View Full Version : Waiting Support Group
FlawLaw
Jun-23-2005, 1:02pm
Well, I just put a deposit on an Ithaca Strings A style mandolin and now the 10+ month wait begins. The biggest advantage for me of the wait is that I can sell a few organs to pay for the mandolin while I wait. I wonder if any one else is in the same boat as me and can help make the wait more bearable. Eric, the maker, has told me that he will send progress shots, so I will at least be able to share them with you all.
mandobando
Jun-23-2005, 1:41pm
Hey FlawLaw,
I recently through down a deposit for a Neil Dean F5 and it will be a year before I get it. It's tough but worth it. Hang in there.
I saw no mention on the Ithaca Strings website about mandolins. Insider info?
otterly2k
Jun-23-2005, 1:48pm
Lee- I believe they make solid body electrics...They've been making innovative electric fiddles for years...
Yep, cool website. But I saw nothing about an "A style mandolin" like FlawLaw says he's purchasing.
Eric F.
Jun-23-2005, 2:14pm
So, FlawLaw, we want details! Is this an acoustic or an electric?
And as for your original post, some people find that it's hard to NOT pull the trigger on other purchases during the wait. As in, "Oh, I'll pick this up from the Classifieds now and then sell it after I get my custom mando." Or, "Gee this is an interesting mando on eBay. I bet I could sell it easily once my custom is almost ready."
My advice: Don't go there. Be strong. Oh, and expect delays. Luthiers are people, too, and they get sick, take vacations, fall behind for one reason or another and sometimes underestimate how long things will take. Don't sweat it when that happens. You're not buying a factory-made widget, you're buying something that a talented craftsman/woman has created just for you.
I've had three custom mandolins, with waits ranging from about five months to about two years. I was so occupied with things in my life during the last waiting period that I didn't really notice it go by. The two-year wait was so long I just tuned it out until I got the word that the maker had started. THEN it got excruciating.
FlawLaw
Jun-23-2005, 2:17pm
I saw no mention on the Ithaca Strings website about mandolins. #Insider info?
There was a thread on Mandocafe a while back showing a beautiful A style Ithaca String mandolin. #I e-mailed Eric and within a few hours he had e-mailed several examples of both A and F style mandolins. #He also makes some really beautiful electric mandolins. #I think electric violins and acoustic pickups are what he is known for, I think Laurie Anderson had/has one... But Eric plays violin and mandolin. #In any case, his prices are reasonable and he has been really great to work with. #I have been e-mailing his for months with questions and he has been responsive. I grew up in the Ithaca area, so I thought, lets go for it.
I am getting an acoustic mandolin, but may have him install a pickup. It will have F holes, but I know that he will also do oval hole mandolins. It will use standard spruce top and European curly maple back with a hand rubbed stain. There will be alot more working out to do and he is eager to work with me.
"The biggest advantage for me of the wait is that I can sell a few organs to pay for the mandolin while I wait."
Pipe, electronic or internal??
LilCreekster
Jun-23-2005, 2:50pm
I'm with ya!!! Skip is great about sending photos and telling me how the mandobaby is coming along, that's made it more bearable http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif I'm super excited and can hardly wait till the day it arrives!!
Ken Sager
Jun-23-2005, 3:03pm
Well, I just put a deposit on an Ithaca Strings A style mandolin and now the 10+ month wait begins. #The biggest advantage for me of the wait is that I can sell a few organs to pay for the mandolin while I wait. #I wonder if any one else is in the same boat as me and can help make the wait more bearable. #Eric, the maker, has told me that he will send progress shots, so I will at least be able to share them with you all.
Hmmm... sell a kidney, or sell the Wurlitzer...
Somehow I trust I'll have the money when Chris Baird delivers my Arches F5 this winter. Actually, I've already set it aside and I'm seriously considering just giving it to Chris early so I don't do something stupid like buy another mandolin with it.
I'm excited too, and the wait somehow creates a unique bond between you and your new bundle of joy.
Strange? Perhaps.
Best,
Ken
FlawLaw
Jun-23-2005, 3:22pm
Actually, I don't think that I will have to sell any internal, electronic or pipe organs. Usually, though, when I buy an instrument, I try to clear out unused stuff - instruments and other stuff to make room. I think of it as a cleansing process. Lilcreekser, where are you getting your mandolin?
FlawLaw
Jun-24-2005, 12:07pm
Here a picture of an oval hole one.
FlawLaw
Jun-24-2005, 12:08pm
Again.
berkeleymando
Jun-24-2005, 9:01pm
Somehow I trust I'll have the money when Chris Baird delivers my Arches F5 this winter. Actually, I've already set it aside and I'm seriously considering just giving it to Chris early so I don't do something stupid like buy another mandolin with it.
Great to hear you ordered an Arches F5. It will be the first one if I understand correctly.