Weber yellowstone

**nckaram** · Jun-07-2007, 10:45am

Hey folks - I'm a violin and guitar player who's getting into the mandolin. #In fact, this is my first time visiting this messageboard!

I have an opportunity to buy a used 2001 Weber Yellowstone for what seems to be a good deal, and just wondering if anyone has any feedback on that specific Weber line/instrument. #I'm looking to play bluegrass/folk/country styles.

Thanks!

**Frank Russell** · Jun-07-2007, 10:51am

How much of a good deal are we talking? They're usually pretty solid mandolins. Frank

**Rick Schmidlin** · Jun-07-2007, 10:53am

First: what do you consider a good deal?
Secound:Have you tried other mandolins brands?
Third: Yes Webers area a good line but in 2001 they could be be a "little" hit and miss.

Eduction is importent,you post here should bring result.

**nckaram** · Jun-07-2007, 10:53am

About half the price of a new model. It has replaced recently a small blemish in the finish due to playing but in very good shape (by appearances) otherwise. Several frets were recently replaced due to wear. Comes with a "travel-lite" case.

**nckaram** · Jun-07-2007, 10:59am

Wow - this is a responsive group! I have played several non US models (and thought they were "ok"). I have played a Collings MT and thought it was a wonderful instrument, but really liked the F-style visual asthetics. I have never had the opportunity to play a weber, but have heard very good things about them.

**Kevin Briggs** · Jun-07-2007, 11:27am

My two cents...:

I am a fan of Weber mandolins, to the extent that I just upgraded from one Weber to another. Therefore, I obviously have great things to say about them.

My Bitteroot is typically a less expensive model than the Yellowstone, but with all of my Bitteroot's upgrades (tone woods, bridge, visual aesthetics) it is pricier than a stock Yellowstone.

As I have progressed as a player, my Weber has not skipped a beat. When I first got it, I could play probably five or six fiddle tunes, a bunch of scales and stuff, and I knew all the major two/three/four finger chords. I could improvise well, and then would classify myself as an intermediate. I had been playing a few years at that point: I think two or so. Now, I use the same mandolin to play in a working bluegrass band, lost count of the fiddle tunes I know back when I hit the early 30s, attend a jam regularly, and am considering a low key mandolin competition, just to test the waters. So, I am happy with my progress, and my custom Bitteroot has been with me every step of the way. As good as I think I'm playing it, it always reminds me that it has untapped potential.

General things you can expect from Webers with spruce tops, tone bars, maple back and sides, and traditional bridge are:
1.) A big, loud chop
2.) Sweet, round individual notes
3.) Versatile overall tone, not just bluegrass. This is ideal for my style, but some Monroe stylists might not like this complex tone as much. However, if you ordered a bluegrass canno from Weber and told them that's what you want they would certainly be able to customize it for you. Also, there are professional musicians who play bluegrass who play Webers.

In addition, Weber/STE offers great customer service. You can call them any time and they will do their best to answer any questions. They never rush you off of the phone or anything.

**red7flag** · Jun-07-2007, 11:42am

I have played on Yellowstone that a friend has, and that instrument had a solid bluegrass sound, with a strong chop. #I had a mahogany Bitterroot, that had a sweeter tone, more appropriate for Celtic music. #It was weak playing the chop. #Both were well made, but very different in feeling. #Recently I a friend bought a Special Edition. #I was impressed with the sound of the melody notes, but less than impressed with the chop, much like the Bitterroot. #I liked playing all three.
Tony

**Kevin Briggs** · Jun-07-2007, 11:52am

Right. I think it's important to point out that Sound to Earth puts out a very diverse line. It has to be the most diverse in the industry. From oval Fs to resonator guitars, they are putting out a lot of instruments.

**bobbyD** · Jun-20-2009, 10:29am

Originally Posted by Tone Monster

First: what do you consider a good deal?
Secound:Have you tried other mandolins brands?
Third: Yes Webers area a good line but in 2001 they could be be a "little" hit and miss.

Eduction is importent,you post here should bring result.

What exactly do you mean by "hit and miss"? Was something happening w/ Weber around that time frame? How about in 2002?

**jimbob** · Jun-20-2009, 12:00pm

I used to have a '98 YS w/ tone bars. It was a nice mandolin with excellent fit and finish, playbility and tone....the only issue I had was volume. It just didn't have much volume. I would think a good deal on a 2001 YS would be some where in the < $ 2000 range...but I'm no expert.

**dulcillini** · Jun-22-2009, 8:34am

I have a 2008 Yellowstone A with oval sound hole. Love it to death. I do not play much bluegrass however, and like everyone else on this post has stated, it comes down to your taste and what you think you will play. I have never heard a bad Weber instrument, so I think you can be safe to assume you will get a very fine instrument. The real question is, does it match your taste and playing goals. Ultimately that is far more important than the price. "Bargains are relative"

Mike

**BBarton** · Jun-22-2009, 9:02am

I echo Jimbob's comment -- I also had a late 90s Yellowstone (98?) and found it a bit light in the volume department. Other than that, nicely made mando.