Retro-Mando

[JiminRussia]

I just had a hankering (and, of course bought) another mandolin. But, instead of going bigger, better, more expensive, I bought an older Flatiron 1N. I couldn't help myself! Yeah, I probably paid too much, but what he heck. Do any of you out there go "retro" with you MAS purchases?

[delsbrother]

Well, I'm bidding on 60s Japanese emandos on eBay (and losing like a dog, BTW), so yeah I'd say I was retro.

Or.. somethin'. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[mandroid]

sold off Gibson '50's A40 when I got a '22 A(nil)
and traded my 65 F30 Guild guitar for a Vega banjo-mandolin probable '20s [Both done back in the '80's]


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

[steadypluckinaway]

How much do you love your 1N? Sorry this is off topic, but I just got mine and I think it is one of the finest mandolins built in this "frying pan" shape. It has excellent tone and projection, every note is crystal clear and it even has decent bass.

Sorry any chance to tout that flatiron. Hope you love it Jim!!!!!!!!

[JGWoods]

Aren't all A and F styles retro by design? Everything but Rigel and electrics and those builders who go their own way is building retro mandos...no?
gw

[John Flynn]

JG:

LOL! I was thinking the same thing. However, I interpret the original post as referring to another defininition of "retro" as an abbreviation of "retograde." It can refer to "previous," as is your meaning, but it can also refer to "worse" or "lesser."

I'll wade in on the second definition. I got a travel mandolin, which has to be a retrograde from just about anything else! I take it on the road with me every week, so I can keep my "non-retro" Rigel at home.

[fatt-dad]

Back in my drinking days, I would have a bottle of 12 year old single malt, but still go to the store for some Dewers. I have a problem with mandolin buying, but fortunatly, I have found a good support group. That said, yeh, I should be happy with the several that I have. But have you ever noticed that there are some real nice $250.00 mandolins that happen into your life, that you would have never even considered, if you just went "bigger and more expensive"? There is no substitute for my Flatiron or Gibson, but there is no substitute for my (good) Alverez, Ibanez or Aria. Now that said, there is nothing worse than a bad Alvarez or poorly made Ibanez (I have returned both). So, retro or not, shopping for instruments is a real adventure.

f-d

p.s., I do have some for sale - ha.

[Jim Garber]

Over the last year or so, I have gone retro in all the mentioned definitions. I have becme re-aquainted with the lowly bowlback mandolin, thereby accumulating a pile and savoring the differences.

Jim