suggestions for builder , make of mandolin suitable for classical

[mark sinkoff]

I`m currently in the midst of late stage "MAS", and am looking for a mandolin to supplement my current excellent f style mowry built mandolin. I would like a radically different tone as I have branched out into playing classical music. Think Thomastik light strings, oval hole, and a full round tone with sustain. I`d be open to a used instrument or one built to specs, however my budget is limited to less than $2000. I`d welcome any suggestions as to make or builder.

thanks
mark

[allenhopkins]

"Classical" suggests bowl-back; however, "full round tone" suggests perhaps a vintage Gibson A-model. You can find paddle-head A's and A-1's in your price range.

There are a wide variety of oval-hole flat- or canted-top instruments, from Big Muddies to older Martin Style A's and Style B's. Some contemporary makers like Eastman offer quality carved-top oval-hole instruments, well within your price range.

Not as familiar with small-builder instruments, but I'm sure you'll get plenty of suggestions. The bowl-back was the dominant mandolin style when most "classical music" was written, but its tone tends more toward the clear, ringing treble.

As with all generalizations, multitudes of exceptions. Best advice is to play every one you can get your hands on, see what appeals to you.

[Ed Goist]

Mark; I think you should repost your post above (maybe word-for-word) as a classified ad in the 'Wanted' section of the Cafe Classifieds.

[mark sinkoff]

thanks for yout advice. I`ve been considering an older gibson or slant top martin versus a new build. I hope to make a pilgrimage shortly to elderly to try these out.

mark

[bratsche]

I once played some Bach on a Martin rosewood mandolin (a fancier-appointed version of the Style B - I can't remember what it was called) and it knocked my socks off. If I came across a mandola version of it (and could afford it)... sigh....

bratsche

[Tom Wright]

I`m currently in the midst of late stage "MAS", and am looking for a mandolin to supplement my current excellent f style mowry built mandolin. I would like a radically different tone as I have branched out into playing classical music. Think Thomastik light strings, oval hole, and a full round tone with sustain. I`d be open to a used instrument or one built to specs, however my budget is limited to less than $2000. I`d welcome any suggestions as to make or builder.

thanks
mark

May I suggest that a good route to sustain and round tone is a guitar-style instrument with glued-on bridge.

Thomas Buchanan makes x-braced pin-bridge flat tops that I find excellent for Bach. Mine cost 849 pounds with custom woods. Here is the G major cello suite prelude on a 10-string Buchanan mandolin.

This will not be the sound people expect from bowl-back German or Italian classical mandolin, but I find it much more pleasing for all other kinds of music, including folk, jazz, and rock.

[billkilpatrick]

i'll echo allen's recommendation of the "mid-missouri" or "big muddy" mandolins made by mike dulak. i'd also say it looks right for classical music - or early dance tunes, in my case - with its plain, simple construction, clean lines and lovely almond shape. the oval hole, full, round tone you seek is there aplenty. the mid-missouri m-4 i have has a lovely, lute-like sound to it with a deep, ringing sustain - hope you agree:

[JeffD]

thanks for yout advice. I`ve been considering an older gibson or slant top martin versus a new build. I hope to make a pilgrimage shortly to elderly to try these out.

mark

I think, considering your budget, you will get more for your money in a good vintage instrument than in a new build

[JEStanek]

Remember, Lloyd Loar voiced the F5 for classical music. It was to be the ultimate mandolin orchestra instrument! That said, Martin, Mid Mo/Big Muddy, Red Line Resophonic, Arches flat top, Old Gibson oval hole. All but the last you can get in something other than birch/maple backs. You may also find a L&H Style C in that price range in very playable condition. For $200 you can get a playable American made early 20th century bowlback that will certainly sound very different from your Mowry!

Allen's good advice of get your hands on some is the best.

Jamie

[Dave Hanson]

Top UK player Simon Mayor plays classical on his Mike Vanden f hole A model, and sounds great too.

It's not what you've got, it's what you do with it.

Dave H

[mark sinkoff]

wow, great suggestions and some wonderful audio clips. I think I`m going to have fun on my hunt. Hope to make it to elderly`s soon.

mark

[Schlegel]

L&H style C sounds like a great suggestion! Your price range would also get a great Martin, either canted-top or bowlback. I think that price would also get a custom ordered flat-top of relatively high quality. I don't know what he charged for it, but I once played a flat-top mandola from John Hamlett (Sunburst on the forum) that was an extremely good-sounding instrument. You also might check out Walt at Gypsy's Music, he makes a wide range of flat-top (really an induced arch) instruments in your price range. One of the things he makes is a modern version of the Vega cylinder-back. Come to think of it, a vintage cylinder-back is well within your budget if you like vintage, and they do sound great and would work well with lighter flatwound strings.