Considering the step up to Gibson.

[jackofall]

I am very happy with my Eastman 504, it is great for folk, blues, celtic and even rock. However, my interest in bluegrass is developing, and I do think an F style or an 'f' hole A model would be better for that. Apart from the additional punch, the longer neck would be handy for getting to the higher frets.

I was set on an Eastman 505/515 or 605/615. Recently, though, I've wondered about saving fror a bit longer and trying a Gibson.

Realistically my budget may make that impossible. I reckon £700 GBP will be the absolute ceiling, and that would be on a good day with the wind behind me. £600 - £650 is a safer range (without getting into court order and baliff territory).

So, in the real world, what are the chances of getting a worthwhile Gibson 'f' hole mando in either A or F style for that kind of money?

If there's any chance at all, what do I look for? And what do I avoid?

Thanks for any advice.

[trevor]

Jack,
I have a Gibson A50 at £595 and an A40 at £695, both on my website, below. Sorry I am too busy right now to type a longer answer but you can call me on 07790 908535.

[fatt-dad]

There was a used A9 in the classifieds last week for under $1,000.00. Not sure about shipping across the pond, but in your price range an A9 would be a good choice.

f-d

[Philip Halcomb]

Sometimes you can find F9's on the cafe classifieds for under 2K. Some are great, some are good, and some aren't so hot. However you'll always be able to get your money back because it has Gi/son written on the headstock. That's what I'd probably do if I was going in that direction. It will definitely save you some cash to buy second hand.

[jackofall]

Thanks for the input, guys.

Anyone care to explain to a dope the differences between the A40, A50 and A9 models?

Trevor, I had seen those on your site (and I get your email updates), but I don't think I'll have all the money until Christmas is out of the way. If you still have some candidates in stock when I'm shopping I'll definitely be down for another visit.

At this stage just trying to learn a bit so I know what I'm looking for / looking at.

[trevor]

Jack,
OK, you'll get lots of info here on the Cafe. I am happy anytime to discuss these differences, I just find it takes me ages to type it all out so would prefer to talk about it (I can call you back to save you the cost of the call), that ways I can also find out what you like and are looking for.

If you are coming be sure to let me know beforehand. I am the mando man but I don't keep regular hours in the shop, no room for an office there with so many mandos...

[Lane Pryce]

The A40 and A50 are in my opinion not suited for grass, granted there were a few exceptions through the years. The A40 had a thick spruce top and mohagony everywhere else. The A50 had a thick spruce top with maple back and sides. Necks were maple and mahogany. JackO if I were you I would be patient,save your cash and keep practicing on your 504. An A9 is well within your reach if you are patient. Lp

[Smyers]

Jackofall,

Personally, I wouldn't get too hung up on the Gibson stuff. #I live within driving distance of the Gibson Showcase where they make them. #I stop in on occasion to give them a play including their very expensive distressed master models. #The Gibsons are all nice to be sure, although there are always a couple that don't impress me. #But because they are Gibson, you pay a premium. #The Gibsons "Tone" varies so much from instrument to instrument you need to hand pick the tone you are after. #I have picked up three different master models sitting right there beside one another to discover they all sound considerably different. #So when people talk about getting the Gibson "tone", I have yet to figure out what they are talking about because they all sound different!!! #Frankly, my Weber sounds different from all the other Webers that were on the wall when I picked it out. #And when I change the strings, use a different pick or technique, it sounds different still. #My Weber sounds great for Bluegrass music... or Celtic or most other styles.

All that said, I too would like a Gibson, especially a Master Model. #(NOT the distressed model, if you please.) #Would it sound "better" for bluegrass? #Emphatically NO, but it would sound different than my Weber. #But there is a mystique most of us love about a Gibson mando. #Just because Bill Monroe played the old Loar doesn't mean its the only mandolin that can be used to make that bluegrass sound.

I guess if I had a budget limited to 700 BSP, I would rule out the F model since I am after that "sound" first and formost. #Just remember you have to pay at least 250 BSP to cure your scroll envy and not get any better sound. #I might take a harder look at some other brands and throw out the scroll until my budget is bigger.

