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Thread: Gail Hester Mandolins

  1. #1
    Registered User Glassweb's Avatar
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    Thumbs up Gail Hester Mandolins

    Have you ever "not noticed" how you never see any of Gail Hester's instruments coming up for resale on the Cafe? I have. After finally getting a chance to play one of her instruments (an older one at that) I now understand why.
    Here's to you Gail... you've made a mighty big mark in a mighty short time.

  2. #2
    wood butcher Spruce's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gail Hester Mandolins

    Quote Originally Posted by Glassweb View Post
    Have you ever "not noticed" how you never see any of Gail Hester's instruments coming up for resale on the Cafe? I have. After finally getting a chance to play one of her instruments (an older one at that) I now understand why.
    Here's to you Gail... you've made a mighty big mark in a mighty short time.
    +1...

  3. #3
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    Default Re: Gail Hester Mandolins

    Gail is "top drawer" both as a builder and person...very willing to help.

  4. #4
    Kelley Mandolins Skip Kelley's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gail Hester Mandolins

    You can't get any better than Gail!! She does awesome work!

  5. #5
    Plank Spanker outdoors4me's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gail Hester Mandolins

    I'm finding that the small shop builders got it going on. Haven't tried any of her instruments yet, but I'll look out for them.

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  6. #6
    Registered User Mike Snyder's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gail Hester Mandolins

    I played one that lives in Wichita. Top shelf, without a doubt.
    Mike Snyder

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Gail Hester Mandolins

    I get the feeling that in additional to Gail's outstanding craftsmanship, she just has an innate "feel" for wood and how to get the "sound" out of it. It's something that can taught up to a certain point and after that becomes instinctive. I think that's what Gail has. The learning curve for her was very quick!
    Linksmaker

  8. #8

    Default Re: Gail Hester Mandolins

    Did a search on the net re hester mandolins--found one very unhappy client posting there--pictures and emails that are very graphic. Have not found any posting by the luthier of a dispute of the allegations. Dunno, but the pictures are very convincing. The internet is a gold mine for both unfounded complaints as well as truthful and eye opening complaints. I had a similar experience with a "luthier" who is endorsed by many postings and makes numerous postings on the cafe. Very disturbing. I chose not to take any further action and am just using the permanently damaged mandolin until I can move up to something else. Seems to me that it is really hit or miss in the mandolin business when it comes to quality control.

  9. #9
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gail Hester Mandolins

    Quote Originally Posted by Piper View Post
    Did a search on the net re hester mandolins--found one very unhappy client posting there....Have not found any posting by the luthier of a dispute of the allegations....
    This was discussed on the cafe when it happened. The thread was actually started by Gail. If you're willing to look for it you can find it. I see no reason to post the link to it.

  10. #10
    Registered User barry k's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gail Hester Mandolins

    I would suppose that the number of mandolins built vs how many that are seen for resale would probably fair out to some sort of average for any builder. who keeps those kind of stats?

  11. #11

    Default Re: Gail Hester Mandolins

    Quote Originally Posted by MikeEdgerton View Post
    This was discussed on the cafe when it happened. The thread was actually started by Gail. If you're willing to look for it you can find it. I see no reason to post the link to it.
    Not really that interested. I guess anyone who would want to deal with this particular luthier can read all about it. I have learned to do as much independent research as possible these days and not get wrapped up in the love fests so easily.

  12. #12
    wood butcher Spruce's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gail Hester Mandolins

    Quote Originally Posted by Piper View Post
    ....and not get wrapped up in the love fests so easily.
    Hmmm...

    Looking here, it says "Piper has not made any friends yet"...

    So, yeah, I guess you don't...
    Whoever you are....

  13. #13

    Default Re: Gail Hester Mandolins

    Quote Originally Posted by Piper View Post
    Not really that interested. I guess anyone who would want to deal with this particular luthier can read all about it. I have learned to do as much independent research as possible these days and not get wrapped up in the love fests so easily.
    Not meaning to dredge up old stuff, but Piper, that bonehead who has the website that you reference is, in fact, an idiot. Why would someone who found what they considered to be their dream mandolin, send it to anyone to have it drastically changed? If he wanted a better mandolin, he should have saved up, like the rest of us have to, to buy a better mandolin.

    I have known Gail for quite some time, and am currently on her list. I currently have a great mandolin, and have had some second thoughts in the past about getting another mandolin as it would mean that I'd have to sell my current instrument. I recently had a chance to play Gail's latest. OMG!!! It is awesome! Jesse Brock played it in three of the four sets that he played at a local BG festival. He said that it not only is the best Loar copy he's ever played, but that it sounded as good at the best Loars. I now have no doubt that I want a Hester, even if it means selling my current mandolin and having to wait a couple years.

    I guess that there can be nothing but a "love fest" when it comes to Gail's mandolins. She's just a great builder who places a great deal of time and effort into each mandolin. She is consistent in her craft. I hope some day you'll have a chance to see or play one.

  14. #14
    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gail Hester Mandolins

    Quote Originally Posted by Piper View Post
    Not really that interested. I guess anyone who would want to deal with this particular luthier can read all about it. I have learned to do as much independent research as possible these days and not get wrapped up in the love fests so easily.
    Should stay out of this, yes I should, but I'm a bit bothered. This thread was started by someone who played one of Gail H's mandolins, and found it excellent. As most of us know, she's been an active Cafe poster, very generous with her insight and advice regarding mandolin construction, repair and restoration. Almost all comments regarding her work as a luthier and repairperson, and regarding the quality of her advice and opinions, have been very positive.

