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Being underwater for a long period of time -- in the right conditions --- does not harm potential tonewood. Companies are currently dredging up virgin timber from the bottom
of the Great Lakes...

Wow, a lot of opinions here, and for good reason. Many of us are emotionally invested with Gibson, with the instruments we own and play, and consequently the respect for a company that has...

I vaguely remember ISB from the sixties, but encountered some of their music in college.

However, I did encounter Robin Williamson at a sold out solo show in Winston-Salem on the recommendation...

Mandocellos can be restrung as octaves with great success. The string tension is less, so there is less stress on the top. Be aware that vintage models like Gibsons vary in how
robust the top...

I think that is the accepted wisdom, and knowing the Gibson Company, it makes perfect sense. Loar left Gibson because the big prject to restimulate the market -- the F5 -- didn't go over with...

We had an acoustic group at church called "River of Peace " for several years, doing praise type material bordering on traditional. Our line up included guitar, autoharp, fiddle, bass, dulcimer,...

There are a couple of ways to look at this. Off shore instruments are probably not put through a rigorous, individual buiiding process, but are designed for maximum quantity, they are going to vary...

Can we see more pictures? This is very interesting.......

Mr. Bill was forging ahead with a sound he heard and he wouldn't rest until he put it into action. This applies to well known musicians who have a singular impact on their genre.

However, I am...

I think in the modern era, many of us who are mandolin enthusiasts have an idea of "what a mandolin should sound like." Much of this is due to the Gibson Company, who defined the sound and turned...

I will back up those compliments to Fred and his business. I have bought several instruments over the years, although I have never visited the store itself. The instruments are exactly as ...

Cafe Nation


I ship instruments -- a lot. New, used, I am down at the PO on a regular basis. The only time I use UPS is if the dollar limit on the item exceeds what USPS will insure.
...

I just emceed a bluegrass festival here in NC, and Ronnie turned to me and said "this here Eastman puts my Gilchrist to shame!" His band mates agreed.


Now that I have your...

I am a HUGE fan of Vega cylinderbacks. I own two mandolins and the rare mandocello. These mandolins are true gems and are surprisingly loud and deep.

I wish I could relate some kind of exotic...

It's always good when dealing with the TSA folks at the airport to point to your case and say "banjo thingy."

Holy Smoke! That is some rockin' zouk playing........

Every couple of years some name artist in Nashville will come out with one of these albums by booking a bunch of A list players and going through the motions. I think the majority of them are...

For those of us who appreciate the history and impact of Gibson on American musical manufacturing, this is sad news. However, remember that the industry is driven by musical fads and also player...

I think nearly everyone on the CAFE would agree, since it is a family heirloom. spend the money to have a quality repair done, and then enjoy playing the instrument. A wonderful thing to inherit. ...

I think your perseverence is admirable, and the will to return to music making can overcome many obstacles. Go for it.

As a high school shop teacher, my main goal was the safety of my students,...

Hey mando community


Recently picked up a 1924 A2Z, and now I know what all the buzz is about. What a wonderful mandolin, in many ways. After having owned many A models, the search is over. ...

I might be wrong, but I have a hypothesis on this particular L4. I would really like to know if there are any others like it.

Gibson was always looking for a chance to recycle in parts to use...

As Tim O'Brien likes to say, mandolin is Italian for "out of tune". I normally fine tune at the beginning of a session, and tweak after the first tune or two.

There is nothing like vintage tools in any kind of woodworking, for their ruggedness and accuracy. However, that means a machine that is fully functional, and not abused. If you have a shop, you...

I have used this combination on several Celtic mandolins, and it works very well. Wenge is a somewhat overlooked tonewood, but it is very dense and projects well, plus offering above average bass...