Kerman Mandolin status as of 2019

I’ve noticed some apparent confusion about Kerman Mandolins and wanted to share this. I am on a waiting list for one. Arik, contrary to speculation, is not retired. With his permission, I’ll share here what his son, Yam, told me in a recent email:

“ Arik did add another luthier to his mandolin secrets, that's me, his son. We have been working together for more than ten years now and continue to build all our mandolin together.”

Here is their modest website:

http://www.kermanmandolin.com/

I hope that info is of use to someone.

Frankly, I've never heard of them. The website gives NO information. Is there more info anywhere?

It is the mandolin played by Avi Avital. Nope, that website is it. Google Avi.

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Originally Posted by Philphool

Frankly, I've never heard of them. The website gives NO information. Is there more info anywhere?

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Most classical mandolinists from Israel play Kerman mandolins, so if you listen to or watch Avi Avital or Jacob Reuven recording or videos, those are Kerman mandolins.

Martin

I played on one. Woo hoo!

https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/e...the-end-of-MAS

Jeff D -
Yes! I had read that before with interest as I have an exquisite Lyon & Healy Model A as well which I absolutely love. It was great to read about your comparison!

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Originally Posted by JeffD

I played on one. Woo hoo!

https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/e...the-end-of-MAS

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Sounds like the holy grail of mandolins! I've only ever heard them recorded, but your description of the sound rings true.

Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp,

Or what's a heaven for?

So, a friend who's probably the best classical mandolinist I know personally ... who's on call for a particular major US symphony orchestra whenever they need a mandolin player ... some years ago she tried to look into ordering a Kerman mandolin, and was essentially told that since Arik didn't know who she was and she hadn't played with anyone he knew, she wasn't famous or important enough to get onto his list.

Given that Tim *is* on the list ... has Kerman perhaps opened up his list a little, now that his son works with him?

Well, I’m at the total opposite end of the musical ability spectrum and I never received the slightest indication that they would not be more than happy to have me order one. Hope that helps!

Tim, you don't have to answer this, but it would be helpful to know what the cost of a Kerman is.

The last time I heard that Kerman was charging about what a quality F-5 would cost here in the US. Did he quote you a price and how long it would take to make it?

In the meantime, if this doesn't sell you I don't know what would...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a417miPQ-M8

The current quote is $6850. I don’t know if it is subject to change. The waiting period gives you just enough time to 1) save enough pennies to put a dent in the cost or 2) come to your senses LOL

I see this Kerman in the FB marketplace albeit with a high price.
More pics at the link.

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Originally Posted by bwnunnally

I see this Kerman in the FB marketplace albeit with a high price.
More pics at the link.
...

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That one has been on the Houston CL for some time (with the same pics). Looks like they did update the listing recently with the price drop. I'd never heard of them before I saw it there, but I've never heard of a lot of builders...

Someone I was talking to about the one that was listed by the classical guitarist outside of Boston at the same time the one in Texas was listed on Reverb, told me that the original builder was now retired and his son had taken over. I am not sure how true that it, but things may have changed in terms of availability and pricing.

But my experience is that it is not really all that important "who you kiss," but "who you miss."

Well, all that I've been able to glean about these instruments since I first heard about them last year can be summed up in a few sentences:

They are flat top mandolins with an inner plate, some calling it a double top, some calling it a double back. Apparently it's some form of the "resonator guitar" principle adapted to a mandolin. The builder may have used a "double top" classical guitar design as a reference for his mandolin concept. It seems that they are built only in small numbers. There are a couple of Kermans available on reverb at $15k +, one reduced from $20k. Both have been listed for several months. Reverb currently has no examples of Kermans in their "sold" listings.

I have never seen or played one, and do not personally know anyone who has. I would guess that they are either a true master grade instrument such as a Jose Ramirez III 1a classical guitar model with a blue bordered label, or they are just good solid instruments that have gotten rave reviews due to the excellent abilities of the players comprising the Kerman Quartet, who play Kerman instruments.

If I ever get a chance to play one, I'll find out whether they are really stronger than the best Larson, Vega, and Martin instruments that I've played, or just good solid mandolins that have developed a mystique because of the the interesting design and the very talented artists who play them.

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Mary, at 65 years old, I think both are important.

I was lucky to hear Avi Avital in a good-sized concert hall back in 2019. His Kerman stood up to the tasks of being heard over the orchestra, and his encore piece was clear as a bell, from ff to pp.

A concert-class instrument is worth what you have to pay for it, if you need it to earn a living.

Interesting video of what I assume is a Kerman mandolin being played. Titled: Roi DAYAN Final Stage | The ARTE Int'l Mandolin Competition 2022

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIvRSuFCLZA

One of the well known Israeli mandolin players, Alon Sariel, now seems to play two mandolins by a builder from India called Mintu Biswas.

Check out his recent Mandolin Mondays performance.

https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/e...st-Alon-Sariel