The thread discussions on these don't last long enough to satisfy me. I know that the A-5L is sort of an odd duck, in that there was never a Loar example, save one. The carvings and graduations are not historically accurate. I get all that. The thing is, though, that I like 'em. I wanted one 22 years ago, and allowed the dealer to talk me out of it and into a good F5 copy. I finally got my present mandolin almost 2 years ago, having gone through 2 different Gibson F-5s and various other mandolins. I just love the elegant lines on it. Given the two distinct variations of shape, I own and prefer Carlson's take on it. Just trying to get a discussion started here. Thanks for reading!
Bookmarks