$1500....why can't I find - Page 2

acousticphd · 04-01-2009, 12:55 PM

Cedarhog,
Why not lose the scroll and dedicate a good A5 to bluegrass? Your options are practically endless - Ratcliff, Ratliff, Howard Morris (BTW, you can get a Morris F5 for $1500), Flatirons, Gibson A9, and etc.

Greg H. · 04-01-2009, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cedarhog

Well hopefully this won't open a can of worms........what about some of the PAC RIM mandolins. Many claim to be hand carved tops and backs...etc (Ibenez, Alverez.....lots of rez's, MK.etc) Sometimes I read things like "yea back in 1981 company X made a heck of mandolin" I wish I knew more about specific year mandolins when different company's produced an unexpected great mandolin...then I could search them out with that in mind. I admit it..maybe I've vain...but I can't own an A model......they look like a mandolin that is still in the larva stage and just not done yet.

Well, you've probably already noticed this, but the Eastmans and Kentuckys are Pac Rim mandolins. The NEW Flatirons are also Pac Rims as are the 'The Loar' mandolins. With all of these there are some real gems (and there are also some lumps of coal) so try out as many as you can. If you're willing to look and try there's a good chance you could find the Cannon you want in your price range.

Capt. E · 04-01-2009, 03:43 PM

Fiddler's Green is selling all their Breedlove mandolins for 40% of list. At that price you can get one of the Master Class models for about $1500. While they do not look like a traditional bluegrass instrument, they might work great for you. The FF they have is a killer mando at only 2K. I played it this afternoon and was very tempted to buy it.

pwkellar · 04-01-2009, 03:48 PM

Please read Posting Guidelines.
We don't allow posting personal ebay listings here or in the Classifieds.

Capt. E · 04-01-2009, 04:13 PM

Sorry, not Master Class for around $1500, but The Oregon and the Cascade.

jimmy powells · 04-03-2009, 06:05 PM

Hi. I can recommend a great second mandolin for around $200 !! For over 40 years I've handled and owned hundreds of mandolins including 17 Gibsons. A few years ago Johnson had an A5 style which was great at around $200. They are now undwer the Savannah name. The Scroll models are Ok but nothing to get excited about but the A5 style SA-120 NA (natural) or SB(sunburst) are absolutely great sounding mandolins. Different altogther to the scroll model in many ways. Havings said that the machine heads are poor and the bridge may need aa little sanding underneath to make it sit correct but it honestly is worthwhile to get one of these and for a total of around $250 max you should have a great sounding mandolin. There is no truss rod and it's a slightly chunky neck but only slightly. The volume and tone is all you need for most situations.

I've bought three in the last two weeks and they are all the same. Just great. In fact they sound more like a $2000 mandolin. Forgot to say change the strings to phos bronze 11-40.

Jimmy Powells
Northumberland
England.

Payit Forward · 04-03-2009, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cedarhog

Like I said before..this will be my second mandolin. I have a weber bitterroot already...

It's funny ... I was going to suggest a Bitteroot. I sold a very nice one (used) about a year ago for $1400. I thought it quite capable of cranking out some Bluegrass.

lespaul_79 · 04-03-2009, 10:00 PM

In today's economy substance and practical is where it's at. Not the Bling, Bling. And if you got a budget, unfortunetly, you have to decide what's more important... TONE or the Bling Bling aka Scroll.

Save your money on the vanity thing of wanting an F and get your self a used Collings MT for $1600, maybe $1500 if they need the money. I have one and I really have a hard time playing other pickers mandos. I like mine better.

Trust me I want a scroll. In time, my friends....

BTW, as a guitar player originally, mandos are sooooo expensive.

cedarhog · 04-04-2009, 03:24 PM

Went to several music shops to play as many mandolins as I could find. It was a sad day, nothing but brand new JUNK! Nothing but the most disgusting sounding Kentucky's, goldtones, samick, johnson, MK, and eastman. I could not believe that this is all a day road trip could produce to play.

I'll just bite the bullet and have one built by Newell mandolins.

DryBones · 04-04-2009, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldDirtyTurtle

FWIW I love love love my new JBovier F5 Vine!

x2. The JBovier F5 Tradition would work well for you and cost less that the Vine!

ChrisStewart · 04-08-2009, 05:54 PM

I can relate to that. Just went over to the big city last weekend shopping for an F style (currently playing an A that I am happy with but I just want an F)

--anyway it seems like the more expensive they are the more fun they are (don't know about tone though mine sounds better than my playing ability)

The JBoviers where pretty good also Breedlove and Eastman. After reading that long post about building them (and being a furniture maker) I can really appreciate the time that goes into these instruments though.

