View Full Version : My new Ratcliff! A Strawberry Blonde!
Bob Kellett
Feb-04-2005, 5:43pm
I wanted to share some pics of my new Ratcliff A model, s/n 0031 with all of you. It was a surprise from my fantastic wonderful wife for my 50th birthday. It is a beautiful one piece flamed maple back, a red spruce top that came from timber that was in a 100 year old building in upstate NY, tortoise binding, striped ebony headstock, a radiused fingerboard, oversize fret wire, a Monteleone tailpiece, abalone fret markers, Grover tuners, and as you can see from the pictures that Ken and Laura sent me, a beautiful strawberry blonde finish! This mando is special because Laura built it before going on holiday to her native Argentina, so Ken did all the finish work on it. It was a joint venture, and both of them were gracious enough to sign it for me. If you ever thought about a Ratcliff or a Silver Angel mandolin, I can give the highest recommendation! This thing sounds so sweet right out of the box! It came with a Travelite case which I like very much as well. They are very talented individuals and their mandolins are one of the best buys for the money out there, and I have owned a Rigel and a Brentrup! (both of which I also loved!) Take a look at what they offer, it is amazing! I will post more pics later when I get a chance to take some.
Bob Kellett
Feb-04-2005, 5:44pm
and here's a pic of the back....
jasona
Feb-04-2005, 6:47pm
Very nice! I hope you enjoy it as much as I love mine too
CraigF
Feb-04-2005, 7:36pm
That is Sweet!!
grandmainger
Feb-04-2005, 8:07pm
Lovely! I especially like the headstock shape and wood! Please post a closeup when you get a chance http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Can I marry your wife? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
Bob Kellett
Feb-04-2005, 8:26pm
Thanks for the kind words. I posted a pic of the headstock under the "headstock" thread. As for my wife, sorry, she is a definite keeper, I mean I actually have a wife who bought ME a mandolin instead of me trying to justify my MAS to her!! LOL!!
The headstock has a very unique shape. I like it.
Lane Pryce
Feb-04-2005, 8:55pm
You are indeed a lucky man. Lp
Rob Powell
Feb-04-2005, 9:13pm
Scotti,
Having met Darby, I suggest you just let him do it....he's a down to earth, honest, hardworking individual with a passion for what he's doing.
Guess I have to disclose I have no financial interest..but I won't say that I don't have a human interest in seeing him get all the work he can handle...
He builds a really fine mando, he loves doing it and he's good people...can't ask for much more...
--Rob
jasona
Feb-04-2005, 9:24pm
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif