guy (i.e., I trust him to work on my other mandolins and he does great work).

If you want to contact him directly (rather than go through Elderly), you can send me an email.

f-d

[diamond ace]

Sorry bluegrassjack but I will have to speak up here. I once owned a very good ratliff mandolin. I have played several and none of them were as good. However a friend of mine had audi (ratlif) build him a mando last year and with in 3 months the neck warped so bad that it is not fixable! when my friend took it to audi (ratlif) he was told to "tighten the truss rod as tight as you can get it". This is horable advice! my friend tried to get audi to honor the lifetime warenty and he would not so they may be going to cout soon.

I just hate to see anyone spend that kind of mony and get shafted like that. And I thought people should know. So my advice is stay away from Ratlif!

Good luck Mark.

[Scotti Adams]

..ouch http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

[Yellowmandolin]

Mark, I would give a serious look at the Collings. I played a few this summer at Ghruns and felt that among the MF-5 and the A (forget the name) the plain MF was the better. It sounded very similar to my Gibson F5-G, which I love. It has that woof and is very powerful. It did not however have a real clear ring when you get way up high. That shouldn't too much, unless you are Chris Thile. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[JimRichter]

Little hesistant to chime in here, since I'm a member of the "Mandolin of the Month Club," but I'd strongly consider a Czech mando. I recently acquired a top of the line Holoubek which, in my opinion (and of course its from only owning it a few days), is as good as any mandolin I've previously owned (Gibson Sam Bush, Paul Duff, Wayne Henderson, etc.) and only the Paul Duff rivals it in fit and finish (it's amazing how the Gibson, given that it cost at least $1K more than any of the other ones, was actually the shoddiest in finish details).

The mando is totally handmade by Holoubek. The inlay, scroll, and binding works are exquisite and very refined. Neck angle is dead on. The finishing of the scroll and under the extension are the best of all the mandos I've had. Tone is very good and I hear the potential for it to be superb once it's played some. It's not the loudest mando (can't really say it's a banjo killer), but the mando cuts through as a bluegrass mando should when pushed, but has a nice complex sound when played softer. For the first time in a long time, I'm actually enthused about a mandolin. I loved my Henderson--loved the sound, loved playing it, but never lusted for it. I want to play the Holoubek all the time.

Again, since I'm a member of the Mandolin of the Month club, I'm unsure what the future of the mandolin will be. However, my main point is that it shoots down any preconceived notions I had about Czech instruments. I can't speak for the other Czech builders, but Holoubek should be given major consideration. This is one gorgeous mandolin--and for $2800 used, I'm very happy.

Jim

[flairbzzt]

Mark, are you in the NY metro area?

[fatt-dad]

Looking at www.gruhn.com I can't help but wonder about the two Summits that they have. If I have my story straight, Summit is made by Paul Schneider who used to work for pre-Gibson Flatiron. I have a Carlson-signed Flatiron A5-1 that was made during this era and likely (mostly) made by Paul Schneider. It is awesome. The two that are at Gruhns are in your price range and may be real fine instruments.

f-d

[Lee]

You don't need to wonder about the two Summit's at Gruhn's. I played both earlier this spring (I believe they haven't sold) and both were nice mandolins at a fair price as I recall. The more expensive one was worth the extra price.
But I think Mark can do better.
Unless Mark likes to drive or take plane rides; methinks he'll gamble the shipping charges and buy something sight-unseen.

[John Flynn]

Just my two cents: I have experience with two Ratliffs that did not turn out so well. I think with a lot of small builders, you have to inspect and play the actual instrument you are going to buy beforehand. I have also not been wild about a lot of the Webers I have played. Like Ratliff, the Weber's fit and finish are always great, so they always look good, but the playability and the tone are hit and miss. So if you can play it first, any brand can be good, so buy the one you bond with. If you are going to mail-order, I think the Collings MF is your best bet. They are great and they seem to be very consistent.

[J. Mark Lane]

Great responses, guys.

Rick, yes, I am in the NY metro area.

