Search:

For a $1000, I do not believe there is much better than a Howard Morris A5 (or A4 if you prefer an oval hole).

My preferred route has been through the independent builders. I started with Howard Morris and then Matt Ruhland. Both provided excellent experiences and mandolins and I was able to support builders...

Yeah, that thing sounds great!

It certainly sounds great in CJ's hands and he seems to be quite impressed with it.

Happy Birthday Dennis and many thoughts and prayers!

I don't think Matt has had to make a mandolin that wasn't spoken for in a while. Hopefully he and other great luthiers can continue to thrive!

My friends I have been getting together every Wednesday night for about 2 months now and jamming. Outdoors at a private residence, usually 6-8 of us ranging in age from 20-70 (I fall in the middle at...

Those are Grover's on there already, but as Frankdolin mentioned, the 309's are a step up.

Congrats on the Morris! I have sang Sonny's praises many times on this forum. Great instruments at really good prices. My Morris has been dethroned as a daily player by my Ruhland, but is still a...

In the 1000-1200 range I would throw Howard Morris up in Oregon in the mix. $995 gets you a new A-style and the $1,200 gets you a 2 point. I think his building has slowed down due to current world...

I am also eternally grateful for the Parking Lot Pickers Guide. A lot of the songs I play in jams came from that as most are truly universal. Its not meant to make you the hottest shredder out there,...

184595184596

I relate to this all too well. Inspiration to play was hard to find for a couple weeks, though is starting to return. I forced myself to play last night and was glad I did.
I lost 2 gigs on March...

Sounds great. I have played it a few times and liked it. Nice to see it getting played man! I haven't forgot about sending you some video. Frankly, I have found inspiration to be hard to catch as I...

Is this the one that has been hanging down in the shop?

I had a Loar 520 for a while when I started out. I enjoyed it. Get it from a Cafe sponsor that does a set-up, and it will make a good starter instrument. Best f-style at that price point (500-600...

At first, David Grisman for sure, and probably Jeff Austin. It really is a stretch to narrow it down to just 2 though. I didn't seek to play mandolin, it found me really. I had been into progressive...

Sam, I got to play a few songs with you at Wintergrass in the big area around the corner from the OBA suite. Your Collings indeed sounded good.

Of the 2 you listed above, I would likely choose the Eastman. Though once you get up to either makers highest level instruments, I believe Kentucky edges ahead. I will also echo that Cafe sponsors...

I just bought one at Wintergrass a week and a half ago. I am enjoying it. The different voice is fun. Low end and sustain for days. It is well set-up and fit and finish good. At $750, it seems to be...

Lots of opportunities. Sam Bonds Garage has a bluegrass jam every Tuesday night. It is well established and brings some good musicians. They also have an Irish/Celtic jam on Sundays. These may not be...

Indeed. I also hear a bit of Southern Flavor in there I think.

Afraid I can't be of much help. That tune is right up my alley.

This is awesome and speaks to me on several levels. I have worked in the addictions field for many years and clinically supervise a large program in Oregon. Our clients can be some of the smartest...

I was pondering how to say similar things. It is that 3rd point that really stands out to me. He is constantly working to learn and improve. I talk with Matt fairly regularly still, and he is always...