I was originally just thinking sub 1500 but now I am kinda heading in the direction of something a bit more expensive and American made (but maybe used)

Andy Fielding · 12-06-2009, 04:02 AM

My advice is to keep playing what you have, keep saving your dough, then get something great that won't have to be a compromise. Time flies when you're having fun, and playing music is about as fun as it gets. :?)

brianf · 12-06-2009, 07:47 AM

I saw a Weber STE F protoptype for sale (can't rememember where) for $1500. I have one of those, and I can tell you that is one heck of a buy. It just keeps getting better and better. When I saw the integrated neck/fingerboard, I was reminded of the old Flatirons, and it has not disappointed me.

It being a discontinued prototype, I don't know how that would affect the resale value, but I am so pleased with it that my MAS is cured. I know, I know, everyone says that, but I mean it.

f5loar · 12-06-2009, 10:22 AM

For me the KM1000 is the most Loar like in all areas. $1500 or less if used. Didn't someone have a nice black face one for $900 a few weeks ago? The deals are out there for $1500 on those KM1000.

Dobe · 12-06-2009, 11:04 AM

There's plenty out there, you either haven't looked too hard or have an unearthly expectation for your "cannon". Play a bunch, 1 or 2 will soon stand out.

Jill McAuley · 12-06-2009, 11:15 AM

Dobe, this is an old thread - cedarhog already got his second mandolin awhile back, Keith Newell built him one.

Cheers,
Jill

Dobe · 12-06-2009, 11:42 AM

I't's my 1st day, don't really know what I'm doing; just killing time as I broke my ankle & can't do much but a little finish sanding. Thanks for the tip though !

Mandobart · 12-06-2009, 12:03 PM

Cedarhog - Sonny Morris of Irrigon, Oregon, builds and plays amazing fiddles and mandolins. I see him monthly at a jam, but I have no financial interest in his business. His F (and A) mandos sound and play great. He doesn't add all the fancy inlay stuff, but I know you can get an excellent hand-built American made F-mando for under $1500. Contact info:

Howard Morris
330 Tumbleweed Blvd.
Irrigon, OR 97844
USA

Mandobart · 12-06-2009, 12:07 PM

Sorry - I noticed Jill's old thread comment after my last post. I still recommend a Morris, though.

04-01-2009, 12:55 PM	#26
acousticphd Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 1,062	Re: $1500....why can't I find Cedarhog, Why not lose the scroll and dedicate a good A5 to bluegrass? Your options are practically endless - Ratcliff, Ratliff, Howard Morris (BTW, you can get a Morris F5 for $1500), Flatirons, Gibson A9, and etc. __________________ Jeff Rohrbough "Listen louder, play softer"

04-01-2009, 03:43 PM	#28
Capt. E Capt. E Join Date: May 2008 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 872	Re: $1500....why can't I find Fiddler's Green is selling all their Breedlove mandolins for 40% of list. At that price you can get one of the Master Class models for about $1500. While they do not look like a traditional bluegrass instrument, they might work great for you. The FF they have is a killer mando at only 2K. I played it this afternoon and was very tempted to buy it. __________________ Jammin' in South Austin with: '70's Shiro A '08 Weber Bighorn LeCapitaine Accordion Harmonica Penny Whistle My albums: http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/album.php?u=7616

04-01-2009, 03:48 PM	#29
pwkellar Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Martinsville, IN Posts: 29	Re: $1500....why can't I find Please read Posting Guidelines. We don't allow posting personal ebay listings here or in the Classifieds. Last edited by Ted Eschliman; 04-01-2009 at 04:39 PM. Reason: Text deleted for Discussion Board violation

04-01-2009, 04:13 PM	#30
Capt. E Capt. E Join Date: May 2008 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 872	Re: $1500....why can't I find Sorry, not Master Class for around $1500, but The Oregon and the Cascade. __________________ Jammin' in South Austin with: '70's Shiro A '08 Weber Bighorn LeCapitaine Accordion Harmonica Penny Whistle My albums: http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/album.php?u=7616

04-03-2009, 06:05 PM	#31
jimmy powells Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 6	Re: $1500....why can't I find Hi. I can recommend a great second mandolin for around $200 !! For over 40 years I've handled and owned hundreds of mandolins including 17 Gibsons. A few years ago Johnson had an A5 style which was great at around $200. They are now undwer the Savannah name. The Scroll models are Ok but nothing to get excited about but the A5 style SA-120 NA (natural) or SB(sunburst) are absolutely great sounding mandolins. Different altogther to the scroll model in many ways. Havings said that the machine heads are poor and the bridge may need aa little sanding underneath to make it sit correct but it honestly is worthwhile to get one of these and for a total of around $250 max you should have a great sounding mandolin. There is no truss rod and it's a slightly chunky neck but only slightly. The volume and tone is all you need for most situations. I've bought three in the last two weeks and they are all the same. Just great. In fact they sound more like a $2000 mandolin. Forgot to say change the strings to phos bronze 11-40. Jimmy Powells Northumberland England.

