I drop by Carter's whenever in the area. We ain't poor but I can't just throw money at instruments either. I would always play the Duff A5s that they would have, pick my jaw up off the floor and...
I drop by Carter's whenever in the area. We ain't poor but I can't just throw money at instruments either. I would always play the Duff A5s that they would have, pick my jaw up off the floor and...
You won't go wrong.
I own a 2019 Duff A5. Slim neck, makes full G easier for aging hands :), big presence and tone. Small frets. Plays easy and gives most all it's headroom with a light chop. Amazing. I will never part...
Hi Cafe,
Since posting this thread some months ago, I have shifted mandolins around and ended up with a 2020 Craig Wilson WA-5 AND.....a 2019 Duff A-5! The Wilson is a strong-sounding...
https://youtu.be/qzNPojq25hI
wilsonmandolins.com
I just acquired the above mentioned mandolin, and it's an outstanding instrument, punching FAR above it's weight in tone, volume and overall fit and finish. I'll try to post some pictures and video...
West Coast luthier Craig Wilson also builds his WA-5 Griffith Loar replica. I will have the pleasure of test driving one in the next couple weeks.
The early Breedlove built Stelling makes some appearances on the Don Reno portions of this fine classic video.
https://youtu.be/L4bae7XoMLE
I got to spend an afternoon with The Griffith Loar a few years ago. Still have VHS video somewhere. It remains my favorite looking and sounding of all mandolins.
I'm back!!!! I found the mandolin I was looking for. It's a 7/9/97 Flatiron A5 Artist, interestingly enough signed by Charlie Derrington. Got it at Carter Vintage a couple days ago for far under my...
Buying the CD or download is exponentially more beneficial to the artist.
I used to see Martin, Bogan and Armstrong a lot in the 70s. Wish I had sat on the front row, but I had other things on my mind. They were a cool black string band, a very uncommon sight even though I...
I would get a mid 1980s Carlson Flatiron and pocket the other 3K. As to modern builders, I would look to Will Kimble.
I think we just inadvertently explained why Bill Monroe called it "the Blue Grass music".
Johnny is a friend of mine, and his mandolins have a tone that is unique to him. Dark and chocolatey, with a scooped mid-section. Not for everybody, but they sound cool and would be a valuable...
Just an update...26 months later and I am still happy with the A5-L. I would bet that it wasn't played much in it's first 27 years of life, as it has really opened up a lot. It isn't the best...
This brings fond memories of the Jack Tottle book.
There is a GTR banjo lurking around here in Maryville, TN. Decent banjo.
AAAAAAAAAmen to Gibson doing some Master Model A5s.
I had a Fred Snyder mando in the early 80s. Loved it.
It's too late for many of us, as we held the pick tighter and played harder trying to be heard over inferior sound systems, with inferior instruments. Thile is the top, and that is indisputable, but...
Mine is signed by Carlson. I will have her a 30th birthday party in around 13 weeks. I have only owned her for 2 years, but she's a keeper.
My A5-L has a little something different under the hood. I could pick it out of a crowd. It ain't for everyone, but it's for me.
The thread discussions on these don't last long enough to satisfy me. I know that the A-5L is sort of an odd duck, in that there was never a Loar example, save one. The carvings and graduations are...
I hope this thread stretches awhile. I LOVE my A5-L, and they don't get enough love in general. They are scarce, though. Maybe their owners are keeping them. Try Googling one for sale.