New JBovier A4

**Peloncillo Jack** · Nov-25-2009, 7:49pm

I recently ordered a JBovier A4 from Kyle Dunn at the Mando Shop. It arrived this afternoon. I'm very pleased with the fit, finish, and sound. Kyle is a Luthier and he sets up each instrument before he ships it out. It plays effortlesly. I recommend you check out his web site or give him a call if you are in the market for a new instrument. He is very customer oriented.

I had thought about getting an old Gibson because I had played ones belong to others folks that I really liked. Just about every one I every saw for sale, though, seemed to have intination issues or were more than I wanted to pay. This JBovier fills my desire for a traditional looking and sounding instrument.

The sound is rich, full, and loud. I don't know if it would be a good Bluegrass mandolin but it might. What it produces is that old time sound. It sounds very similar to the mandolin Ry Cooder is playing on "Going to Brownsville" that is posted on You Tube. That is the sound/tone I was looking for and the JBovier delivers it. (Check out the Ry Cooder video if you haven't seen it.)

**Jill McAuley** · Nov-25-2009, 10:57pm

Congratulations on your new mandolin, post some photos for us if you get a chance!

Cheers,
Jill

**Rob Gerety** · Nov-26-2009, 7:36am

Congratulations! I had the same decision to make recently and went the other way, but it is a close call. Enjoy the new mando and play the heck out of it!

**JEStanek** · Nov-26-2009, 9:25am

I would also like to see a photo of one of those and Congratulations on your new mandolin.

Jamie

**jim simpson** · Nov-26-2009, 2:36pm

Here's one from their website. Looks pretty nice.

**Don Grieser** · Nov-26-2009, 9:05pm

Does it have an elevated fretboard like an A5? Kinda looks like it from the picture.

**yankees1** · Nov-26-2009, 10:33pm

Originally Posted by Peloncillo Jack

I recently ordered a JBovier A4 from Kyle Dunn at the Mando Shop. It arrived this afternoon. I'm very pleased with the fit, finish, and sound. Kyle is a Luthier and he sets up each instrument before he ships it out. It plays effortlesly. I recommend you check out his web site or give him a call if you are in the market for a new instrument. He is very customer oriented.

I had thought about getting an old Gibson because I had played ones belong to others folks that I really liked. Just about every one I every saw for sale, though, seemed to have intination issues or were more than I wanted to pay. This JBovier fills my desire for a traditional looking and sounding instrument.

The sound is rich, full, and loud. I don't know if it would be a good Bluegrass mandolin but it might. What it produces is that old time sound. It sounds very similar to the mandolin Ry Cooder is playing on "Going to Brownsville" that is posted on You Tube. That is the sound/tone I was looking for and the JBovier delivers it. (Check out the Ry Cooder video if you haven't seen it.)

You can say that again in regards to Kyle being VERY customer oriented !! I can't say enough great things about Kyle and his personal service! I am waiting now for an Eastman 915 that he is refretting! Super person and great prices!

**hank** · Nov-27-2009, 12:14am

Congratulations Jack, What a great way to celebrate thanksgiving.

**Peloncillo Jack** · Nov-28-2009, 3:00pm

I tried to up load photos but it didn't work.

Don, yes, it has an elevated fretboard.

**Ed Goist** · May-08-2011, 2:00pm

Bumping this old thread.

I'm curious to see if anyone has recent experience with (or opinions of) the JBovier A4 mandolins.

The JBovier F-styles seems to get great reviews here, and they sound pretty impressive in clips.

Also, I am more impressed by my JBovier electric every time I pick it up. Great e-mando & incredible value! (I can't imagine ever needing or wanting to upgrade!). Moreover, Jeff Cowherd seems to be a very involved, responsive, and customer-oriented point person for the brand.

So, anyone have opinions on this 'mid-tier' oval hole mandolin?

**JRcohan** · Aug-29-2013, 11:49pm

Originally Posted by Ed Goist

Bumping this old thread.

I'm curious to see if anyone has recent experience with (or opinions of) the JBovier A4 mandolins.

The JBovier F-styles seems to get great reviews here, and they sound pretty impressive in clips.

Also, I am more impressed by my JBovier electric every time I pick it up. Great e-mando & incredible value! (I can't imagine ever needing or wanting to upgrade!). Moreover, Jeff Cowherd seems to be a very involved, responsive, and customer-oriented point person for the brand.

So, anyone have opinions on this 'mid-tier' oval hole mandolin?

I own and love my J. Bovier A-4. A great sounding oval hole was just what I was looking for after years of playing only out of F holes. Great for irish, bluegrass, jazz, classical you name it. Here is a video, so anyone wanting to see and hear one before they buy can get an idea.