My favorite A these days
https://www.ruttlist.com/builders/el...special/WVdXeV
Yes. Amazing sound, tone.
1923 A was my first mandolin, which I bought when I first joined a bluegrass band in 1980. I couldn't find a decent and affordable f-hole mando at the time, but this one cuts through quite nicely. It is still my favorite. No splits, breaks, or repairs. Replaced tuners and a slight radius to fretboard. It's barely noticeable, but it's enough to increase the surface area for a noticeably more playable feel.
The Kentucky KM-950 with K&K has a unique sound, and is very loud even without plugging in. It's no Griffith Loar, but a pretty good busking mando.
Last edited by Paul Statman; Jan-05-2020 at 8:33pm.
I have played mostly old time fiddle tunes—it can compete with a full OT jam with fiddles, banjos, guitars and bass. It is nice for blues, of course, and ragtime. If i found myself in a full dixieland band it would be my first choice to compete with horns and drums.
BTW add to my ist of A models a newly acquired Campanella A-5.
Jim
My Stream on Soundcloud
19th Century Tunes
Playing lately:
1924 Gibson A4 - 2018 Campanella A-5 - 2007 Brentrup A4C - 1915 Frank Merwin Ashley violin - Huss & Dalton DS - 1923 Gibson A2 black snakehead - '83 Flatiron A5-2 - 1939 Gibson L-00 - 1936 Epiphone Deluxe - 1928 Gibson L-5 - ca. 1890s Fairbanks Senator Banjo - ca. 1923 Vega Style M tenor banjo - ca. 1920 Weymann Style 25 Mandolin-Banjo - National RM-1
Beautiful - and that's some sleek armrest you have there, too, Jim.
I believe that the armrest was also made by Joe. It is my only mandolin with an armrest and it is very comfortable.
Jim
My Stream on Soundcloud
19th Century Tunes
Playing lately:
1924 Gibson A4 - 2018 Campanella A-5 - 2007 Brentrup A4C - 1915 Frank Merwin Ashley violin - Huss & Dalton DS - 1923 Gibson A2 black snakehead - '83 Flatiron A5-2 - 1939 Gibson L-00 - 1936 Epiphone Deluxe - 1928 Gibson L-5 - ca. 1890s Fairbanks Senator Banjo - ca. 1923 Vega Style M tenor banjo - ca. 1920 Weymann Style 25 Mandolin-Banjo - National RM-1
I'll fess up with my favorite:
http://sandymunromusic.com/s/Nugget_Deluxe_A_162.html
Jim
My Stream on Soundcloud
19th Century Tunes
Playing lately:
1924 Gibson A4 - 2018 Campanella A-5 - 2007 Brentrup A4C - 1915 Frank Merwin Ashley violin - Huss & Dalton DS - 1923 Gibson A2 black snakehead - '83 Flatiron A5-2 - 1939 Gibson L-00 - 1936 Epiphone Deluxe - 1928 Gibson L-5 - ca. 1890s Fairbanks Senator Banjo - ca. 1923 Vega Style M tenor banjo - ca. 1920 Weymann Style 25 Mandolin-Banjo - National RM-1
Jim
My Stream on Soundcloud
19th Century Tunes
Playing lately:
1924 Gibson A4 - 2018 Campanella A-5 - 2007 Brentrup A4C - 1915 Frank Merwin Ashley violin - Huss & Dalton DS - 1923 Gibson A2 black snakehead - '83 Flatiron A5-2 - 1939 Gibson L-00 - 1936 Epiphone Deluxe - 1928 Gibson L-5 - ca. 1890s Fairbanks Senator Banjo - ca. 1923 Vega Style M tenor banjo - ca. 1920 Weymann Style 25 Mandolin-Banjo - National RM-1
Jim Garber: You are right - "That is one beautiful mandolin, for sure, but I would be just as happy..."; however it was what was available and it is about every thing I'll ever need (with exceptions for possible future MAS attacks).