Jim, I really do want to stick with a US made instrument. Mostly, it's just that I want to be able to count on continued dealing with the maker. Partly, it's because the music I love is also American-made. It's arguably silly, but that's me....

f-d, I'd certainly consider a Stiver, having heard good things about them. Not so sure about the Summits, but I do suspect I can do better.

I am impressed with how many people recommend going with a Collings. Frankly, it has been where I have been leaning for some time. Not only is the quality of construction superb on the ones I have seen, but the tone has been excellent on all...and their reputation for consistency is important. I also suspect that long-term value (and warrantability) are more certain with Collings than with most smaller builders. Still, I was hoping to stay in a slightly lower price point for this one, and want to consider all options.

There's a couple that popped up in the Classifieds that look interesting. I was sort of tempted by Peter's Flatiron, particularly with the appeal that part of the funds will go to tsunami relief. But...ugh, I just can't stomach that color http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

Then...there's that Newell....

Mark

[Kevin K]

I own a Summit F100 custom and very pleased with it. Have others heard horror stories or else? The one's I've played at Gruhn's over the past couple of years have been good in sound, playability, and fit/finish.

[Lee]

Mmm, that Newell looks purty. Who's played 'em?

[jessboo]

Ward Elliott A model

[JimRichter]

"I really do want to stick with a US made instrument. #Mostly, it's just that I want to be able to count on continued dealing with the maker. #Partly, it's because the music I love is also American-made. #It's arguably silly, but that's me.."

Even though they are pricey, I guess this leaves Duff and Gilchrist out for reasons other than just price!

Jim

[Rroyd]

I've been following this thread, and kept hoping someone would make this suggestion, but no one has, so I'll go ahead. #Gibson distressed Master Model. #All you need is to find some old lady who has dumped a cup of coffee in her lap at a Starbucks . . . # http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[J. Mark Lane]

"I really do want to stick with a US made instrument. #Mostly, it's just that I want to be able to count on continued dealing with the maker. #Partly, it's because the music I love is also American-made. #It's arguably silly, but that's me.."

Even though they are pricey, I guess this leaves Duff and Gilchrist out for reasons other than just price!

Jim
Well, if someone wants to sell me a Gil for $3500, I'll make an exception. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

I guess there are probably a few other makers that could have been listed as examples. Wiens, for example....Apitius, Heiden, Baird? I'd take any one of those in a heartbeat. <G> If Coombe made F's, I'd be thrilled with one of those.... I'd also be very happy to get my hands on a Sumi.

OK, the more I think about it, the more it doesn't matter. Still, I'm reluctant to buy from a "new" builder in a remote country, or a place without a strong bluegrass tradition. But hey, at this point, I'm seeing so many options my head is spinning. It's amazing how many good mandolins are out there.... Thanks all for the emails and responses. Stay tuned....

Mark

[Mteresko]

I've been hearing very good things about Mowry F-5s available at Greg Boyd's at under $3k. Might be worth a look.

[jim_n_virginia]

Mark if I had $3.5K for a new mandolin I would do either of two things. Save up another grand and go shopping with $4.5K. You can get a pretty decent mandolin for $3.5 BUT... you can get a heck of a mandolin for $4.5K... ESPECIALLY used.

OR...

I would take $3.5K and go "snipe" hunting on eBay. But ONLY if you are an experienced "eBayer" would I do this. I have seen some people get fantastic deals there but you got to be careful, fast and .... CAREFUL! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[J. Mark Lane]

You know, Jim, that's not far off from a thought I have been having. I've begun to think that for $3k you don't get much more than the Morris that I have. The Morris cost considerably less than that, but it has really opened up in the last year, and it does sound pretty good.

The handful of mandolins that I have played that really raised my eyebrows were, in fact, more expensive than $3500. I had the impression that I could approximate that tone and volume in a lower price range...I think perhaps the Collings MF may do that. But I'm not sure how many of the instruments in this lower price range really "get there." Based on what I've been learning (hearing etc), I have some doubts.

But I'm still exploring, and one next step is a day at MandoBros. Stay tuned....

