I bought Poe #2, a black faced A5, a few months ago and I am loving this instrument more every day! Other than being by far the most comfortable and beautiful mandolin I have ever played, it is just a tone monster. I have also an 85 Flatiron A5 Artist that sounds fantastic. But after a new set up and strings on the Flatiron and playing them side x side today, I have to say that I prefer the sound of the Poe. They do have different strengths, as the Flatiron is X-braced as opposed to tone bars on the Poe. So glad that I pulled the trigger on this one. Andy was great to deal with as well. Love my Poe!
Welcome to the Poe club mandocreek. I'm pleased to hear that someone appreciative bought Poe #2. It's a real beauty. My Poe A5 (#16) is my favorite mandolin and even beats my Ellis A5 in looks, tone, and volume. Enjoy your new baby.
What I am most impressed with is the fact that Andy Poe is such an incredible artist with the detail/fit/finish, but is also such an expert at building such beautiful sounding instruments as well. Many luthiers understandably stick to a few standard styles. But Andy's portfolio shows a huge range of different build styles/finishes/inlays, etc. And all are just incredibly beautiful instruments. I will be very surprised if there is not a Fretboard Journal article about Poe in the future.
Glad to hear #2 found a good home. That instrument was a joy to play!