Randy Wood serial numbers

[BBarton]

I have a RW 2-pt A5 that I custom ordered with fern and took delivery of in early '02. #I'm curious about the serial number - 1102. #Is this a code for 11th one he signed off on in 2002, or does it mean the 1102th mandolin made. #Or is it something else altogether?! #PS - I love the mando; it's starting to open up now.

[Tony Sz]

First # is the # made that month (yours was the first that month), next is the month (January), next is the year (2002). I have # 21099, the second mandolin made in Oct, 1999. I asked Randy about this system, noting that one cannot tell how many mandolins Randy has made utilizing this method. He just said that he keeps records, and he could tell from that how many mandolins he's made, if he spent the time to figure it out. Apparently it's not one of Randy's concerns, however. I think that he's recently changed his system, now that he's only making one F style mandolin, his ultimate F5, selling for $12.500.00 I believe.

[BBarton]

Thanks!!

[cgwilsonjr]

I recently played an F and an A style Randy Wood mandolin that Charles Johnson had at the Charlotte guitar show. They were from the 1990's. Awesome mandolins in every respect.

[BBarton]

Yes, indeed -- I've been very happy with mine. I also have a late 80's Flatiron A5 Artist and used to have an early 80's Givens A. There's no comparison -- the RW is a far superior instrument to both IMHO. His instruments seem to be underrated compared with all the hype on others in the same class (again, IMHO!).

[sschooling]

I own it now, at least I have it on approval...but I think I'll hang on to it. It's gorgeous and sounds better every time I pick it up.

[BBarton]

Wow, that instrument goes back 15 years! Nice to hear it's still alive and well. I hope you will like it -- 'still can't figure out why I sold it!! It was still pretty tight when I had it, but it should have opened up by now. I don't know if Randy ever did any other 2-pt A-styles with a fern inlay -- I ordered that custom on a whim, and it came out nicely. Maybe it's unique! I don't have the Flatiron any more either, but I have a nice Passernig A5 now that I'm very fond of.