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OK, it's down a three-way horse race: MT2 0 vs. Pava A4 Pro Oval vs. Gilchrist Model 1, the late-entry dark horse. Collings and Pava are new; Gil is an '09. (Starting a new thread on my "ultimate oval" hunt. My previous contender, an Ellis A4, is out of the running due to a one-year build time.) Deciding today probably which of the three to get. Each has distinct advantages but I'm only acquiring one. What gets your vote?
Have you played the Gilchrist? Any of the others?
These are all very different mandolins. You can see and play all of those models at TME, which is a plane ride away, and make a decision then and there. They have a used Gil Model One on consignment, a beautiful Pava Pro A4, and a few variations of the MT2 oval. It's one stop shopping.
The Collings and Pava are much different animals as I mentioned in my earlier post.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Romkey
Jr. is from the same batch of 16 (affectionately known as ‘sweet 16’) in ‘09. They were all very consistent in sound upon arrival in Nashville in Christmas of ‘09 according to Compton. Killer mandolin.
Mike:
Please buy that Gil in TME - I don't need this much MAS in my life!
Gilchrist :)
If I were in your position, unable to play them beforehand, and could swing a Gilchrist ... serious instrument to consider!
I remember when those came out and fell in love with the look of them. They probably influenced why I play an oval hole today.
Exciting times for sure!
I play a Collings MT2-O as my gigging mandolin and I love it. I played it side by side with a Pava oval and I'm glad to not be in your situation. Would have been a hard choice. In the end, I like the fullness of the Collings more, but the Pava was a beauty and I would be happy to play that one too.
I'm glad I don't have to make the decision - I've never played a Gil, so no opinion there, but I own a Collings and a Pava, and I love both, (although as mentioned above, both sound different - Collings is "brighter," and Pava sounds more "full,") but both have fabulous fit and finish, and are wonderful! Happy decision-making!
Jordan was super helpful and sent me sound files of all three instruments. All there very distinctive and pleasant. The Pava sounded complex. The Collings was shimmery in a nice way. But the winner was easily the Gilchrist. Transaction completed.
Attachment 183575
Good choice. I like my Collings, but it's not for everyone. That Gilchrist should be all you ever need. Enjoy!
Congrats! Hard to go wrong with that one.
My mando stable includes a Collings MT2-O and a Collings A, so I don't think you can go wrong either way. I can't afford a Gil just now, but I know they're incredible.
Congrats! That's beautiful!Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Romkey
I have one of the F-4 jr Gil’s - the one TME sold a few months back. I don’t think you’ll have any regrets.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Romkey
Beauty !
Nice going on #638! One below Reischman’s M1 according to the Gilchrist archives. http://www.gilchristmandolins.com/638
Thank you for buying that and taking it out of my sight. And when you're ready to flip it, call me...Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Romkey
You lucky dog! :)
Nice score!
Oh, well done! I got the chance to play a Model 1 several years ago and it was an amazing instrument - practically played itself!
You get to charge more to play now?
Ah, that explains why, when I checked out the Gilchrist at TME it said "on hold." Congratulations, Mike! I think that is an excellent choice.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Romkey
Congratulations!
May you put some honest Fert wear on that one. It looked great and I'm sure will hold off MAS in the tone department (at least for a while).