Another vs. question

[Nicholas]

I know you guys get tired of these topics but I won't post much here...

So if ya don't mind, penny ante if you got a sec.

Gibson F-9

Weber Yellowstone

...will be playing mostly bluegrass

[ronlane3]

Both are very nice mandolins. I would not buy either one without playing. I do own a F-9, but tone and chop volume are what counts.

[Nicholas]

I've played the Gibson F9 and it does ringeth loud and true. Fortunately I live near Nashville so playing a Gibson is not hard to do. I find it rather difficult to get my hands on other mandolins of high value. Maybe I'm not going to the right stores but I haven't found any Webers, Breedloves, or Collings anywhere yet...

[pickinNgrinnin]

Keep looking to see if you can find some other stores that carry the models you mention before you decide. If it still comes down to an F9 or Yellowstone, go with the one that sounds the best, has the best playability (that one is for you Dale)and the best fit and finish. It will likely be the Yellowstone

I like the Mandolins that both companies make but IMO, the Weber is a better value. The F9 is just too plain.

I'm not the owner of either but there is an F-9 and a Yellowstone in the classifieds. #Decent prices, especially for the Yellowstone.

[mzbanjo]

I have a Weber Bitterroot w/ maple and for me it was between that and an f-9. I went with the Weber for playability, quality, value, tone, looks...you name it. I think the Webers are great. And the Bitterroot is lower in the product line than the yellowstone (make your own judgements about that). Obviously, it's an individual thing. I'm sure you could find some great f-9s out there (I have a nice a-9 too), but overall, I think the average yellowstone would be better than the average f-9.

piece
matt

[pathfinder]

I've owned both and they're each good for what you describe. #If money's no object, go with the Yellowstone because it's got fret markers.

[Frank Russell]

Here's one from the other side of the fence. I love Webers, but I have yet to play one that matches my F9 in tone and volume. It's not nearly as pretty as a Weber, but that thin finish and the Loar specs are hard to beat for bluegrass sound. Frank

[Greg H.]

I think the last three posts pretty much prove that there's really only one answer. Play both (and everything else you can get your hands on) and pick the one you can't put down.

[Wando]

I considered both and went with the Yellowstone for playability and finish quality. However, I don't play only bluegrass and that F-9 sure had a big thump to the sound.