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  1. #1

    Default what is ?.

    the most popular mandolin sales wise out there now in the $2,500.00 to 3k price range. an please do put more into my question than what I am asking.

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    My Florida is scooped pheffernan's Avatar
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    Default Re: what is ?.

    Collings MT, Pava Player, Northfield Model M, Weber Bitterroot, Girouard A5 Ensemble
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    Innocent Bystander JeffD's Avatar
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    Default Re: what is ?.

    This is a guess, just based on hanging around here. There are doubtless many exceptions.

    New Instruments: Collings, Webers, and high end Kentuckys

    Used Instruments: Huge range of instruments, the most popular probably being vintage Gibsons in excellent condition.

    It is kind of a weird range for new instruments. Below $2500 puts you firmly in one category, and above $3000 puts you firmly in another.
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  5. #4

    Default Re: what is ?.

    Hi Jeff, I do not want to go over 3k Jeff. would a Weber be a safe bet in that range ?, and I would like an A style to get more for my money.

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    Innocent Bystander JeffD's Avatar
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    Default Re: what is ?.

    Quote Originally Posted by mandolin tony View Post
    Hi Jeff, I do not want to go over 3k Jeff. would a Weber be a safe bet in that range ?, and I would like an A style to get more for my money.
    I just gave brands, not the individual models. It further complicates things unfortunately. The good news is that the $3000 to $4000 range in new instruments often comes into your range in used instruments, depending on which, and condition etc. etc.

    If the sound is more important than aesthetics, then yes I agree an A style is the way to go.


    To further complicate the issue, what kind of music are you going after? If bluegrass and bluegrassy Americana, the discussion we have been having is appropriate as it applies mainly to arch tops. But if bluegrass is not the main thing, the whole world of flat tops opens up, which in many cases can save you significant money, (or put a better made instrument into your hands within your stated range.) Weber used to make a killer flat top, the Aspen I and Aspen II which filled a niche. Other mfgs offer flat tops as well. One really popular brand, and one I really like, is Big Muddy. Pancake mandolins are flat tops. It is quite possible you can get all the mandolin you could want, in a flat top, for less than your budget, and be happy the rest of your life.
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  8. #7

    Default Re: what is ?.

    Jeff to me its all about the sound. I for one do not care what Bill or Earl played, after all they could make anything sound good.

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    Registered User sblock's Avatar
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    Default Re: what is ?.

    Quote Originally Posted by mandolin tony View Post
    the most popular mandolin sales wise out there now in the $2,500.00 to 3k price range. an please do put more into my question than what I am asking.
    Well, it's hard to know what question you're asking, here -- let alone, not to read more into it. Your first statement is not actually a question, in fact, but an assertion that the "most popular" mandolins, sales-wise, fall in the price range of $2,500 to $3,000. Actually, without putting anything more into it, I'd question that assertion, because it's not likely to be true. The range you supplied is quite narrow (just $500), and consequently, the vast majority of mandolin sales are bound to fall outside that narrow range, just based on sampling statistics and the wide range of mandolin prices ($100 to >$100,000)!

    So, to test your idea, I just looked at the MC Classifieds, and I wrote down the asking price for the first 25 or so mandolins that I found there today. Here are the results (I left out ones with no prices, or with prices not given in US $):

    $1800, $120, $600, $1450, $5750, $1300, $2999, $975, $650, $995, $4500, $6800, $10,000, $200, $999, $4200, $1400, $165, $3700, $2100, $3700, $2970, $1000, $749, $1200.

    As you can see, only 2 out of these 25 mandolins fall into your range of the so-called "most popular." That's just 4%!! So I'd argue that you're entirely mistaken to suggest that most popular mandolins cost between $2500 and $3000. Because they don't.

    But maybe that's the amount you have to spend, yourself, and so that's what's really motivating the question? (And now, I truly am reading more into your question!)

    For $3,000, you have a whole lot of choices. But first, if you want better advice from the MC folks, you really need to specify a bit more about the model you seek. Do you want to buy a new mandolin or a used one? Do you want f-holes or an oval hole? Do you want a scroll and points? Do you want a carved top or flat top? A bowlback or carved back? Do you intend to play mostly classical, jazz, folk, oldtime, bluegrass, pop/blues? If you want to play bluegrass, for example, does the mandolin have to be an F5 style, or would you consider an A5, as well? Tough choices!

    Absent some answers to these sorts of questions, we're all just shooting in the dark with any suggestions. With about $3,000, you should be able to get a used A-style (or equivalent) model from any of Gibson, Collings, Weber, Mowry, Pava, Northfield, Kentucky, Eastman, The Loar, J. Bovier, Girouard, Silverangel, Elkhorn, Lebeda, Janish, Lyon and Healy, Bacon, Vega, Phoenix, BRW, Arches, Ratliff, Pomeroy, Old Wave, Big Muddy, and who-knows-how-many others! But $3,000 is a bit on the low side for an F-style model from most of these suppliers (not all). So you need to decide and tell us more about what you're seeking, please.

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    Default Re: what is ?.

