Re: Weber Hyalite questions
Hey Johnny, welcome to the Cafe'! I just recently completed an extensive Weber test drive. Went to a store and played about 2 hours. I played Gallatins, Bitterroots, a Yellowstone, and a Hyalite. I came home with a Bitterroot A. I thought it had the best looks, playability, and tone of the bunch. The Hyalite is indeed carved arched top and back. It is the least expensive Weber model, base price, that is arched and carved. But as you noticed, and even as Weber themselves say, it is a "Celtic" A as opposed to a "traditional" A. More teardrop shaped with sloped shoulders. The older ones have mahogany back and sides but this one was maple. I don't play bluegrass, mostly Celtic and Old Time, so I really wanted to like it. But I didn't. It had very pretty tone but to me it just wasn't very loud. Bluegrass isn't the only genre where the mandolin player wants to be heard! I would think that it would be a fine mandolin for someone who just wants to play at home for their own amusement, or to play in a group where they want to blend rather than stick out. I guess that's what a lot of Celtic players want when everyone is playing melody in unison.
Judging by the tone quality of the Webers I played, I think the Gallatins or Bitterroots would be much better for bluegrass. I would try to find a place to actually play them if I were you. On Webers I think the bridge makes a big difference in sound. The "traditional" Brekke bridge will give you more of a bluegrass sound, while the "original" Brekke bridge will sound more mellow and woody. I prefer the sound of the "original". I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Bitterroot A! for my money I think it's the ideal all purpose, does anything, Swiss army knife mandolin. Everything you need, and nothing you don't. To my eye, very understated and non-flashy yet well built and elegant.
I have no financial interest in Weber instruments, I'm just a big fan! Hope this helps. If you are shopping for a Weber make sure you ask for the best price. 10 percent discount off MSRP is usual from a dealer, 20 or even 30 percent can be had if the dealer wants to move some merchandise. You can custom order to your specifications from Weber, but of course you pay MSRP plus extra for the custom features. Good luck!
Don
2016 Weber Custom Bitterroot F
2011 Weber Bitterroot A
1974 Martin Style A
Bookmarks