Gibson Gold Rush

[LeoR]

Does anyone know much about these? Anyone played one? What top wood do they use? Lacquer?

They look really cool!

[TeleMark]

Played one at Telluride in June. Dunno about the specs you discuss (can probably find this on the Gibson site), but the neck profile is the same as on the Sam Bush model. I liked the one I played a lot, but it's out of my price range.

[SternART]

There is one in the Cafe classifieds right now, for $5,850.
Posted on the 19th

[LeoR]

Here too:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws....IT&rd=1

assuming I got the link right!

[Big Joe]

Danny Roberts plays one and so does CD Vest. They love them. It was designed by Danny. Great mandolins.

[Greenmando]

There is one in the Cafe classifieds right now, for $5,850.
Posted on the 19th

[BassGuy]

I was at the Gibson Showcase a few months ago on a mission to try out the Master Models that were in stock. I took the opportunity to pluck on just about everything there. On the wall were 3 Goldrushes, along with a couple of just about every regular and signature model. I prefered the sound of the three Goldrushes to everything in the showcase short of the master models. The chop has great whomp and they have quick response. Very clear tone with lots of projection. I know they have smaller F holes. Different Finish? They are nice mandolins. Good luck.

[J.Albert]

TeleMark wrote:
<< Played one at Telluride in June. #Dunno about the specs you discuss (can probably find this on the Gibson site), but the neck profile is the same as on the Sam Bush model. #>>

So you're saying that:
1. The Goldrush has wider nut than the standard Gibson nut width (which I believe is about 1 1/16")?
2. Is the fingerboard flat or radiused (looks flat to me)?

Until I tried a Weber Bitterroot, I thought I would prefer a radiused fingerboard with large frets and a slightly wider width at the nut. But, to my surprise, I find the "traditional" Gibson neck/board (narrow nut, flat board, and small frets) easier to use (I realize such tastes are an individual thing).

As much as I like the looks of the Bush model, I'm thinking I would be uncomfortable with the neck/fingerboard. I've been interested in the Goldrush since it was introduced, but if the neck is a clone of the Bush, I'd probably shy away from it.

Or, ask Big Joe to do a custom Goldrush with a narrow neck and small frets, and maybe a red spruce top to boot!

Thanks,
- John