Where's Danny Roberts' Loar?

[Andrew B. Carlson]

His new video shows him almost exclusively on his Gil, save for the opening scene (which isn't his Loar).

[DataNick]

I heard a rumor (and I emphasize rumor) that he sold it...

[stevedenver]

wow , that speaks volumes
that Gil has a certain 'sweetness' to it that is unique.

Dealt with him a couple of times while he was at Gibson and he is a really nice and helpful person.

[Kowboy]

Thanks for the video. A good insight into Danny Roberts. Sounds like a very interesting fellow. A lot more to him than I knew.

[sunburst]

I can't be sure where it is now, but he sold it back to Aubrey Haney (whom he bought it from).

[Andrew B. Carlson]

Wasn't it Charlie's Loar? (Derrington)

[almeriastrings]

Obviously can't speak for anyone else on this, but I can report from my own experiences with a quite a lot of "highly desirable" instruments over many years, that there can be times when that "object of desire", once you actually have it, may not be the "holy grail" you expected of it. This is in no way to imply that the instrument (or instruments) in question are not good.. they can be very fine indeed, but they just may not match your style, or your tonal preferences. You can also factor into the equation that the very best modern instruments are absolutely fantastic in their own right, and that much of the "vintage superiority" mindset arose during a period when they were very much superior to 99% of the modern instruments of the day (late 60's through the dark days of Gibson and low point of Martin, etc., until things started to pick up again quality wise in the 80's and 90's). No question a Loar could blow away an early 70's F-5 or an old 'bone could destroy a 1970 D-28 with rosewood bridge plate, etc. Now, however, put them up against a Gilchrist, Martin 'Authentic', Ellis, Heiden, Dudenbostel, Bourgeois, Hamlett (or take your pick from other first rate luthiers of today) and it is not so clear cut at all. You may quite simply find one or other of these "does it for you" and delivers the sound and playability you demand.... I have encountered that several times myself. I have had a few "holy grail" class instruments over the years, and simply ended up deciding I preferred to play something else. I am sure I am not the only one.

[Ivan Kelsall]

Ronnie McCoury is another player who seems to prefer his Gilchrist over his Lloyd Loar. He says that the Gil.has a more balanced tone that suits him more. I have no doubt whatsoever that many Loars are indeed exceptional mandolins,but, i also think that there's a lot of attraction in owning a Loar simly for the 'name',and,as Almeria says above,sometimes what you wish (hope) for isn't what you actually get - don't we all know it sometime or other !. I suppose that maybe i'd enjoy playing a Gilchrist if i were able to afford one,but right now,after buying my 'used' Ellis "A" style,i wouldn't be looking much further than Austin,Texas for an "F" style,
Ivan

[goose 2]

Maybe it's purely an economic decision he has made. If or financial reasons I had to sell my pre- war D-18 and go back to the recent Authentic that I had before, I could do so and be very content. I would however badly miss that old D-18 every time I played the new one. Even though he has a great mandolin to play now, I wouldbe very surprised if he did not miss playing that Loar a ton.

[almeriastrings]

All I can say is I had a '38 herringbone - sold it, don't miss it. Also had a Loar some years ago - don't miss that either. I have still got some vintage instruments, and a couple of them I like a lot, but equally, just as happy with some of the modern ones. A good instrument is a good instrument, and you can find that in a new one or an old one, in my opinion.

[DataNick]

All I can say is I had a '38 herringbone - sold it, don't miss it. Also had a Loar some years ago - don't miss that either. I have still got some vintage instruments, and a couple of them I like a lot, but equally, just as happy with some of the modern ones. A good instrument is a good instrument, and you can find that in a new one or an old one, in my opinion.

Almeria,

I'm with you on that...although certainly a Loar (an exceptional one) is the standard, I have to believe that there are modern instruments that are hitting that mark (Gilchrist, Dude, Nugget, Gibson, Red Diamond, Monteleone, Duff, Heiden, Vessel, Ellis, etc)

[Kowboy]

Goose 2 may be close to correct on this. Economics could be the reason for the sale. Maybe someone wanted it much more,"$$$$$$", than Danny did. Money talks, the mandolin walks.

[Caleb]

Agreed that money talks. If I had a Loar, or a pre-war Martin, etc., I'd sell it, but something nice to play music on, and use the rest of the money to better my life in general.

[Kowboy]

Had a friend with a mint restored 57 T- bird. I was at his home and noticed the vacant spot in his garage. I asked where was that T- bird, the one he was never going to part with. He said that his boss at work wanted it more than he did. $$$$$ Again, Money Talks!