Onesound
Dec-05-2010, 9:46pm
Perhaps some of you remember this thread: http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/showthread.php?63983-My-New-Gibson-Oval-A-Jam-Standard&highlight=Gibson+Master
It's a story about how I came into possession of a new Gibson Jam Master Oval A that had exceptional tone (don't they all!). Well, there is more to that story....
About three weeks into ownership, and one really hot summer day, it developed a (let's say) problem. When I pulled it out of it's case the center soundboard seam had opened up. By the next day it had settled back down and closed up leaving a bit of a scar, but otherwise seemed stable.
Heartbroken, I shipped it off to the factory for evaluation. Their findings were that it was only a finish check and nothing to worry about. However, an independent luthier (who has lots of repair and build experience) disagreed, determining that the center seam had truly partially come unglued. A cleat on the underside of the soundboard stabilized it (just in case), making the finish damage almost invisible.
At this point in time, however, I had lost my confidence in the instrument. To my good fortune, and the benefit of dealing with a top notch dealer, I was able to work a trade up to another instrument.
Now, several months later, I am in the proud possession of a Weber Bitterroot Custom Vintage Oval A, compliments of the fine people at The Mandolin Store.
I can not speak highly enough of both mandolin and dealer. This Weber is immaculately built, it's fit and finish are wonderful. When it first arrived, it was a bit tight, but is starting to open up nicely as I spend more picking time with it.
To the Jam Master's benefit, it has the superior tone, and probably my unpleasant experience with is was an unusual occurrence. I do miss it's wonderful voice, but, I can tell this Weber is built to withstand normal wear and tear. I expect to get many long years of pleasure from it.
65628
6562965630
It's a story about how I came into possession of a new Gibson Jam Master Oval A that had exceptional tone (don't they all!). Well, there is more to that story....
About three weeks into ownership, and one really hot summer day, it developed a (let's say) problem. When I pulled it out of it's case the center soundboard seam had opened up. By the next day it had settled back down and closed up leaving a bit of a scar, but otherwise seemed stable.
Heartbroken, I shipped it off to the factory for evaluation. Their findings were that it was only a finish check and nothing to worry about. However, an independent luthier (who has lots of repair and build experience) disagreed, determining that the center seam had truly partially come unglued. A cleat on the underside of the soundboard stabilized it (just in case), making the finish damage almost invisible.
At this point in time, however, I had lost my confidence in the instrument. To my good fortune, and the benefit of dealing with a top notch dealer, I was able to work a trade up to another instrument.
Now, several months later, I am in the proud possession of a Weber Bitterroot Custom Vintage Oval A, compliments of the fine people at The Mandolin Store.
I can not speak highly enough of both mandolin and dealer. This Weber is immaculately built, it's fit and finish are wonderful. When it first arrived, it was a bit tight, but is starting to open up nicely as I spend more picking time with it.
To the Jam Master's benefit, it has the superior tone, and probably my unpleasant experience with is was an unusual occurrence. I do miss it's wonderful voice, but, I can tell this Weber is built to withstand normal wear and tear. I expect to get many long years of pleasure from it.
65628
6562965630