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Mandolin Considerations -- Add to my List
Hi all,
I have recently been searching the classifieds and various websites looking for possibilities for my next mando. I currently have an older Weber Gallatin F and looking for something (used, not necessarily new) higher end, somewhere around the $5-6k range with some wiggle room.
I have come up with a list of mandolin builders that I am currently watching for, and would like to know if anyone has any that I should be adding or checking out. This isn't a quick process in my books, so I am just adding to a list of instruments to be watching for.
Current List:
Stiver
Kimble
Apitius (current favorite on the list, but they don't come around too often)
San Juan
Heiden...?
Duff
Elkhorn
Ellis
Thanks for any info in advance. Open to general tips on looking in this range as well! I'm in Colorado so not super close to any of the big stores, but I'll get down to Denver Folklore every once in a while.
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Re: Mandolin Considerations -- Add to my List
You might be able to find a Red Diamond A in your range. Or a RL Givens A-6. An you've already got some good ones on your list.
If you like the Gallatin sound, a Weber Fern might be something to move up to.
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Re: Mandolin Considerations -- Add to my List
Buying used can get you a great instrument for a reasonable price, if you know more or less what you want and what they're worth. Sounds like you're looking to take your time, so that will be to your advantage. One that has been known to pop up used in your price range is: Campanella. You may also consider a Collings, and I've heard good things from a friend who recently got a Girouard.
I will also second Hanks observation about the Weber Fern, but it kind of depends on what you're looking for - do you want something "not Weber"?
Do you have an idea what you're looking to get out of a "better" mando? That may help you recognize when the right opportunity comes along. What kind of sound are you looking for? What music do you want to play?
You might consider having a prioritized list with stuff like sound, playability, aesthetics, and have an idea if, or how much you care about things like, for example, neck profile. I really like the feel of the Weber neck profile, and don't so much like a V-shaped profile. The normal Collings rounded V doesn't put me off too much, but I do notice it. On the other hand, I really like the pronounced compound fretboard radius on the Collings. The Collings wide neck has a more rounded back profile and a slightly chunkier feel, which I find very comfortable. I tend not to like flat boards as much, but for some things it doesn't bother me. While you're searching, you should play everything you can get your hands on, to improve your frame of reference. I hope you enjoy both your quest and the result!
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Re: Mandolin Considerations -- Add to my List
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Re: Mandolin Considerations -- Add to my List
Would you prefer an off the beaten path mandolin? Your budget would buy you a nice Gibson or a Northfield Artist or the previously mentioned Collings, but I understand the need to be different.
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Re: Mandolin Considerations -- Add to my List
Franzke
https://www.mfstrings.com/about.html
Clark - in your price range, A style or 2 point
http://www.clarkmandolins.com/
Last time I was in Denver Folklore Center, they had a really nice Turkey Creek!
If I were in your shoes, I'd contact Geoff at iii mandolins and go play his instruments. He can custom build one for you and they are very sweet!
http://www.iiimandolin.com/
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Re: Mandolin Considerations -- Add to my List
With your budget, the world is your oyster. It would be worth using a bit of your budget to travel to someplace where you can try a variety of different mandolins. The right one will find you.
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Re: Mandolin Considerations -- Add to my List
Quote:
Originally Posted by
CombustionToad
Hi all,
I have recently been searching the classifieds and various websites looking for possibilities for my next mando. I currently have an older Weber Gallatin F and looking for something (used, not necessarily new) higher end, somewhere around the $5-6k range with some wiggle room.
I have come up with a list of mandolin builders that I am currently watching for, and would like to know if anyone has any that I should be adding or checking out. This isn't a quick process in my books, so I am just adding to a list of instruments to be watching for.
Current List:
Stiver
Kimble
Apitius (current favorite on the list, but they don't come around too often)
San Juan
Heiden...?
Duff
Elkhorn
Ellis
Thanks for any info in advance. Open to general tips on looking in this range as well! I'm in Colorado so not super close to any of the big stores, but I'll get down to Denver Folklore every once in a while.
Absolutely ! In that price range you can get a NEW Girouard ! Won't find any better workmanship and your ears will love the Girouard sound ! Built by Max and Laurie Girouard !
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Re: Mandolin Considerations -- Add to my List
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Re: Mandolin Considerations -- Add to my List
Quote:
Originally Posted by
violinvic
Randy Wood, for sure.
I agree, there’s a used one in the classifieds now for under $5k, that’s about half price from a new one. You’d have to check it out with an approval period.
https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/145688#145688
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Re: Mandolin Considerations -- Add to my List
Olde Town Pickin' Parlor in Arvada (Denver suburb) has a good selection.
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Re: Mandolin Considerations -- Add to my List
Great thread!
I'll second the sentiment that the world is your oyster here.
The high cost of mandolins has led me to value A styles above other styles, particularly used A styles. Kind of like a car, as soon as it's off the lot it loses monetary value, even if in perfect condition. So, there are significant deals to be had when buying a used A style mandolin. Heck, I even think a used Nugget or Dudenbostel A style can be had for under $10k, which says a lot considering how expensive new F styles of those brands cost.
