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Hi guys and gals,
I am considering a Lafferty LF-5B for a second mando and to cure a little F Style MAS.
Can someone tell what the "B" in the model number stands for. I know it's not the Deluxe version but not really bare bones either.
What do y'all think of them. I'm not trying to upgrade from my Gibson just adding to the family.
Thanks, Mike
I have played a pre-owned one and it was okay. As an option you should get your hands on a Girouard ! I played many top end mandolins at Ghrun's over a year ago and and comparing fit/finish to my eyes/hands from a Girouard to all others, the Girouard was in a league of it's own and to my ears it came out number 1 ! I was comparing ovals ! All ears are different however but Max and Laurie Girouard are fantastic builders !
I’m not familiar with Lafferty’s naming system, but would guess the B indicates black topped?
Hmm, it is a brown finish. Maybe that's it.
Lafferty mandolins was/is a private brand for The Mandolin Store. Most I have seen were made by Paul Schneider of Summit mandolins. I have seen posts that Audie Ratliff built a few also? So you might contact The Mandolin Store for specific information, serial number if you can get it probably would help. I have never played one, but they look like they could be a decent value.
Shoots my theory down, lol. Sorry!Quote:
Originally Posted by Guitfiddle Mike
I thought the B meant “Burst”. Mandomutt had one for sale a while back and it was a sunburst.
Dennis was kind enough to inform me that the B in the model number stands for Base Model.
Thank you Dennis.
Just purchased a Lafferty LA5B from the Mandolin Store. I saw it at the Café Classifieds and went to the Mandolin Store website. Contacted the Mandolin Store by email with a few questions as to the builder and the date of build. Between James and Dennis all my questions were quickly answered. I was told that Paul Schneider had built it around the Spring of 2013 and it was the 58th Lafferty built. Dennis also told me (Without me asking) a brief history of Lafferty Mandolins and where the name Lafferty came from. I purchased the mandolin around noon or so on Thursday April 7th, and by 4 PM it was packaged and on a UPS truck. I received it yesterday, Saturday, April 9th. It really is nice. I can't believe it's nine years old. The finish and the hardware look just great. And the tone, volume and playability are really terrific. I'll post some pictures later. I ended up taking it to work with me, as the UPS driver pulled up in front of my house at 915 PM last night as I was leaving for my job. I ended up taking it out of the box and playing it on my break and during my meal hour. It was a really nice buying experience with the Mandolin Store.
Here's some pictures of the Lafferty. Along with a photo of Henry Lafferty holding a guitar. Sorry these are sideways,