"your posts ... very VERY opinionated ...basing your opinion/recommendations ... pot calling ...kettle... black...sarcasm...comment ...unwarranted...unnecessary...."
I know it’s not quite on the same level, but I love my Beavertail. It has a warm, rich tone, is easy to play, and I love how it looks, with great build quality and it’s simple, pancake lines. It’s the least expensive mandolin I’ve owned, but easily my favorite.
https://www.folkwaymusic.com/new-ins...-mandolin-0517
You are correct and I know these are few and far between. I do wonder what the fancy abalone etc adds to the price. I looked in the archives and a standard A-5 goes for about $13K. I think Nuggets must have hit the ceiling for A models. I would guess this Deluxe would be at least $15k.
Jim
My Stream on Soundcloud
19th Century Tunes
Playing lately:
1924 Gibson A4 - 2018 Campanella A-5 - 2007 Brentrup A4C - 1915 Frank Merwin Ashley violin - Huss & Dalton DS - 1923 Gibson A2 black snakehead - '83 Flatiron A5-2 - 1939 Gibson L-00 - 1936 Epiphone Deluxe - 1928 Gibson L-5 - ca. 1890s Fairbanks Senator Banjo - ca. 1923 Vega Style M tenor banjo - ca. 1920 Weymann Style 25 Mandolin-Banjo - National RM-1
My biggest raise came when my youngest graduated from college and the mortgage was paid off! I had permission from a mandolin facilitator... and sold a few instruments to make room for the Nugget.
Last edited by Jim Garber; Jan-06-2020 at 10:40pm.
Jim
My Stream on Soundcloud
19th Century Tunes
Playing lately:
1924 Gibson A4 - 2018 Campanella A-5 - 2007 Brentrup A4C - 1915 Frank Merwin Ashley violin - Huss & Dalton DS - 1923 Gibson A2 black snakehead - '83 Flatiron A5-2 - 1939 Gibson L-00 - 1936 Epiphone Deluxe - 1928 Gibson L-5 - ca. 1890s Fairbanks Senator Banjo - ca. 1923 Vega Style M tenor banjo - ca. 1920 Weymann Style 25 Mandolin-Banjo - National RM-1
That's wonderful work you do/did with the NED band, John. Is the movie still viewable somewhere?
Paul: The documentary is available for purchase thru Vimeo, and other platforms, and I think is in NetFlick's vaults as a documentary. Several PBS stations are still airing the movie - check your local listings. Because of some life changes, I had to quit the band's regular schedule, but get to play with them for a bit this spring.
Jim: Yes, that Nugget somehow fell into my lap. My kids may fight over it when I'm gone.
Jim
My Stream on Soundcloud
19th Century Tunes
Playing lately:
1924 Gibson A4 - 2018 Campanella A-5 - 2007 Brentrup A4C - 1915 Frank Merwin Ashley violin - Huss & Dalton DS - 1923 Gibson A2 black snakehead - '83 Flatiron A5-2 - 1939 Gibson L-00 - 1936 Epiphone Deluxe - 1928 Gibson L-5 - ca. 1890s Fairbanks Senator Banjo - ca. 1923 Vega Style M tenor banjo - ca. 1920 Weymann Style 25 Mandolin-Banjo - National RM-1
Here's four of my five old Gibson A's (the fifth is in the shop at the moment)...
Left to right: 1913 A1, 1909 A, 1920 A, 1921 A (at least that's what I think they all are, pending any corrected information), AKA Lion, Black Beastie, The Feral Cat and Coyote. All but Lion are on my Bach Suites for Mandolin CD.
(Here's a clearer photo using my phone)
Oh believe me I saw it. I had a deal going with the seller and then all of a sudden he got a trade offer for an old Gibson guitar so I got shoved aside. ��
It is what it is. Lol
Jim may be into something. I snoozed, and didn’t move fast enough to seal the deal. Just means it wasn’t meant to be at that time. I made an offer but the seller preferred a trade for an old guitar which is exactly what he got. Can’t blame the guy...
Last edited by Demetrius; Jan-10-2020 at 2:29pm.
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