Have you ever sat down and played your Eastman and then a couple of Gibson? #If you haven't, I would start there first before I put down any cash. #You might be surprised. #You might want to save your money for a while and spend a year or so shopping until you have played a whole bunch of mandolins. #Your tune will probably change during the process.

[AlanN]

Played a Gibson F9 this weekend, good sounding box.

I have a Gibson A-40, good sounding box.

Play as many as you can, buy the one you like.

[Philip Halcomb]

I agree that an A9 would probably suit your budget and ears if you find a good one. But as Scott has mentioned not all the Gibsons sound good. You might try some other manufacturers too. One reason all these older well known players played Gibsons was because back then they were pretty much the only ones around with a good bluegrass mandolin. Now there are so many manufacturers and builders out there so we have quite the selection to pick from. So I guess I'm just trying to say try not to put all your eggs in one basket, however it always possible one particuliar Gibson will blow you away and that happens to be the one for you.

[Uncle Choppy]

Jackofall - I'm in a slightly similar position. I'm an Eastman owner (805) in the UK who is wondering whether to upgrade to something in a slightly higher price bracket.

It seems that US-made instruments will always be expensive over here (probably all those shipping, insurance, VAT and duty costs).

On a positive note, the nicest mandolin that I've heard recently "in the flesh" was a Kristufek "A5" (built in the Czech Republic) at a local jam.

Given that we're in the EU, I'd imagine that a nice Czech-made instrument will represent better value than a Gibson.

Just another thought: A cheaper option might be to sell or part-exchange your 504 and buy an Eastman F-hole model that will cut through in the bluegrass jams. (One thing I've learned about my 805 is that it isn't lacking in volume, bass or "chop".)
This way you'd still have some funds left over to start saving for that dream mandolin.

I'd say your best bet would be to have that chat with Trevor - he's a real enthusiast and a very nice bloke to boot.

Anyway, good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Brendan

[Jasper]

The A40 and A50 are in my opinion not suited for grass, granted there were a few exceptions through the years.

Well, I have one of those exceptions...a 1941 A-50. #Very nice mando that I had refurbed at Gibson. #For a while it was my only playable mandolin and did a nice job in the bluegrass realm. #However, I do have to agree, it doesn't have the punch of modern Gibson A and F models. #But if you find a nice one, it will certainly suffice for bluegrass, etc. #The A9 is also a good choice, but like so many here say, they will vary in tone and volume quite a lot.
There are many other good options...be patient and choose wisely.

Jasper

[Leftyman]

Jack
I agree with the comments about saving your money and looking around.
Try as many as you can in my experience good carved top mandolins vary in tone dramatically.
Try going to festivals where you can hear and try lots of mandolins.
I was at Didmarton bluegrass festival at the weekend and I have never seen or heard so many quality F/hole mandolins.There were lots of czech mandolins being played and sold.Plus gibsons and a Gilcrist courtesy of Mike Compton.
I would also support buying used from the Cafe classifieds,even after paying tax its a good deal with the present exchange rate.

[jackofall]

Thanks all. It's great to have so many people contributing food for thought.

Trevor, I'll definitely be giving you a call at some point, thanks. Last time I came to TAMCO John took fine care of me, but it'd be great to have your help.

I'm in no hurry to buy, so the issue isn't one of saving until I can afford more than the budget I mentioned - it's a question of not being able to justify more than that even if I wait another 6 months or year. That is my budget.

The Gibson thing is based upon a few things: a) Gibbo is the original, and clearly knows their business, b) my perception of G as a company has changed since I came to the Cafe thanks to Big Joe's attention to the needs of people here, c) the Gibsons I've heard first hand mostly did sound good.

The few I've heard and tried have been mostly very nice - but not nice enough (IMHO) to justify the prices they command as new, especially when compared to my Eastman. If I could find a mando that sounded as good as some of those I have heard, for the money I can spare, then I'll be happy. I'm looking to buy maybe one more mando as a keeper. I'm not a pro, and working through al the other instruments I've payed over the years I've learned to get past instrument aquisition syndrome (AKA eternal upgrade disease). I want to keep my 504, as it is so great for a lot that I do.

