ohhhhhh ok , so I see two different guys making mandos. Boy do those Ratcliffs look nice!
ohhhhhh ok , so I see two different guys making mandos. Boy do those Ratcliffs look nice!
Also am finding NO used Silverangels out there!
You’re unlikely to find a used one much cheaper than his new Econo model:
https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/152035#152035
A Silverangel that I previously owned traded for $1400 used. Plus, Ken has been known to ship out a new mandolin on approval, meaning that you just have to send it back if you’re not thrilled with it.
1924 Gibson A Snakehead
2005 National RM-1
2007 Hester A5
2009 Passernig A5
2015 Black A2-z
2010 Black GBOM
2017 Poe Scout
2014 Smart F-Style Mandola
2018 Vessel TM5
2019 Hogan F5
Both Ratliffs and Silverangels come up for sale from time to time, but I think people have to add a considerable amount of money to better them, so unless you're going to spend 3 or 4 thousand, there is not much reason to sell your SA Econo A or Country Boy.
Silverangel A
Arches F style kit
1913 Gibson A-1
Hey All, I just found a 1943 A style Gibson for sale, $1,000, thoughts?? Also, talking with Charles about Ratliff. Thanks!
1924 Gibson A Snakehead
2005 National RM-1
2007 Hester A5
2009 Passernig A5
2015 Black A2-z
2010 Black GBOM
2017 Poe Scout
2014 Smart F-Style Mandola
2018 Vessel TM5
2019 Hogan F5
My first good mandolin was a 40's Gibson A. Served me well for several years. Most have mahogany back and sides and have a different sound than maple. Mine was above average, but they very. While in those years I didn't play as far up the neck as I do now, If you are looking for a long term mandolin and want to play leads I would vote for the Ratliff. I have a 60's Gibson A that has been X braced and the fingerboard moved so the 12th fret is not so buried in the body, and it is acceptable for being to get up the neck 99% of what I play. Has a better sound than that era of Gibson's too. I bought it that way for a purpose, which has now changed. The search is half of the fun.
THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE!
My first one, which I borrowed was/is a Stagg semi acoustic (but terrible pickup).
Very affordable for the tone, had to set it up, cut down the bridge and nut, quite a lot of work but I learned fast.
It got me through some of the scale exercises on jazzmando.com (remember what that was like?!) and I began to understand when kind folks on MC talked about fifths music theory. Thanks guys!
This video came up on another thread. I'm posting it, not to recommend this particular mandolin, a Godin A8 -- I don't think it's what you want -- but to show what a mid-range or lower priced mandolin can sound like in the hands of someone who can play it well. Godin's sell new for about $800 USD. I have one of these but when I play, it doesn't sound like Eva Scow's. As well, many years ago, Graham Townsend, an outstanding Canadian fiddler, played my fiddle. I learned that a master can get an excellent sound from it, and it never crossed my mind since then that I need a better fiddle. My point is that there's no perfect instrument out there though there are plenty of inexpensive ones that you can make sound good if you pay well. As others have said, you can upgrade later. I'm not implying that there aren't great differences in instruments, but as long as you're researching, you're not playing.
If the links don't work search YouTube for "Eva Scow/After You've Gone."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kl6oavXJsi8
Last edited by Ranald; Mar-25-2020 at 11:59am.
Robert Johnson's mother, describing blues musicians:
"I never did have no trouble with him until he got big enough to be round with bigger boys and off from home. Then he used to follow all these harp blowers, mandoleen (sic) and guitar players."
Lomax, Alan, The Land where The Blues Began, NY: Pantheon, 1993, p.14.
You are not going to find a better deal if you are willing to spend the money. Wait any longer and that Country Boy is going to be gone. Surprised it’s not already.
Silverangel A
Arches F style kit
1913 Gibson A-1
ok, what about the back of the neck being stripped and the screw at the base of neck? http://www.vintagemandolin.com/18rat...yboy_1188.html
1924 Gibson A Snakehead
2005 National RM-1
2007 Hester A5
2009 Passernig A5
2015 Black A2-z
2010 Black GBOM
2017 Poe Scout
2014 Smart F-Style Mandola
2018 Vessel TM5
2019 Hogan F5
The screw is to hold a strap, which will make holding and playing the mandolin much easier. Wouldn't open the case without a strap.
The neck is a matter of taste, its to make the neck less sticky in hot, humid conditions which might impede lightning playing. Shows off the wood nicely and was nicely done.
My F is #1118, similar neck and my cloudy speed is not enhanced
btw, the finish is an option ($) on a CountryBoy.
Not all the clams are at the beach
Arrow Manouche
Arrow Jazzbo
Arrow G
Clark 2 point
Gibson F5L
Gibson A-4
Ratliff CountryBoy A
Just got word! nfi...head on over to Banjo Warehouse and grab a new The Loar LM600 BF for $649.00...cant be beat! These instruments don't get the credit they deserve.
2021 The Loar LM700 VS
What is this? From the LM-600 page mentioned above.
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
Good to have you aboard, Belle! There so many nice and also knowledgeable folks on the M.C. I have learned so much from these friends and enjoyed the conversations. You will too! Dan
2014 BRW F5 #114
2022 Kentucky KM 950 Master Model
YouTube Original Recording of My composition "Closer Walk"
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