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Thread: A new Phoenix in the land of the Snakeheads

  1. #1
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    Default A new Phoenix in the land of the Snakeheads

    My new (to me) 2017 Phoenix Bluegrass arrived today! I've been searching for the last month or so for something to compliment my trusty '23 Snakehead. Wanted something more on the Bluegrass side of the sound spectrum but I'm not a fan of the traditional Gibson F shape (too ornamental for my taste).

    This mando popped up on Fiddler's Green's website a little while ago, and my interest was piqued. It's a 2017 model but used, so there was a deal to be had. I played a Phoenix a few years ago down at the Mandolin Store and it was my favorite mando in the store that day by a long shot. Didn't pull the trigger then, but I've remembered that experience.

    I've now got a few hours on it (including a fortuitous rehearsal tonight) and I really like it. Just what I was looking for -- enough of that woody chop with plenty of modern playability and tone to round things out. Looks brand new and so pretty. Happy camper.

    I have to give a shout out to Fiddler's Green as well. They were great to work with and took good care of me. I'd definitely recommend them if you are looking for an instrument.

    So the Phoenix joins my little fleet of snakeheads...

    Back row: '95 Seagull, '09 Dan Bills
    Front row: '17 Seagull S8, '17 Phoenix Bluegrass, '23 Gibson A


    Front


    Back


    '17 Seagull S8, '23 Gibson A, '17 Phoenix Bluegrass, Teens Weymann
    Last edited by drooartz; Dec-02-2017 at 12:52am.
    Andrew Frink
    Phoenix Bluegrass, '23 Gibson A Snakehead, Clark octave coming soon

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  3. #2
    Registered User Louise NM's Avatar
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    Default Re: A new Phoenix in the land of the Snakeheads

    Looks like you still need an F and a bowl back to round out the collection.

  4. #3
    formerly Philphool Phil Goodson's Avatar
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    Default Re: A new Phoenix in the land of the Snakeheads

    There's a Kimble F model with a snakehead out there in the world somewhere. Perhaps some others?

    Oh, and congrats on the Phoenix. Looks great!
    Phil

    “Sharps/Flats” “Accidentals”

  5. #4
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    Default Re: A new Phoenix in the land of the Snakeheads

    Thanks, guys. I'm really happy with the Phoenix so far. Will need to get a pickup installed soon so I can put it in regular gig rotation.

    No F in my future, but some sort of octave (with the snakehead headstock of course) is on the horizon someday.
    Andrew Frink
    Phoenix Bluegrass, '23 Gibson A Snakehead, Clark octave coming soon

  6. #5
    Barn Cat Mandolins Bob Clark's Avatar
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    Default Re: A new Phoenix in the land of the Snakeheads

    Congratulations on the Phoenix. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I enjoy my Neoclassical. These sure are great instruments!
    Purr more, hiss less. Barn Cat Mandolins Photo Album

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    Registered User Lane Pryce's Avatar
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    Default Re: A new Phoenix in the land of the Snakeheads

    I'd say it's a match. Love those mandolins. Lp
    J.Lane Pryce

  9. #7
    The Amateur Mandolinist Mark Gunter's Avatar
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    Default Re: A new Phoenix in the land of the Snakeheads

    Sweet score, congrats!

    A nice group of instruments there.
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  10. #8
    Gibson F5L Gibson A5L
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    Default Re: A new Phoenix in the land of the Snakeheads

    A Bozeman period Gibson A5L would be worthy of your attention ... R/
    I love hanging out with mandolin nerds . . . . . Thanks peeps ...

  11. #9
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    Default Re: A new Phoenix in the land of the Snakeheads

    Thanks folks. The more I play the new Phoenix the happier I am with it. It is just what I was looking for. Can't wait to get a pickup installed so I can get it out to my gigs.

    Hoping to get a quick recording of it done today if I can get a minute.

    Quote Originally Posted by UsuallyPickin View Post
    A Bozeman period Gibson A5L would be worthy of your attention ... R/
    While that would be a lovely thing, I'm not really a collector. With the exception of the mandos, I generally have just a main player and a backup. Instruments I don't use regularly don't stay long with me, and I rarely add new ones in.

    Mandos are the only instruments I have that I have more of than I strictly need. The little Seagull is my travel/camping instrument, and the old Weymann is the mando I learned to play on -- I inherited it from a family friend. That one is mostly just for display now, kept for the sentimental connection. The Gibson I inherited from my Godfather, it's why I play mando. It's in desperate need of a refret which I will be able to get done once the Phoenix is ready for gigs.

    Four mandos are enough for me. Actually five, I forget sometimes that I have a Kentucky electric mando in the pile somewhere... and I really do want an octave, so maybe it's six...

    It will be fun to be able to pick between the Gibson and the Phoneix depending on my mood for the gig. Hard to call either of them the "spare" isn't it -- nice to have such good options.
    Andrew Frink
    Phoenix Bluegrass, '23 Gibson A Snakehead, Clark octave coming soon

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  13. #10
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    Default Re: A new Phoenix in the land of the Snakeheads

    Short clip of the new mando in action.



    And after I wrote the last post I pulled all my instruments out of their cases for a minute. Counted 4 basses, 3 guitars, and 5 mandolins. So maybe I am a collector...
    Andrew Frink
    Phoenix Bluegrass, '23 Gibson A Snakehead, Clark octave coming soon

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  15. #11
    Registered User Lane Pryce's Avatar
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    Default Re: A new Phoenix in the land of the Snakeheads

    Nice. Dave Brubeck is smiling. Lp
    J.Lane Pryce

  16. #12
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    Default Re: A new Phoenix in the land of the Snakeheads

    Very nice! I like the look and sound of it. Good choice (and nicely played) Enjoy!!

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