The Lafferty - Mandolin Store house brand

[dcoventry]

Hey Dennis!

Thank you for all you have done, are doing and will do in the future for the mando community. It's just great. Seriously.

And as a wise man once said, "Haters are gonna hate". Wise, wise words to remember.

You go boyeeeee!! And I want that raffle mando!!

[JeffD]

I think the name Lafferty is pretty cool, musical connection or not. The Lafferty Mandolin. I like it. It works. Its nice there is both a musical connection and a family connection, but the name is cool just on its own.

[mandolirius]

Aside from the fact that the name contains the word "laff" (marketing alert), there is this weird idea of calling it "The Lafferty". It's a quaint pretension from a bygone era. "The Loar" remains the most ridiculous name ever. "The Gibson" was intended to announce a standard bearer, an instrument of reference, the top of its field. Using "The" for a budget, entry-level instrument is absurd. The only thing I didn't like about my '89 Flatiron was the "The". Just my opinion, no offense intended. Never heard a bad word about Dennis or his staff, so I think of them as good guys and wish them well. I just don't like the name.

[dcoventry]

Aside from the fact that the name contains the word "laff" (marketing alert), there is this weird idea of calling it "The Lafferty". It's a quaint pretension from a bygone era. "The Loar" remains the most ridiculous name ever. "The Gibson" was intended to announce a standard bearer, an instrument of reference, the top of its field. Using "The" for a budget, entry-level instrument is absurd. The only thing I didn't like about my '89 Flatiron was the "The". Just my opinion, no offense intended. Never heard a bad word about Dennis or his staff, so I think of them as good guys and wish them well. I just don't like the name.

The Loar is the silliest name ever? Not hardly. I say it's notable jazz pianist Dick Hymen. That's rough. In comparison, I think he wins. Or maybe using the name Nova for a car sold in Mexico.

Well Dennis. I guess that seals it. You'll have to change the name to something less delirious. Speaking of silly names...........

[Bob Scrutchfield]

From everything I have seen and heard so far 'The Lafferty' mandolins are, and will continue to be, very fine instuments.

Personally, I really like the connection Dennis has made with his musical ancestors.
I do think The Lafferty brand name will be standing on it's own for quality, excellence, value, and service. Everyone already realizes that Dennis, Brian, and The Mandolin Store are already known for all those qualities.

IMO, If a product is really great it really doesn't matter what it's name is. (within reason of course). I'm sure there would have been no Marketing Execs that would have came up with Dudenbostel as their first choice for an acoustic instrument brand name. But I head somewhere that Lynn Dudenbostel is quite successful at building and selling his Guitars and Mandolins.

(NFI)

[PJ Doland]

Not that there's anything wrong with prison labor. These aren't my cup of tea, but they look reasonably well-made:

[P.D. Kirby]

Man you should post a warning with a video like that, it's too early for badly played metal guitar. Looks like a BC Rich Warloc knock off and Kerry King he ain't ...

[mandolirius]

The Loar is the silliest name ever? Not hardly. I say it's notable jazz pianist Dick Hymen. That's rough. In comparison, I think he wins. Or maybe using the name Nova for a car sold in Mexico.

Well I have to admit I wasn't thinking beyond the realm of mandolins.

Well Dennis. I guess that seals it. You'll have to change the name to something less delirious. Speaking of silly names...........

Hey! I'm "delirious" about "mandolins". That strikes me as a rather sensible name around here. Besides when your're stuck with that most ubiquitous of english male names (Mike) it's good to have nickname.

[northfolk]

Now that there are a few of the new Lafferty mandolins out on the street; I think it is time for someone to write a review or tell us a little more about them? OK, I'll do it! Yes, I recently purchased a Lafferty basic "A" model mandolin from The Mandolin Store. I've had it for about a week now, so I've run it through my routine fairly well. My first impression was a modest looking mandolin with extremely clean workmanship and excellent fit and finish; and of course, the setup was perfect. Mine has a flat ebony fretboard with 22 modern frets, the bone nut is 1 1/8" wide, Grover tuners with pearl buttons, cast Allen tailpiece, solid well-fitted ebony bridge, MOP script and modified flowerpot inlay on the headstock, nicely figured maple on the neck, back and sides, Sitka spruce top; all the stuff you need to make a really fine mandolin. Now for the best part; the sound and playability. Maybe a bit tight right out of the box, my Lafferty has excellent balance across the board; as good as anything I've played; and loud to boot. The more I play it, the better it sounds. The neck profile is perfect for me; soft "V" and slightly thicker; a real pleasure to play? I also like the fact that there is no fretboard extension to get in my way. Comes with a very nice Superior vintage-look shaped case. Of course Dennis and the staff at The Mandolin Store are always a pleasure to do business with; a great mandolin and a great support staff; what could be better? So, call The Mandolin Store and get your hands on a Lafferty; I know you won't regret it. Thanks.