Oh, as for the Mowry's, they indicate a larger neck than usual...and I tend to want the opposite (being a person with small hands).

Mark

[saznpins]

Hi Mark,
When MAS finally struck and I couldn't resist I bought my Flatiron last summer. I love it, the tone is fabulous. I played a few Yellowstones and liked them, but the Flatiron was the one for me. I've played 3 and they were all excellent http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif Highly recommended (though the color on mine is different from the one in the classifieds)!
Cheers much,
Sarah

[Lee]

BRW #40

[Jack Roberts]

When do you visit Mandolin Brothers? Could you keep careful notes on all the instruments you audition? I'd like to know how some of the used instruments sound and played. I'd kind of like to compare a player's impressions with Mandolin Brothers descriptions to see if I can decode the meaning of their instrument descriptions.

Jack

[J. Mark Lane]

If there's one thing you guys ought to know by now, it's that I am quite wordy. You can count on an absurdly detailed report.

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[J. Mark Lane]

Hey Sarah,

What happened to the Morris? Did you sell it?

Mark

[saznpins]

Hi Mark,
I did sell it, but it was kind of a strange outcome. After I shipped it, the fella never contacted me to let me know that it arrived and if he liked it or not. The only reason I know that it even arrived is because I had the tracking number http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif I sent an email to check that everything was ok but never heard anything back. Weird, huh?

Maybe he liked it so much he didn't want to put it down long enough to write me an email http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif I suppose I'll never know!
Cheers much,
Sarah

[Andrew Reckhart]

I always give Stiver a high recomendation whenever I can. Great Bluegrass mandolins. Great builder. Lifetime guarantee. Every one that I play seems to be better than the last. The more recent ones are as good or better than anything out there for under $5500. And Lou is a heck of a good guy. He is also a pretty darned good mandolin player himself. To me that means something. He understands the instrument from all perspectives, and still prices it (in my opinion) far too low.

[jjboone101]

that is weird Sarah. I'm always a little ansy when I ship a mandolin until I get that email or call saying they love it and are keeping it. I guess if he sent a check and didn't call/write, you're in the clear...

[Lee]

Jonathan,
I love it, and I'm keeping it.
Just for the record.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[jjboone101]

Lee, you are my MAS hero. I bow down to you....

[J. Mark Lane]

Hi Mark,
I did sell it, but it was kind of a strange outcome. #After I shipped it, the fella never contacted me to let me know that it arrived and if he liked it or not. #The only reason I know that it even arrived is because I had the tracking number #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif # I sent an email to check that everything was ok but never heard anything back. #Weird, huh?

Maybe he liked it so much he didn't want to put it down long enough to write me an email #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif I suppose I'll never know!
Cheers much,
Sarah
That's funny, the same thing happened to me a while back. I sold a very nice little Kentucky A model (old one, had far better tone and volume than most Kentucky's). It was a sweet mandolin, with Schaller tuners and other upgrades. The guy never emailed me when he got it, and never responded to several inquiries I sent as to whether he was happy with it. Sheesh. I'd gladly give him his money back for it. Talk about classified etiquette....

Mark

[saznpins]

That's how I feel too.

If for some reason he didn't like it I would have taken it back. I know how subjective tone and playability are to each individual. It was my first mandolin and I was fond of it, I'll always wonder what happened http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[acousticphd]

Hey Mark,

Even though you sound like you have your heart set on spending $3500 or more, and are getting plenty of good advice here, have you 1) noticed, 2) considered the Old Wave F5 on sale at Mandolin World for (only) $2600? This of course would have been priced right about at your $3500 limit when new. You could have your $3500 mandolin, and $900 left for fancy cusomized accessories.

Although I hesitate to add here in your "$3500 thread", I've had my Morris F4 for a few weeks now, and am still getting acquainted with it before I offer a description to those who were interested from the thread awhile back. I might be interested in exchanging a side email or two to hear how yours improved in their first year.