Buying from the classifieds isn't really something I want to do. I'm not experienced enough to buy something without being able to A/B against something else at the same time.

Also, TAMCO is a great resource for the UK mando community. The visit I made there was great - all those instruments in one place! We in the UK would be mad not to support it. I know there are other mando retailers over here, but as far as I have seen none who can match Trevor for range, price or experience. I know TAMCO is still not a big moneyspinner (that's no secret), so I'd like to do my small bit to support something I want to have around for a long time. Purely selfish motives, I assure you #.

The Czech instruments are an unknown quantity to me. I'll ask Trevor about them when we speak.

Thanks again for the advice everyone.

[Soupy1957]

Smyers Said: "Personally, I wouldn't get too hung up on the Gibson stuff. I live within driving distance of the Gibson Showcase where they make them. I stop in on occasion to give them a play including their very expensive distressed master models. The Gibsons are all nice to be sure, although there are always a couple that don't impress me. But because they are Gibson, you pay a premium. The Gibsons "Tone" varies so much from instrument to instrument you need to hand pick the tone you are after. I have picked up three different master models sitting right there beside one another to discover they all sound considerably different. So when people talk about getting the Gibson "tone", I have yet to figure out what they are talking about because they all sound different!!! Frankly, my Weber sounds different from all the other Webers that were on the wall when I picked it out. And when I change the strings, use a different pick or technique, it sounds different still. My Weber sounds great for Bluegrass music... or Celtic or most other styles.

All that said, I too would like a Gibson, especially a Master Model. (NOT the distressed model, if you please.) Would it sound "better" for bluegrass? Emphatically NO, but it would sound different than my Weber. But there is a mystique most of us love about a Gibson mando. Just because Bill Monroe played the old Loar doesn't mean its the only mandolin that can be used to make that bluegrass sound.

I guess if I had a budget limited to 700 BSP, I would rule out the F model since I am after that "sound" first and formost. Just remember you have to pay at least 250 BSP to cure your scroll envy and not get any better sound. I might take a harder look at some other brands and throw out the scroll until my budget is bigger.

Have you ever sat down and played your Eastman and then a couple of Gibson? If you haven't, I would start there first before I put down any cash. You might be surprised. You might want to save your money for a while and spend a year or so shopping until you have played a whole bunch of mandolins. Your tune will probably change during the process."

Amen, Amen & Amen!
-Soupy1957

[trevor]

Someone above suggested Jack try an A9, just to let you know, I have one on its way, PM me for details if interested.

[Steph]

I visited Trevor in the summer when I was back in the UK on business. I would say go back and work with Trevor to go through his wall of mandolins. I sat in and kinda helped a new (to mandolin) player make his choice. Trevor's selection methods are very logical and allow the potential buyer to step through various grades of instrument. The guy I met came in with his heart set on an f hole Eastman - and left with a really nice oval holed Furch which he clearly preferred after A/B comparisons. Support your local mandolin dealer - on a US scale Brighton would be "local" to most places in the UK

[Quavers]

I'd like to second the comments about Trevor at TAMCO. He looked after me very well and I now play a mandolin that I couldn't be happier with.

Aftersales is superb also with very quick responses to any queries.

The trip to Brighton is well worth while just to be able to look at so many mandolins! Hopefully the UK mando community will continue to support Trevor and TAMCO....

Personally I think the way you perceive a mandolin affects the way you play it and hence how it sounds.

A mandolin may sound 'good', but if you don't like the way it looks or feels you tend not to play it as much as you might otherwise. No doubt someone will shout at me now for suggesting something so shallow.

Anyway all the best in your search, and I hope you find what you are looking for.

[Ivan Kelsall]

For all of us in the UK,TAMCO is the Mandolin Mecca (unless there's a store out there that doesn't want to be known).
I bought my Lebeda F-5 Premium plus from Trevor last year.The gent is as helpful as anyone would wish & the stock he has
of excellent instruments is astonishing - well worth the 10 hour round trip by train for me anyway.TAMCO should be the 1st stop for anyone wanting a superb Mandolin (or Guitar!)in the UK.