[Caleb]

The one in the pic for the giveaway is just beautiful. I hope whoever wins it needs a good mandolin and not just another mandolin.

[Mandoviol]

The one in the pic for the giveaway is just beautiful. I hope whoever wins it needs a good mandolin and not just another mandolin.

That's why I entered...starving students can't usually afford higher-grade instruments, and with the way my left-hand muscles are, I'd sorely appreciate a new mando with a v-neck....

[Kip Carter]

The one in the pic for the giveaway is just beautiful. I hope whoever wins it needs a good mandolin and not just another mandolin.

Give away???
Kip...

[Andy Fielding]

The Loar is the silliest name ever? Not hardly. I say it's notable jazz pianist Dick Hymen...

Well, that's Hyman with an A, for what it's worth... But yes, he's had a spectacular career scoring movies, playing jazz festivals around the world, and doing just about everything else—and his name certainly hasn't held him back.

There's a saying in Hollywood: "There's no such thing as bad publicity." Would Lady Gaga be so famous if she were still Stefani Germanotta? Is it any coincidence Kinko's copy stores went nationwide? The Barenaked Ladies got their big break when a town council voted to ban their concert, assuming there'd be something indecent about it—and it made the headlines.

Lots of hugely successful people and products have had stimulating, unusual names. I don't know if Dennis was actually out to create such a stir, but heck, look at all the discussion his new mandos have gotten here because of their unusual name.

The Flatiron Dennis sold me when I visited him last year is the sweetest mandolin I've ever had. He gave it to me at a very reasonable price. He and his family also spent a couple of HOURS with me, jamming, talking instruments and music, and later treating me to dinner (!). They didn't have to do all that, as they'd already made the sale. They are decent, real folks, and I wish them only the best with their new venture.

[Gelsenbury]

"The Dennis" would be perfect for me, since that's my name! Can you imagine my friends' faces when they see "The Dennis" on the headstock? :D

[Mike Bunting]

Hey! I'm "delirious" about "mandolins". That strikes me as a rather sensible name around here. Besides when your're stuck with that most ubiquitous of english male names (Mike) it's good to have nickname.

Hey, Mike, there's a reason that The Mike is a ubiquitous name!
Sincerely,
Mike

[Mike Snyder]

There's probably several reasons, just like there are usually several Mikes at any given jam these days. Those nicknames can get pretty brutal, at times, even if you give one to yourself.

[Paul Edwards]

I would really love to hear one of these mandolins played... a video anyone?

[Caleb]

Give away???
Kip...

See Cafe homepage.

[Kip Carter]

Got it about 5 minutes after asking... mmmmmm wanta wanta wanta... (lusting after giveaway mando!)
Kip....

[JeffD]

Using "The" for a budget, entry-level instrument is absurd. .

Hmmm. I never attached much significance to the "the" before. I guess its an ambitious name. But in a new instrument trying to gain a following, ambition is not inappropriate.

I mentioned this to some friends yesterday, and one young woman (15) said, with dreamy eyes, that "The Lafferty" is James Lafferty - an actor on some popular television series. She maintains that James is "The Lafferty" and the mandolin should be called "The Other Lafferty".

Knowing when to say something is much more important than knowing what to say.

[JeffD]

I hope whoever wins it needs a good mandolin and not just another mandolin.

That is an excellent point. I am maybe a little embarassed not to have thought of it myself. I don't want to exclude anyone, or rig the lottery, or have an entrance requirement, but if I have a preference as to a winner, that would be it.

[Kip Carter]

That is an excellent point. I am maybe a little embarassed not to have thought of it myself. I don't want to exclude anyone, or rig the lottery, or have an entrance requirement, but if I have a preference as to a winner, that would be it.

I totally agree!! MEEEEEEEEEeeeeeee!

Kip...

[George R. Lane]

It really doesn't matter who makes it or what its' name is. The only thing of importance is how it plays and sounds. My hat is off to Dennis for bringing in another quality mandolin at an affordable price, that is made in the USA.

[MandoMan1]

Yeah I guess it doesn't really matter who builds The Lafferty Mandolin, but I am thinking Larrivee might be the builder.

[Grommet]

More choices in quality mandolins is a good thing! Think I'll have to pay a visit to Surprise, AZ soon. It's closer now that they moved from Wickenberg. BTW, there are no mikes allowed at the jam I go to.

Scott