[jasona]

Mark, if I were in the market for an F I'd seriously consider the Krishot currently listed in the classifieds. The one I played had a sweet tone when picked soft, but could punch if needed. Price is very nice on that one listed too.

[J. Mark Lane]

Hi Jason,

It does look nice, and for a nice price. But I just haven't gotten to the point where I am ready to buy a mandolin made in Czechoslovakia. I have no good explanation for that...it's just that I am leaning toward something made on US soil, mostly so I can easily communicate with the maker.

Mark

[jasona]

Understood. Then again, I'm looking for an excuse to go to Prague! :cool:

[grandmainger]

You could have your $3500 mandolin, and $900 left for fancy cusomized accessories.
Or buy the Davis Flattop for $875, and have $25 for a nice strap! I really fancy this flattop!

[Flowerpot]

Recently I heard a Colorado-based bluegrass band perform (darn, can't remember their name). Their mando player was extremely good, and my wife and i both were struck by the sound of his mandolin... come to find out, it was a Krishot. Boy did it mic well. I'd consider that used one, yes indeed, if I were in the market.

[ronlane3]

Shoot Mark, why not a Rattlesnake?

[acousticphd]

[/QUOTE](acousticphd @ Jan. 06 2005, 20:35)
You could have your $3500 mandolin, and $900 left for fancy cusomized accessories.


Or buy the Davis Flattop for $875, and have $25 for a nice strap! I really fancy this flattop!
[QUOTE]


Right on! I'm all about two for the price of one.

[J. Mark Lane]

Shoot Mark, why not a Rattlesnake?
A what?

[sgarrity]

Rattlesnake mandolins are made by Olin Davis. Mandolin Central usually has one. You might take a look at Bill Davis mandos as well. He makes two F-models that would be in your price range. I have his F5 Artist model and am completely in love. His fit and finish is second to none.
Shaun

[GBG]

Image problem-that Krishot has a swirled-looking EK on the headstock that might be mistaken for a Kentucky, another foreign make. Also,Eduard Kristufek has only built about 300+ mandolins and he may be a slow learner.

[J. Mark Lane]

I didn't necessarily expect people to fall in love with my idea of wanting an American made instrument. But I see no need for sarcasm about it. I have not maligned anyone else. And I haven't tried to talk anyone out of their own view or into mine. I just want what I want, OK?

Thanks for the info on the Rattlesnakes. I like the name. One of my favorite places is the Rattlesnake Museum in I'llBeQuirky, NM.

I will also check out the Bill Davis F's.

Mark

[jessboo]

How about a Bulldog by Barry Kratzer

[ronlane3]

Mark, I haven't played one, but my uncle has played one that was killer and he wants one now.

[J. Mark Lane]

Mark, #I haven't played one, but my uncle has played one that was killer and he wants one now.
Website seems to be down. Unfortunately, that's the only real entre into these builders that someone far away has....

Bill Davis website isn't much to speak of, either. He needs to get a better camera. And perhaps add some info about pricing etc. ??

Mark

[Jim M.]

Wow, four pages and still no mando. A lot of us must be getting a vicarious thrill from the hunt.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

For Bill Davis, check out the Mass Street Music website (see link on Cafe front page). They always seem to have a couple of very nice ones available but they aren't in your original price range.

[luckylarue]

Okay Mark, here's my three-point plan for you obtaining a new mando:

1. Go see Andy Statman perform asap (all you NY'ers are lucky dogs!)

2. Jump on that sweet '24 Snakehead in the classifieds.

3. Skip step 1 and go right to step 2! Besides, everybody wants an F. Get something different and unique. The A - oval hole revolution starts now!

[camando]

How about the Pomeroy that just surfaced on the classifieds?

"Standard Disclaimer"

Seeing that makes me think about an F4 from Don finished similar.

Chris in Canada

[J. Mark Lane]

I hear ya, lucky, and I certainly agree about point #1. I will be going to see Statman after he returns from Zurich. (This week is just too crazy at work for me to get out.)

