Among the sites I look at regularly for something interesting is the Guitar Center used website. Yesterday I noticed the Youngstown, Ohio Store posted a 2003 Fern for 4800, in great condition. I am only about an hour drive from Youngstown so I decided to go check it out. I was prepared to buy it, but only if it blew me away. I took along my Weber Bitterroot F for comparison. For years now I have been reading posts from Gibson fans here, talking up that era of Gibson mandolins. I have heard that era referred to as a “sweet spot”, marking a return to Loar specs under Derrington. It really seemed like a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire an instrument like that, and a bit under market price as well.
Well, after I got there, the young fellow took it out of a glass display case for me. First impressions: it was breathtakingly beautiful, with flawless fit and finish (a few tiny scratches and finish swirls.it had been played, not abused). The label was signed by Danny Roberts. The Fern headstock inlay was to die for. As I began to play it, the instrument seemed perfectly set up and required only the slightest tweak of the tuning. The strings looked like a shiny brand new set. I ran through some scales, then a couple of tunes. It sounded really good. But I didn’t particularly care for the neck (deep v), board (flat), or frets (tiny). Still, I reasoned that I could get used to those. But then I picked up the Bitterroot. Guess what? It sounded better than the Fern. Noticeably better. Really, I swear. I went back and forth several times to be sure. Confirmed. Buying the Fern would not give me an improvement in tone. So in spite of the legendary status, the headstock, the name, and the beautiful craftsmanship, the tone was the deal breaker. Now, don’t get me wrong. It was a good tone. Just no improvement for me. Maybe even a step back. In an instrument that was harder to play. I think this would be a nice instrument for somebody. Just not my cup of tea for sure. And the experience has given me a new found appreciation for my Weber. To be continued.
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