04-03-2009, 10:00 PM	#33
lespaul_79 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 252	Re: $1500....why can't I find In today's economy substance and practical is where it's at. Not the Bling, Bling. And if you got a budget, unfortunetly, you have to decide what's more important... TONE or the Bling Bling aka Scroll. Save your money on the vanity thing of wanting an F and get your self a used Collings MT for $1600, maybe $1500 if they need the money. I have one and I really have a hard time playing other pickers mandos. I like mine better. Trust me I want a scroll. In time, my friends.... BTW, as a guitar player originally, mandos are sooooo expensive. __________________ -ckg Collings MT Alvarez Yairi Gibson Les Paul Standard Mainland Pineapple Mango Ukulele

04-04-2009, 03:24 PM	#34
cedarhog Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 207	Re: $1500....why can't I find Went to several music shops to play as many mandolins as I could find. It was a sad day, nothing but brand new JUNK! Nothing but the most disgusting sounding Kentucky's, goldtones, samick, johnson, MK, and eastman. I could not believe that this is all a day road trip could produce to play. I'll just bite the bullet and have one built by Newell mandolins.

04-08-2009, 05:54 PM	#36
ChrisStewart Mando Hack Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: College Station, Texas Posts: 124	Re: $1500....why can't I find I can relate to that. Just went over to the big city last weekend shopping for an F style (currently playing an A that I am happy with but I just want an F) --anyway it seems like the more expensive they are the more fun they are (don't know about tone though mine sounds better than my playing ability) The JBoviers where pretty good also Breedlove and Eastman. After reading that long post about building them (and being a furniture maker) I can really appreciate the time that goes into these instruments though. I was originally just thinking sub 1500 but now I am kinda heading in the direction of something a bit more expensive and American made (but maybe used)

12-06-2009, 04:02 AM	#37
Andy Fielding Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 46	Re: $1500....why can't I find My advice is to keep playing what you have, keep saving your dough, then get something great that won't have to be a compromise. Time flies when you're having fun, and playing music is about as fun as it gets. :?)

12-06-2009, 07:47 AM	#38
brianf Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: North Springfield, VT Posts: 94	Re: $1500....why can't I find I saw a Weber STE F protoptype for sale (can't rememember where) for $1500. I have one of those, and I can tell you that is one heck of a buy. It just keeps getting better and better. When I saw the integrated neck/fingerboard, I was reminded of the old Flatirons, and it has not disappointed me. It being a discontinued prototype, I don't know how that would affect the resale value, but I am so pleased with it that my MAS is cured. I know, I know, everyone says that, but I mean it. __________________ 3 finger chop

12-06-2009, 10:22 AM	#39
f5loar Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Salisbury,NC Posts: 2,944	Re: $1500....why can't I find For me the KM1000 is the most Loar like in all areas. $1500 or less if used. Didn't someone have a nice black face one for $900 a few weeks ago? The deals are out there for $1500 on those KM1000.

12-06-2009, 11:04 AM	#40
Dobe Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 17	Re: $1500....why can't I find There's plenty out there, you either haven't looked too hard or have an unearthly expectation for your "cannon". Play a bunch, 1 or 2 will soon stand out.

12-06-2009, 11:15 AM	#41
Jill McAuley Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: scenic Oakland, CA or forgotten East Galway, take your pick. Posts: 826	Re: $1500....why can't I find Dobe, this is an old thread - cedarhog already got his second mandolin awhile back, Keith Newell built him one. Cheers, Jill __________________ 2008 Pomeroy A4 (#126) 2008 Weber Custom Gallatin F oval hole 2009 Gold Top Red Line Traveler 2009 JBovier EMC emando 1920 Stromberg short scale tenor banjo my mp3's, vids, blog... "you don't have to leave, but your coat's in the front garden..."

12-06-2009, 11:42 AM	#42
Dobe Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 17	Re: $1500....why can't I find I't's my 1st day, don't really know what I'm doing; just killing time as I broke my ankle & can't do much but a little finish sanding. Thanks for the tip though !

12-06-2009, 12:03 PM	#43
Mandobart Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Washington State Posts: 76	Re: $1500....why can't I find Cedarhog - Sonny Morris of Irrigon, Oregon, builds and plays amazing fiddles and mandolins. I see him monthly at a jam, but I have no financial interest in his business. His F (and A) mandos sound and play great. He doesn't add all the fancy inlay stuff, but I know you can get an excellent hand-built American made F-mando for under $1500. Contact info: Howard Morris 330 Tumbleweed Blvd. Irrigon, OR 97844 USA

12-06-2009, 12:07 PM	#44
Mandobart Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Washington State Posts: 76	Re: $1500....why can't I find Sorry - I noticed Jill's old thread comment after my last post. I still recommend a Morris, though.