Weber STE prototypes

**brianf** · Feb-20-2010, 9:22am

What do you owners of these mandolins think about them? What are your experiences?

**Ivan Kelsall** · Feb-22-2010, 10:51pm

In order to at least give you one response,the 'lack' of others might be the fact that we don't know what 'prototypes' you mean - ellucidation please ?,
Ivan

**DerTiefster** · Feb-23-2010, 10:54am

I suspect he means the instruments labeled "STE" instead of having "Weber" on the peghead. But I don't claim to be certain. I think I recall seeing early production items, from what I think was right after Flatiron production was moved to TN, which had an "STE" peghead inlay. But maybe the O.P. is speaking of instruments with a "prototype" labeling rather than an actual serial number?

**Brett Byers** · Feb-23-2010, 12:24pm

The STE models were produced about three years ago. Can't remember how many were made, but they were basically an attempt at producing a low cost alternative to the "Weber" line that didn't end up getting fully implemented. Major difference between the STE line and the Weber line is the STE models feature an integrated fingerboard extension instead of the elevated extension. There are some floating around out there that are labeled "prototype" inside the instrument.

**MikeEdgerton** · Feb-23-2010, 12:31pm

The OP seems to post a similar thread every now and then, he apparently owns an STE. For anyone looking for more information check out this thread.

**brianf** · Feb-23-2010, 6:33pm

Originally Posted by MikeEdgerton

The OP seems to post a similar thread every now and then, he apparently owns an STE. For anyone looking for more information check out this thread.

You are right on. I had completely forgotten about the old thread. My apologies.

**DerTiefster** · Feb-23-2010, 7:00pm

Clearly I was wrong in my assumption about when the STE models were made and why, but I can understand the O.P. doing a periodic posting searching for any new sources of opinion about these mandolins. It's sort of like casting about for a "social group," which would be pretty lonely when you're one of 20 people in the world who has one. And who knows whether even half of those folks know about the cafe? Good luck finding brothers in the 'hood, Brian.

**kirkw101** · Feb-23-2010, 9:59pm

I'd buy one for the right price.
Kirk

**MikeEdgerton** · Feb-23-2010, 11:03pm

Actually a Social Group might bring a few out of the woodwork.

**Ivan Kelsall** · Feb-23-2010, 11:10pm

OK - So they weren't strictly 'prototypes',just an attempt to introduce a lower cost instrument into the Weber family. I have to admit to not having heard of these,& i agree with MT that a periodic check might be in order to unearth other owners. It's always nice to have somebody else to enthuse with,but there's plenty of Weber owners who'd rally round,
Ivan

**brianf** · Feb-24-2010, 8:42am

Originally Posted by kirkw101

I'd buy one for the right price.
Kirk

The advertised list price for the F model was $2750.00. Being a prototype that was not destined to be produced, it was sold for $1550. The label is signed by Bruce Weber. If you can find one, you should try it.

**kirkw101** · Feb-24-2010, 9:19am

Brian, Sometime ago The Mandolin Store had an A model for sale. As I recall it didn't last long. I would be willing to give one a go if one would turn up. And I guess by not seeing them for sale they must be well liked by those who own them.

Kirk

**mdithk** · Feb-24-2010, 11:13am

Actually, I have one that I've been thinking about selling because I have the Collings MT now and the STE isn't getting played. I haven't seen many in the ads anywhere and just haven't had the time to put it up for sale in the Classifieds. Bought it from the Mandolin Store and it's in perfect shape.

I don't want to violate Board rules, so will put it in the Classifieds this week.

**brianf** · Mar-09-2010, 1:01pm

Here is a good page, with several pics of the Weber Prototype.
http://www.instrumentcollector.com/W..._Prototype.php

**nickster60** · Mar-09-2010, 9:38pm

I played one this weekend. It was ok I ended up buying a Weber Custom Bitteroot. Ken Bailey is a dealer Lakeland Fl he has one. He is a good luthier and will setup right.

**The Mandolin Store** · Mar-09-2010, 9:48pm

Guys we sold about a half dozen A's in maple, half dozen A's in mahogany, and a half dozen of the F's. We bought them after Weber decided not to continue them as a production model and we sold them all at very large discounts. The purpose was to try and introduce a lower price point American made instrument. The problem was they were not significantly cheaper than the standard lower end A's so they did not do well. They had slightly different neck joints. They did not have the raised fingerboard extension. The Montana era Flatiron Festivals and Performers had this same design. I've probably play a few dozen and in my experience this style construction does not yield as good of volume as a raised neck joint.