Duff A5 Review

**robert.najlis** · Mar-28-2012, 8:30pm

Originally Posted by Mike Bunting

In addition to. -) ! No logic here, I just really like Paul's work. I'd be looking at an A with f holes cause I don't have one.

I would love to see an A/B video with Stanley/Duff. That would be something...

**mtucker** · Mar-29-2012, 5:44pm

Originally Posted by sgarrity

I know it's probably common to compare Duff to Gilchrist because they're both from AUS and both build great traditional mandolins. But the similarities continue to grow as Paul continues to refine his craft.

i agree with you....i think Paul has come into his own ... the two could have traded secret sauces over a few varietals from the lovely Margaret River region

..dunno...though, i think Steve has kicked it up a notch over the last few years, also. here's an old pic of the crater lake that one of these suspects lives on..curious Lab coat he's sporting..

**pjlama** · May-28-2012, 11:59pm

How bout an update? It's been a couple months, how's the Duff love fest going?

**Rick Albertson** · May-29-2012, 11:58am

I spent a few days earlier this month at a jam with Don playing his new Duff. Very, very impressive mandolin!

**Don Grieser** · May-29-2012, 8:21pm

It's an amazingly good mandolin. What's not to love?

(My take of a live version of Monroe playing this tune.)

**OldGus** · May-29-2012, 8:33pm

Nice pickin' Don!..... It has a very complex voice for an A model.

**pjlama** · May-29-2012, 9:03pm

Nice, so when am I going to get to play it?

I'm having a pickin party at my house this Friday, it's not too far a drive...

**pjlama** · May-29-2012, 9:08pm

Seriously, it's very in your face, tight, focused tone. I've been emailing with Paul, I'm thinking about sending a deposit. It's about a year wait, his prices are reasonable and I can choose A or F before he starts, I'm thinking hard. I'd like a test drive before I commit though, I do have some fun stuff to play, If a certain someone shows up ther could be as many as seven or eight Gil's to play Friday night.

**Don Grieser** · May-29-2012, 9:26pm

I'll send you an email, PJ. I may be in town this weekend. In June I'm going to meet up with a friend in TRide who has a Duff F5 about a month older than mine. Should be a fun little meet and pick.

**dcoventry** · May-29-2012, 9:36pm

Originally Posted by OldGus

Nice pickin' Don!..... It has a very complex voice for an A model.

Why should an F have a more complex tone than an A? If everything is the same except for a non-hollow solid scroll so that the air chamber is the same size.....what's the difference?

**Glassweb** · May-29-2012, 9:52pm

nice playing... a great sounding mando too... play on!

**Don Grieser** · May-29-2012, 10:12pm

Thanks for the comments folks. Here's the sweet side of the Duff. Just recorded this for the SAW group on the cafe.

I wonder how much my commission will be.

**Rosemary Philips** · May-29-2012, 10:17pm

Originally Posted by dcoventry

Why should an F have a more complex tone than an A? If everything is the same except for a non-hollow solid scroll so that the air chamber is the same size.....what's the difference?

I was thinking the same thing!

**dcoventry** · May-29-2012, 10:56pm

Originally Posted by Rosemary Philips

I was thinking the same thing!

I suspect scrollier than thou issues...........

**pjlama** · May-29-2012, 11:24pm

Sounds good, I'll look forward to hearing from you, this weekend and on the F5 review.

**Mike Bunting** · May-29-2012, 11:55pm

Originally Posted by dcoventry

I suspect scrollier than thou issues...........

**OldGus** · May-30-2012, 12:51pm

Originally Posted by dcoventry

I suspect scrollier than thou issues...........

I actually own an A5 and F5 and in my opinion good F5's tend to be a bit louder and fuller than good A5's and the A5's seem to tend towards a bit tighter response like PJ suggested this one has. As we all know scrolls are in part hollow and the way they are formed can arguably add to complexity of voice and bass response, in my opinion. I do believe it happens, but tendencies can be challenged, that's why I said, "for an A model". If I'm the type to think my opinion is more important than others as you suggested why is it you, in contrast, that is laughing at me for expressing my opinion whereas I haven't questioned anyone else's. It's the human mirror complex and it's actually very common... You've accused me of doing something at the very moment you are doing it yourself. Remember you are the one who invested 5k+ in a Rigel G5 whereas my most expensive is an A model...

**dcoventry** · May-30-2012, 5:18pm

Originally Posted by OldGus

I actually own an A5 and F5 and in my opinion good F5's tend to be a bit louder and fuller than good A5's and the A5's seem to tend towards a bit tighter response like PJ suggested this one has. As we all know scrolls are in part hollow and the way they are formed can arguably add to complexity of voice and bass response, in my opinion. I do believe it happens, but tendencies can be challenged, that's why I said, "for an A model". If I'm the type to think my opinion is more important than others as you suggested why is it you, in contrast, that is laughing at me for expressing my opinion whereas I haven't questioned anyone else's. It's the human mirror complex and it's actually very common... You've accused me of doing something at the very moment you are doing it yourself. Remember you are the one who invested 5k+ in a Rigel G5 whereas my most expensive is an A model...

Now Gus, did you miss the laughing icon after my pithy and hilarious turn of phrase? I'z just playin'.

And I haven't accused you of anything. And I'm certainly not laughing at you expressing your opinion. I AM HOWEVER laughing at my own epic pun-dom.

And who said I invested $5k+ in my G5? It won't tell you it was about half that, because that would be bragging, and I don't do that.

No offense meant by any means. Don't fret, I'd never pick on you.

**OldGus** · May-30-2012, 6:10pm

Alright, Alright, No offense taken. I saw you use the same pun a few days ago, I know you just think it's funny. Reminds me of my Dad's jokes. They didn't make many G5's I don't think, I've only seen one or two for sale and they weren't cheap but I was kind of guessing at the price. It does seem like a great one.

**mtucker** · May-30-2012, 7:39pm

Originally Posted by Don Grieser

Thanks for the comments folks. Here's the sweet side of the Duff. Just recorded this for the SAW group on the cafe.
I wonder how much my commission will be.

Nice stuff Don...now all that A5 needs is black buttons...