For $5k-$6k, you can get into a used Ellis A Deluxe or a new or used Collings MT2V, depending on the specs. Both are monster instruments that are as good as anything else out there. In that price range, you're really getting into what your preference is as opposed to whether or not it's "good." So, you can browse with confidence. I've always liked Hamlett's, Elliott's, Altman's, Sumi's, and yes, Webers. However, my $.02 is if you go Weber get one made before Weber was purchased by Two Old Hippies, as the best Webers I've played were from when they were still being made in Montana, but after 2005.
Have fun!
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Re: Mandolin Considerations -- Add to my List
Quote:
Originally Posted by
CombustionToad
... not super close to any of the big stores, but I'll get down to Denver Folklore every once in a while.
Then you should also be close enough to the Olde Town Pickin' Parlor in Arvada (NFI). Only visited once for an hour or two; a bit bigger than the Folklore Center and equally inspirational.
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Re: Mandolin Considerations -- Add to my List
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Re: Mandolin Considerations -- Add to my List
This....
https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/145117#145117
Pava works in the Ellis shop and builds a great mandolin.
I doubt you will find a Heiden in your price range.
Good luck with your search.
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Re: Mandolin Considerations -- Add to my List
I have always wanted to test drive a June and a Jacobson
Have fun shopping!
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Re: Mandolin Considerations -- Add to my List
Avenue Guitars in Manitou Springs, outside of Colorado Springs is a great shop.
https://www.avenueguitars.com/
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Re: Mandolin Considerations -- Add to my List
I have always wanted to test drive a June and a Jacobson.
Have fun shopping!
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Re: Mandolin Considerations -- Add to my List
Not to keep piling on, but Skip Kelley, Steve Sorenson, Don Macrostie (Red Diamond), and Ken Ratcliff are building some fine instruments right now. Don's are the most expensive of my little list, but A styles periodically pop up used in the 6K neighborhood. Also, I've recently played two Northfields (NFS and Big Mon) that were outstanding instruments.
At that budget your options are outstanding...best bet is to try to get somewhere that will allow you to get your hands on as many as you can. Good luck!!
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Re: Mandolin Considerations -- Add to my List
Might be able to find a Nugget in your range or, as Hank mentioned, there're Givens' out there, too.
I wouldn't rule out a new instrument from one of the builders you mentioned. I thought a new Kimble was out of my range, but it turns out Will had a batch where he was trying out some new things and I am now the proud owner of A model #266, that is the perfect complement to my Northfield F5S.
It's worth an email or phone call to the builders you mention just to ask about what they have cooking...
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Re: Mandolin Considerations -- Add to my List
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Alfons
Buying used can get you a great instrument for a reasonable price, if you know more or less what you want and what they're worth. Sounds like you're looking to take your time, so that will be to your advantage. One that has been known to pop up used in your price range is: Campanella. You may also consider a Collings, and I've heard good things from a friend who recently got a Girouard.
I will also second Hanks observation about the Weber Fern, but it kind of depends on what you're looking for - do you want something "not Weber"?
Do you have an idea what you're looking to get out of a "better" mando? That may help you recognize when the right opportunity comes along. What kind of sound are you looking for? What music do you want to play?
You might consider having a prioritized list with stuff like sound, playability, aesthetics, and have an idea if, or how much you care about things like, for example, neck profile. I really like the feel of the Weber neck profile, and don't so much like a V-shaped profile. The normal Collings rounded V doesn't put me off too much, but I do notice it. On the other hand, I really like the pronounced compound fretboard radius on the Collings. The Collings wide neck has a more rounded back profile and a slightly chunkier feel, which I find very comfortable. I tend not to like flat boards as much, but for some things it doesn't bother me. While you're searching, you should play everything you can get your hands on, to improve your frame of reference. I hope you enjoy both your quest and the result!
Thanks for the insight. In general, I was looking for something other than Weber, not because I don't love my Gallatin but because I like change and, if possible, would like something a bit "different". I play mostly bluegrass and have considered adding Collings to the list... there are just so many models that I tend to get lost when I search for Collings.
Thanks again for the tips! Anything at all helps and it's good for me to be thinking about specifics like you mentioned.
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Re: Mandolin Considerations -- Add to my List
In general, I was looking to stray away from the bigger companies like Gibson/Northfield/Collings, but a good sounding and high quality instrument is the top priority. I have been keeping Gibson on my radar... do you have any tips for looking in the Gibson range?
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Re: Mandolin Considerations -- Add to my List
Hamlett (Sunburst on this site). I’m an oval guy but Johns f-holer will never leave my side. The build quality is above Collings (MT2-O owner also) and the sound and versatility are astounding. He built the thing exactly how I wanted it and every single person who has played it has tried to buy it or borrow it off me.
Where n Colo are you?
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Re: Mandolin Considerations -- Add to my List
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ColdBeerGoCubs
Hamlett (Sunburst on this site). I’m an oval guy but Johns f-holer will never leave my side. The build quality is above Collings (MT2-O owner also) and the sound and versatility are astounding. He built the thing exactly how I wanted it and every single person who has played it has tried to buy it or borrow it off me.
Where n Colo are you?
Thanks for the post, will check him out. I'm near Boulder.
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Re: Mandolin Considerations -- Add to my List
Quote:
Originally Posted by
CombustionToad
Thanks for the post, will check him out. I'm near Boulder.
One of John's F-5's just hit the classifieds.........
https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/145842#145842
NFI