Re: Weber Models
You have to make a distinction between Weber pre-takeover (Two Old Hippies) and post takeover. Bruce stayed a couple of years after the takeover before “retiring” but changes started soon after the transition of ownership. Actually, I think the flat top line went before the takeover. There was a whole flat top line- Sweet Pea, Y2K, Aspen, Alder (mandola), Sage (octave mandolin), and Tamarack (mandocello). Those are all gone, for close to 10 years now. Likewise the Absaroka model, which also hasn’t been made for many years. It wasn’t top of the line or entry level, as I recall, but somewhere in the middle. I think it was x braced. The Gallatin has always been, and still is, the entry level carved model. It’s main feature is no binding, the edges are rounded instead. The Bitterroot is the next step up, single bound on the top, rounded edge on the back. Personal note: on those models with rounded edges, using accessories like a tone guard or arm rest can be a problem. Nothing there for the accessory to grip onto. Then the Yellowstone is bound top and back. Fern is top of the line with multi layer binding everywhere. Black Ice and River are basically Ferns with special cosmetic packages, like special colors, more spectacularly figured woods, and special inlays. Vintage, I think, is a special designation given to oval hole A styles conforming more or less to old Gibson specs. The waters are muddied further by the fact that they did a number of special runs and limited editions. They did exclusive models that I am aware of for The Mandolin Store. They may have done the same for others. But very generally speaking, you can tell what model these were based on by the binding level No binding=Gallatin, single bound top =Bitterroot, bound top and back =Yellowstone, multi layer binding throughout = Fern. Also, there is no Florida on Gallatin and Bitterroot, that starts with the Yellowstone.
There were other models that came and went. Some examples: the Octar (a guitar shaped octave mandolin), the Cutaway (a guitar shaped mandolin with a single cutaway, more accurately described as a mandolinetto), and a sopranino mandolin tuned a fifth higher than a regular mandolin (like a mandola an octave higher).
George is of course correct to point out that it used to be very popular to customize the lower models. You could end up with something better than the sum of its parts. For example, my own Custom Bitterroot has Fern Burst color, full gloss finish, and an Adirondack top. Those were all options at extra cost. I didn’t order it that way, the store did. Stores would sometimes do that to get something that stood out. Unfortunately, I believe a lot of those options have been scaled back with the TOH ownership.
Another interesting development is, AFAIK, all the Weber models up until present day have had Bruce’s neck joint design, which was a mortise and tenon glued, but internally clamped with two screws. After the glue cured, the screws were left in place for reinforcement. My understanding is that, starting this year, all models from Yellowstone up will have traditional glue only dovetail neck joints. Presumably, based on what information they are giving out, the Gallatin and Bitterroot will continue to have to old joint.
Don
2016 Weber Custom Bitterroot F
2011 Weber Bitterroot A
1974 Martin Style A
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