Re: Black Cloud Over Gibson
A lot of people seem to have the fatalistic attitude that if Gibson goes, that will be the end of quality mandolins. While Gibson has certainly made monumental contributions, we have to remember that there are other really good mandolin luthiers out there. I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings but there are some who prefer the sound of others over Gibson. I have two Bend, Oregon-made Breedlove mandolins that I think sound better. Admittedly, it's a subjective assessment. I have an old Gibson F-4 that sounds good but I personally like the sound of the Breedloves better.
When I went looking for an octave mandolin, I never considered Gibson. I know their selection is limited but it just never entered my mind. I chose one of those "really good" luthiers that I alluded to above. Eddie Blevins in Tennessee is building mine. Perusing and comparing the prices of available OMs, his price is very competitive and his quality is impeccable. (I'll be taking delivery in the next month of two.)
Even though I have that Gibson and it (and everyone else's, too, I guess) is great quality, I realize there are many others who produce high quality, great sounding instruments at a more competitive price because part of the cost doesn't include the name.
David Hopkins
2001 Gibson F-5L mandolin
Breedlove Legacy FF mandolin; Breedlove Quartz FF mandolin
Gibson F-4 mandolin (1916); Blevins f-style Octave mandolin, 2018
McCormick Oval Sound Hole "Reinhardt" Mandolin
McCormick Solid Body F-Style Electric Mandolin; Slingerland Songster Guitar (c. 1939)
The older I get, the less tolerant I am of political correctness, incompetence and stupidity.
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