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I'll chime in here since I own a Master Model and sent back a brand-new Ellis. My Red Diamond Crusher is the best mandolin I have ever played, period. It will stay with me as long as I am here.

I use J74's on my Heiden; actually I use J74's on all of my mandolins.

Gibson Derrington A-5L and you will have some dough left over.

I have used the Murphy Method and I really like it compared to tab. I think you should start with the first one in the series as it does build upon the knowledge as you go along. My only complaint is...

I just saw Jesse with the Gibson Brothers over Labor Day. I thought he was exceptional and tasteful with his fills and breaks. My opinion is that he makes the Gibson Brothers even better than they...

The very new Gibson Brothers CD is AWESOME - perhaps their best ever.

I have owned several Gibson MM's and a Carlson F5-L. Also Collings MF5 and Deluxe. No way does a Collings blow a High End Gibson out of the water. Collings are superb mandolins, as are Gibsons. My...

You should practice the same way as you play. When I am out playing, I stand up. When I am at home practicing, I stand up. With my guitar, I practice sitting down because that is how I play in jams.

As I mentioned, I use J-74's exclusively on all my mandos. I don't like the way they sound when they are new, but after a few days they really settle in and sound great. I use a blue chip TPR45 - the...

I use J74's on all my mandolins including the 3 Stanleys that I have owned. They always sound great and hoid up for a long time. I've tried lots of others but keep coming back to J74s.

I have a "crusher" voiced F5 as well. Best mandolin I have ever owned. Right up there with Loars and Gils. Certainly has cured me of MAS for the rest of my lifetime.

I owned Stanley number #7,14,44 and you have acquired a very fine mandolin. All Stanleys are very excellent mandolins. Enjoy!

I have one of the few Crusher-voiced F-5's that are out there. Believe me, it is worth the wait.

There is a jam at White Oak Campground on Sat. afternoons. It is located on White Oak Road just outside of Strasburg.

I think I have four "keepers", but the top dog is my Red Diamond. I just have not heard or played a better mandolin...period.

No, the Red Diamond never leaves the house. I just pick something else....

My vote goes to Ashby Frank - he is the best I've seen in quite awhile.

That Stanley #26 that just hit the classifieds for $5 K is a real bargain. If I didn't already own #44, I'd go fot it.

I actually used to own Stanley #14 and I can tell you that it is really a fine mandolin. Very similar to my Master Model in tone. I found the neck to be a bit too large for my hands, but I had no...

Look for a good Montana Flatiron A-5. Should be well under $2000 and it will be a fine bluegrass mandolin.

I saw the Steel Wheels last night in West Grove, PA. Just stunning is the only thing I can say. Great singers, pickers, showmen and nice guys. Their arrangements are great. The whole audience just...

Glad to hear it. I am going to see them in West Grove, PA on April 23rd. Their version of Redwing is really stellar.

Congrats Rick,
My Crusher-voiced F5 sounded fantastic right out of the box, but it has gotten even better over time (if you can imagine that). So, you better keep it to see how good it will be...

Mike,
Yes it does. Probably, the most comfortable neck I have played. Also has a glorious modified flowerpot inlay. Best "fit and finish" of any of the Stanley's I have seen.

Way to go Rick! You will love everything about it. Your MAS will be cured forever, now. FYI, my RD is also Crusher voiced. Keep us posted on how it goes.