    Tony, If you are interested in sound and an A model then I would suggest a Kentucky KM-900, 950 or 956, and they cost less then what you are referring to...I have owned a 900 and a 956 and for my money they are the best deal out there....

    Willie

  12. #10

    Default Re: what is ?.

    your right, there is not a hell of a lot you can buy in that price range, maybe one or two A style Webbers from Elderly. an I kind of have a thing for mahogany. plus I just wanted to know what other people like & why. you pointed out some very good things I need to think about. oval or f style. carved top is a must. I like bluegrass & folk music, which way would be the better choice, oval hole or f style. there is a lot to consider. I think I may have to go north of 3k or go used. would like a mandolin that can sound good playing any style of music with out breaking the bank, I am not rich by any means. this will be my first real good mandolin.

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    Innocent Bystander JeffD's Avatar
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    Default Re: what is ?.

    I have not heard (knowingly) mahogany in an arch top. I have a Big Muddy M-11, a flat top in mahogany, and the love affair never seems to end.
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  14. #12

    Default Re: what is ?.

    sorry Jeff, mahogany sides & back would be fine.

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    Registered User sblock's Avatar
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    Default Re: what is ?.

    Well, the older Weber Bitterroot mandolins, made in both F5 and A5 styles, were carved (arch-top) mandolins with mahogany neck, back and sides (and a spruce top). I own one of these beauties from 2006, purchased in 2009, and I think it sounds great. Weber also made some Gallatin models using mahogany. Here's a view of the mahogany:

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    At one point, around 2010 (I think), they switched back to using maple exclusively for the neck, back and sides. I am not sure of the reason for the switch, but I suspect that maple, which is more traditional, sold much better than mahogany.

    Unless you happen to find a used Weber Bitterroot up for sale, I think you would be better advised to stick with a carved/archtop mandolin with a spruce top and maple neck, sides and back, done in the A5-style: this will save you a thousand dollars, or more, over an F5 style, with no loss of tone. And rather than get something from a factory, I'd go with a small-shop luthier, instead. And I would recommend buying something used, not new. That will save you 30% or more off the new price. I happen to like Pava, Pomeroy, and Mowry as superb choices in this category, for around $3000 or less. But if you want to go with a small-factory-made model, then be sure to consider Collings, Northfield, and Weber. And don't forget that there are plenty of older Gibson A models out there in this category, if you happen like that sound and feel, which is different from the A5 style.
    Last edited by sblock; Apr-17-2018 at 1:30pm.

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    Registered User Eric F.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: what is ?.

    The Mandolin Store has a new Weber Bitterrroot A for a dollar less than your upper limit. There's also a Skip Kelly A in the classifieds if you don't mind spending $400 less than your bottom figure. You can get an awfully good A5 for this kind of money.

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    Default Re: what is ?.

    As far as what actually sells, I would think using the inventory of the larger stores would give you a good idea. Look at how many Collings MTs are stocked vs say, Pavas.

    Availability will dictate sales too. If a dealer has no Pavas in stock, but has Webers and Collings, more of those will be sold.bCan't sell what you don't have.

    Stores place orders according to what they sell, so if they have six Collings, and one Pava or Giouard, that tells you something. Keeping inventory on hand is basically forecasting based on past experience. I'm sure the lead times are very different based on ability to produce.

    I would also encourage you to look at the add for Silverangel Econo As in the classifieds. Ken does a run of these every year for extremely good prices. They are a very well built mandolin, and you can choose your wood preference and finish.
    Silverangel A
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    but that's just me Bertram Henze's Avatar
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    Default Re: what is ?.

    is that one of those questions only regular folks can answer?
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    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: what is ?.

    OK, so from what I see here of your posts you want a popular A model with mahogany back and sides for under $3000 and the tone is of utmost importance to play in a variety of genres.

    First of all, what mandolins have you played? Unless you live in a remote area, I assume there are some mandolin players around andf maybe even some stores that carry some decent brands and you could try these to narrow your search.

    Perhaps it might be helpful to tell us where you live. There may even be some Cafe folks who you could meet up with and try their instruments. Otherwise, it sounds like you are doing way too much fishing.

    You are the person who will be playing this mandolin. You already started a similar thread with close to 97 posts. You have to understand that we are all different in our taste for music and you will get tons of recommendations but they might not be right for you.

    I get the sense that you are putting extra pressure on yourself to buy the ultimate mandolin. I can tell you that I have owned quite a few over the years and have developed my particular taste. What I like may or may not be what you or anyone else prefers. And you may very well buy something that you love initially and then develop different taste and find something else.

    The bottom line it the decision to buy (or to sell) is yours. And as far as popularity of a particular mandolin—your choice of carved mahogany might eliminate that aspect altogether. Popularity should be your least criterion. Good luck in your search.
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    Default Re: what is ?.

    Based on some of your recent threads and posts, I get a sense that you are struggling in identifying the best mandolin for you. If I’m understanding your wants correctly, these are the broad strokes of your criteria:
    • A-style
    • Mahogany back and sides
    • Good multi-purpose instrument that can be effective for Bluegrass and folk music
    • Budget between $2500 and $3000
    • A mandolin that could be considered a quality product among professionals and novices alike.