On the A, well, I would like to own one of those. Eventually. But I already have a nice A style mandolin (Givens Legacy). I also have an F4 style mando, and I have an oval hole "mandolalin" on order (chew on that one for a while). Also, I really don't love the short necks on those old A's. This time around, I really just have an itch for a nice F5.

Stay tuned. I will be visiting Mandolin Bros. next week, and I hope that trip will help me solidify my plans. At least I will be able to get some perspective, which I really need at this point.

Mark

[Lee]

pssst, blackface pomeroy...

[J. Mark Lane]

Yeah, I noticed that.

Man, this is hard. There have been a number of great opportunities on the Classifieds, and I have received some great offers via email. My head is spinning. I'm trying (hard) to hold off until I get to MandoBros next week. But it's not easy.

Mark

[wah]

Don't even think about it. Jump on the blackface Pomeroy. You won't regret it. (wish I had an extra 3K around)

Wayne

[mikeyes]

Mark,

Take it from someone who has extensive experience with MAS (the inoculations failed to work) your problem is your price point of $3500. You need to either go up or down as the instrument you will get for $3500 is "just this shy" of being great and while you can get a great mandolin for that money, you have to be lucky.
On the other hand if you go up $2000 or down $1000 in your limit, you can get some pretty outstanding mandolins (in the case of the "down" price you will be saying, "Wow, I got a heck of a deal for $2500") and you will have less of the residual MAS that always comes.
I mentioned in another thread that the price of a Gibson Fern V (for example) is only 1/4 of the tuition at Harvard and you can still send your child to a fine school like Rice for the difference (the way I did).
Just think "It's not really that much, it's not really that much." http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Mandobar]

as someone who has gone from a pacrim a model to a brentrup 23v by way of a good number of fine mandos i have to say there is a naural progression to finding the mando that suits you. #this is a journey that only mark can travel. #besides it is always a delight to own
and play all these mandos.
all i can say is, you go, mark!

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Links]

Mark:

Your dilemma is similar to the question that I asked about who is making collectible mandolins. Although I am a collector/player, I am looking for mandolins that are great to play that will retain their value (In 30 years of marriage, I still have a hard time convincing my wife that there is a difference between buying a 10K collectible widget and a new car - in ten years a rare widget is likely to be worth 20k and the car zip!)

Although I have several outstanding mandolins, I am still looking for one that I just have to have. I too, think I am going to have to up my budget, as the 3500 range just seems to be "no man's" land!

[jasona]

So, Mark, did you go to Staten Island yet? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[J. Mark Lane]

Not yet, Jason. I had hoped to get there this past week, but work interfered. Next week looks much better. Stay tuned...

[jasona]

Work? Whatever could you possibly have to do?

Since I've moved back to the States (1.5 years ago) I have discovered I am in a class in no less than three suits. I think you lawyers need to take more time off http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[dasspunk]

Here's my advice...

[J. Mark Lane]

I do class action litigation on the defense side, Jason. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

Hey,dasspunk, that's pretty funny. Took me a minute. I think there's a couple of those floating around for sale, too...or maybe I'm wrong. <g>

Mark

[Slim Pickins]

I have the Weber Bitterroot Custom. Maple & Spruce. Has anyone tried one and your opinion. Mine is over a year old and sounds real bluegrassy" http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Mandobar]

lots of stuff has sold rather quickly; i was just looking at charlie johnson's website and the old wave f5 is on hold, the givens legacy f5 is too. it also appears that the blackface pomeroy f5 has sold too. i had my eye on that kimble oval hole at mass street. that is sold too..........wow! it's mandolin season.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

[J. Mark Lane]

The Pomeroy went rather quickly (I had inquired about it). I'm a little disappointed to have missed that Givens Legacy F5. $2500? Somehow I must have been asleep when that was listed. It would have been a nice complement to my Givens Legacy A6. (I know of another Givens Legacy F5, but it's priced higher...<hint hint...time for a price drop <g>>.) I need to check that website more often....

Mark

[Mandobar]

actually that ad has disappeared also.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[J. Mark Lane]

I see. Wow. Ya gotta move fast around here....