j bovier a5

[wvforest]

Looks like it's time to upgrade again. Finally ready to buy a high quality instrument that I will keep around. I'll mostly be playing old time and bluegrass. I'm looking at a J Bovier a5 Special and Kentuckys in that range. What are anyone's thoughts on those or any other a styles in the $800 - $1000 range. Right now I'm leaning hard toward the J Bovier.

[gforeman]

Can't speak to the Kentucky, but as for a J. Bovier, beautiful instrument, with personal service throughout the process of ordering.

[DataNick]

The A5T at The Mando Shop is $469 http://www.themandoshop.com/pages-jb...-BG-11416.html

That's a steal, and if I was in your shoes I'd jump on that!

[wvforest]

Yeah I've been eyeballing that a5T all day. Think I'm gonna jump on it soon.

[wvforest]

Or not looks like it just sold.

[Pasha Alden]

Rather biased I am, but Jbovier rules and has served me well and was a wonderful upgrade from my Crafter beater. Of course the crafter beater still has a special place in my heart, but my Jbovier goes to all the fancy places.

[mandobassman]

I don't think there's anything under $800 that comes close to the JBovier A5 (Special or Tradition). The only Kentucky A model as good is the KM900 and that is a bit more than $800. The Loar has the LM700 but that is twice the price. I don't think Eastman makes anything as nice as the JB's. I have a friend who is a JB dealer and so I've had the chance to play several new JB's and they are consistently outstanding. My A5 Special has been truly a great mandolin to play and after a year and a half I'm still amazed at how good it sounds and how easily it plays.

[Jakerex]

I moved from a low end Kentucky to a Kentucky km-950......awesome mandolin. I bought from the mandolin store and the experience with them was awesome; great people.

Can't speak for the Jbovier, but if you look at guitar center's website in the used mandolin section, there is one for $329.

[Michael Bridges]

I'd suggest contacting Kyle at the MandoShop regarding when he expects to have more of the A5T's. (Although I gotta admit, if he'd had that black-top when I ordered, I might have gone that way. Looks nice). They really are worth waiting a bit for. I've been nothing but pleased with mine in the 3 months I've had it.

[Ron McMillan]

I know two people who are delighted with their JBovier A5s. At their price bracket, they do seem hard to beat.

[wvforest]

I talked to Kyle at MandoShop Tuesday. I asked for more pictures and got another email later telling me it sold. He said they're expecting more soon, I'm just waiting for an email from him. I was also considering the Eastman 605, mostly for the built in pickup though. Could get a fiberglass case and external pickup, if it becomes necessary later, for less than the 605. I wish they were still making the Boviers in the solid dark brown that I've seen in a few pictures.

[jimmyjames]

I have a really nice example of a A5T that is for sale. I sent you a PM.