Custom Weber Bitterroot- Should I bite?

[jman72]

Hi everyone,

I've been in the market for a $2000 instrument for some time and have been looking mostly at the Gibson F9 and the Weber Bitterroot. I've found a beautiful custom Bitterroot (2004 model) with flame maple back and sides, a custom sunburst finish, tone bars, and radiused fretboard for just this amount in virtually mint condition. I can't play before I buy (its in another state), but I get a 14 day return policy. I've heard some say that the older Webers don't sound as good as the newer ones or that they weren't as consistently built (and others have debated this hotly on this Forum). I'm curious what you all think about the price and about the quality of the older Bitterroots. Should I bite?

Thanks a ton,

John

[RobP]

I can't comment on the Bitterroot, but I do have a 2004 Yellowstone that sounds fantastic. Mine has x-bracing, rather than tone bars. My guess is that you will love the sound. The trial period is really 14 days? I think that is plenty of time to really evaluate how well the instrument suits you - and you will only be out the shipping. If you think you like it, go for it!

The challenge I have with the Weber is that, while the nut measures 1-1/8, it actually FEELS narrower than that and I have trouble with my fingers muting open strings in some locations. I think it is the neck profile or something. I have played other 1-1/8 nut instruments without the problem. 14 days should be plenty of time to evaluate something like that tho.

Good luck!

Rob

[jman72]

Thanks for the info Rob. I'm sure it's a great instrument, and the trial period is plenty (I'd only be out shipping). I'm used to playing a pretty narrow nut, so that probably won't be a problem (I hope!). Weber's website says that their models changed in 2009- does anyone know what exactly they changed from their pre-2009 models? Since this Bitterroot is custom made, the changes might not apply anyway.

John

[George R. Lane]

John,
I am a major fan of Webers and have 2 great ones. The changes from what I remember Bruce telling me were some slight changes to the graduations and the upgrading to maple back and rims. Since this one already has the maple upgrade your half way there. The 2k price is in the ballpark and with a 14 day return I don't think you can go wrong.

[Ivan Kelsall]

From the OP - ".....the older Webers don't sound as good as the newer ones or that they weren't as consistently built...". I wouldn't say that's correct on either count,certainly not with the build quality.Bruce has always build to the highest standard he could get.As for the sound,get your hands on an older,well played-in Weber & it'll sing.As George above says,with that deal & a 14 day return option,you can't go wrong,
Ivan

[nickster60]

I have had 2 bitteroots my 2010 does sound better than 2008 I had. That being said they both where nice mandolins. I agree with the rest with a 14 day trail period there isn't much to loose. Maybe you could get a sound clip, pretty easy to do today.

[Canoedad]

... snip ....The challenge I have with the Weber is that, while the nut measures 1-1/8, it actually FEELS narrower than that and I have trouble with my fingers muting open strings in some locations. I think it is the neck profile or something. I have played other 1-1/8 nut instruments without the problem.
Rob

Have you checked the string spacing at the nut? I had the same issue with my Hyalite until I figured out that the nut slots were off.

[bmm5255]

I had a 2003 Custom Weber Bitteroot. Maple back and sides with cedar top. Nice mandolin. The Webers have always been very consistent. Bruce Weber is anal about that. I have been told however, that some of the earlier ones may have been a tad over built. So I think the earlier comment about graduations changing, in addition to some standard features and woods on certain models is what you will find the changes to be. I am betting that you would be very happy with the Weber you are considering. Anyway, next to no risk involved.

Bruce