    A budget of up to $3000 is a sizeable investment – an amount worthy of exercising hands-on due diligence.

    Here are my suggestions:

    Suggestion 1. Set aside a portion of your funds for travel to a store that does a sizeable mandolin business among several brands, including used. Without knowing where you live, you may have to travel several states to get to one, but it can be well worth your while. There are several to choose from: Elderly Instruments in Lansing, Michigan. Fiddler’s Green in Austin, Texas. The Mandolin Store outside of Phoenix, AZ. The Music Exchange in Boston. And many others that folks on the Café can recommend. You may want to call one or two, tell them what you’re looking for, and determine whether they are worth visiting from their response and the selection they have at that time. Once you visit, ask for the resident mandolin specialist, once again go over your criteria with him/her, and sample/play as many mandolins within your price range as you can. Take your time, don’t be rushed, and have someone play each mandolin for you so that you can get an audience perspective in addition to the playing perspective. Just be aware that you may not find the mandolin with the exact criteria you have in mind. However, you will gain knowledge and experience with what is available. On the other hand, you might find the perfect mandolin for you right out of the gate.

    Suggestion 2. Here is the link to The Mandolin Café Builder Data Base

    https://www.mandolincafe.com/builders.html

    Just type in the state (or adjacent state/s) where you’re located to come up with a list of luthiers who build mandolins in your area. Talk to them. Tell them your criteria. Ask if they can build you a mandolin within your budget and to your criteria. Ask if they have any examples of their products that you can try out. Ask for – and listen to – their recommendations. You might be pleasantly surprised.

    Good luck on your quest.
    Last edited by NursingDaBlues; Apr-17-2018 at 2:19pm.

  23. #19

    Default Re: what is ?.

    hi Jim, I live in Queens N.Y. on the Nassau county border. and I understand about every one here having different taste. but like I said I like folk & bluegrass on the mandolin. this part of New York seems to be a mandolin & banjo desert, would be nice if there was a store you could go to like mandolin bros. alas their gone forever.

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    Registered User sblock's Avatar
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    Default Re: what is ?.

    That's great advice to go visit a shop carrying multiple mandolins, and to bring along a musician friend to play them (and discuss them with), too, if you can. That would be money well invested. To the list of worthy stores NursingDaBlues already suggested, I would add Carter Vintage Guitars and George Gruhn Guitars in Nashville, TN. My own pilgrimage from the San Francisco Bay Area to Carter Vintage Guitars, a few years back, was a life-transforming experience -- no exaggeration. Yes, it was a long trip, but I will never look at, nor listen to, mandolins in quite the same way again.

    Queens NY to Nashville TN is a 14 hour drive, according to Google Maps.

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    Default Re: what is ?.

    Quote Originally Posted by sblock View Post
    I would add Carter Vintage Guitars and George Gruhn Guitars in Nashville, TN. ... a life-transforming experience -- no exaggeration. Yes, it was a long trip, but I will never look at, nor listen to, mandolins in quite the same way again.
    Echo that!

  27. #22

    Default Re: what is ?.

    Granted, I'm a cheapskate, but I'd go someplace and try a bunch and use your own judgement. I'm talking someplace you can actually play 25 or 30 in that price range. You might fall in love with a $1000 mandolin and save yourself $2K!

  28. #23

    Default Re: what is ?.

    now that's sounds good to me a mandolin shopping vacation. but where ?. the mandolin store or elderly instruments. those are the two stores that I like to deal with. which one do you think has the greater mandolin inventory?. an how would one talk there wife into doing a vacation like that, (good luck). Jeff you don't sound cheap to me. more like you like to spend your money wisely.

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    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: what is ?.

    Quote Originally Posted by mandolin tony View Post
    hi Jim, I live in Queens N.Y. on the Nassau county border. and I understand about every one here having different taste. but like I said I like folk & bluegrass on the mandolin. this part of New York seems to be a mandolin & banjo desert, would be nice if there was a store you could go to like mandolin bros. alas their gone forever.
    Well, if you have your heart set on a Weber mahogany backed mandolin then you will probably have to cast a nationwide net.

    However in the NY metro area you have Retrofret (primarily vintage instruments) but you can try out a wide variety of mandolins there.

    Rudy's Music, when they used to be on 48th Street, used to have a nice small selection of quality mandolins in their acoustic section. They are now on the Lower East Side but may have something of interest.

    Lark Street Music in Teaneck, NJ also might be worth a trip.

    Alto Music is a small chain with most stores up here in the Hudson Valley but they do seem to have a store in Brooklyn. Their web site shows some lower price imports and Breedlove.
    Jim

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    Default Re: what is ?.

    Tony, I was shopping in this same price range a week ago. I had it down to Flatiron Festival, Weber Bitterroot F-5, Collings MT-2, and the Pomeroy F5 I ended up buying. They all came in under $3,000 used. They all have new street prices in the $4,000 range. I decided that a small shop, all hand built mandolin by Don Paine was the way to go. All of these would have been very much to my satisfaction, however.
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