    But, like anyone in any business, she had a dissatisfied customer. No one's perfect, and there are many people who are hard to please. Misunderstandings and disappointments happen. The customer "went public" with his/her dissatisfaction, and, at Gail H's initiative, there was discussion of the issue here on the Cafe.

    But finding and reporting this instance of dissatisfaction, and calling it "independent research" that avoids "love fests," seems a bit gratuitous to me. Is this action meant to contradict Glassweb's opinion of Gail H's mandolins, or to say that she's not all she's cracked up to be? I haven't played a Hester mandolin, and I'd hazard a guess you haven't either, since you don't "want to deal with this particular luthier." So, really, what's the point -- other than stirring up the pot?

    Seems we have what I'd characterize as a "somewhat informed" opinion from a Cafe member who's played a Hester, and found it to his liking. We now have a second-hand opinion, repeated from a Google search, that there's another person who wasn't satisfied in his dealings with Gail H. I'm sure if I had the time and motivation, I could find reviews on the Web that undercut any positive opinion expressed here about builders, instruments, accessories, or whatever.

    Guess what I'm saying is that if you've dealt with Gail H, and come away dissatisfied for some reason, no reason not to print your contrary opinion in this thread. But to merely repeat a third-party complaint -- especially one that was covered at some length in her own thread, which you apparently disdain to read -- doesn't seem particularly useful, IMHO.

    I may be sorry I got into this, but I was detecting a faint hint of trolling, and for no apparent good reason I can see.
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  15. #15

    Default Re: Gail Hester Mandolins

    Quote Originally Posted by Spruce View Post
    Hmmm...

    Looking here, it says "Piper has not made any friends yet"...

    So, yeah, I guess you don't...
    Whoever you are....
    Mr. Spruce, I normally find your posts quite entertaining and informative. This bit however reminds me of something a snide little jr. high school girl would say. I too tend to disagree with the slant of Piper's post, but c'mon....

  16. #16
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gail Hester Mandolins

    Let's keep it civil.

  17. #17
    Registered User 8ch(pl)'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Gail Hester Mandolins

    Be that as it may Jeff, but I think Allen Hopkins hit the nail pretty squarely.

  18. #18

    Default Re: Gail Hester Mandolins

    Well put, Allen. In my book, Gail is as good as they get, and I'm a pretty picky guy~!~

    Apparently there are those that are even more picky, but what does that matter, especially if they haven't even had personal dealings with the lady...?

    Keep doing what you do, Gail, and pay no mind to the turkeys out there!

  19. #19

    Default Re: Gail Hester Mandolins

    This luthier may make very fine mandolins. It is unusual though to see that type of posting on the internet--particularly the part about "ringing someone's neck." If that were a fabricated statement made about my spouse or me I would be raising a big stink about that one. Further, I would be very cautious in dealing with someone who would make such a threat or permit the threat to be made. Business is business and it does not need to get personal. It is okay to think well of people with whom you are doing business, but for goodness sake, they are not your friends. Anyway, I have no particular criticism of this luthier, but I personally would be cautious about any dealings--who needs the headaches. That posting has been up for some time apparently and if it is baseless, it should be brought down.

  20. #20
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gail Hester Mandolins

    I think we're getting close to being done here. Were getting into trolling territory.

  21. #21

    Default Re: Gail Hester Mandolins

    I agree with Mike. The OP made me want to go look for Gail's work. None of the rest of the thread makes me feel any less inclined to do so. Too many people with too much idle time - myself included.

  22. #22
    Registered User Glassweb's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gail Hester Mandolins

    Boy, if this is what happens when you start a thread to praise a fine artisan next time I'll be more careful! The bottom line is this... Gail Hester makes mandolins that players want to play and KEEP. It doesn't matter how many she's made or how long she's been making them... she is already one of our finest mando-luthiers and, for me anyway, wins extra points as a keeper of the "vintage flame". You go girl!

  23. #23

    Default Re: Gail Hester Mandolins

    You have ME interested in your recommendation, Glassweb, but a quick search for Gail's work only brings me back to a gallery here at the Cafe. I'd love to learn more and see more images; does she have a web page?

  24. #24
    Registered User Chris Biorkman's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gail Hester Mandolins

    So she isn't that great at converting a F5-G to a Master Model. Big whoop. Who is? She seems to be pretty darn good at building mandolins from scratch. I'll take a professional's word over Jim's anyday of the week.
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  25. #25
    Registered User foldedpath's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gail Hester Mandolins

    Quote Originally Posted by Piper View Post
    That posting has been up for some time apparently and if it is baseless, it should be brought down.
    Bring down an individual's web site? You're new to this "Internet" thing, aren't you?

    I have no personal stake in all this, but based on the ratio of positive to negative comments about Gail, I wouldn't hesitate to take a mandolin to her for repair, or get on a list for a new instrument. She's in my local area too, and there aren't many mandolin specialists out here in the Wild Northwest. It's the ratio of complaints to satisfied customers that matters. Every independent businessperson eventually runs into one or two customers who are difficult, if not impossible, to satisfy.

    In before the lock, although I hope this thread stays active. Every thread about Gail's work shouldn't devolve this way.

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