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Thread: NMD: Rattlesnake F-5 "Loar"

  1. #1
    Registered User geoffa's Avatar
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    Default NMD: Rattlesnake F-5 "Loar"

    Hello,

    My search for a great traditional sounding F-5 came to an end this week when I acquired a Rattlesnake F-5 "Loar" mandolin, number 73, made by Olin Davis.

    Wanted to take the time to say thanks to this community. Special thanks to those who shared their personal experiences about owning and playing these mandolins. Everything that has been said about Olin Davis being a great person and builder is absolutely true.

    Hope everyone is having a great weekend!
    -geoff

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    Default Re: NMD: Rattlesnake F-5 "Loar"

    I am fortunate to pick with Olin regularly at a monthly jam. You're right - he's a top-flight guy who builds a top-flight mandolin! Good luck wif it...

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    Default Re: NMD: Rattlesnake F-5 "Loar"

    Congratulations on the tremendous, new mandolin! Can't wait to see photos!
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    Quietly Making Noise Dave Greenspoon's Avatar
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    Default Re: NMD: Rattlesnake F-5 "Loar"

    Rattlesnake is a great mandolin. Congrats!
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    Default Re: NMD: Rattlesnake F-5 "Loar"

    Any issue with calling a mandolin model he makes "Loar," when "The Loar" has been trademarked by The Music Link Co.?

    I wonder if the use of that name, other than in the context of describing an instrument made or signed by Lloyd Loar, is now restricted.
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    Default Re: NMD: Rattlesnake F-5 "Loar"

    Had the pleasure of playing one at Lowe Vintage a few weeks ago. Exceptional mandolin built to Loar specs, but I’ve gotten used to playing without a fretboard extension, and the pick click killed it for me. Yes, I adapted, and I consider his instruments exceptional, but beware the Florida with the Loar inspired models...
    Chuck

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    Default Re: NMD: Rattlesnake F-5 "Loar"

    Post some pics please.

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    Registered User geoffa's Avatar
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    Default Re: NMD: Rattlesnake F-5 "Loar"

    This is the one from Lowe Vintage. They were great to deal with.

    The first few times playing I was hitting the Florida every now and then. However after playing all weekend, I’m not hitting it at all. I guess we humans are adaptable.

  11. #9
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    Default Re: NMD: Rattlesnake F-5 "Loar"

    Agreed on pictures... we needs to see pictures!!!
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    Default Re: NMD: Rattlesnake F-5 "Loar"

    Quote Originally Posted by geoffa View Post
    This is the one from Lowe Vintage
    I played one at LV a couple months back. Really good looking and sounding mandolin. Congratulations!!

  13. #11
    Registered User geoffa's Avatar
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    Default Re: NMD: Rattlesnake F-5 "Loar"

    Super excited about it. Will post some pictures this week when I find some time. I saved the ones from Lowe Vintage but I'm sure y'all want "in the wild" photos.

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    Registered User geoffa's Avatar
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    Default Re: NMD: Rattlesnake F-5 "Loar"

    Until I can find the time to take more comprehensive photos, here are a few I posted on Instagram last week:
    - https://www.instagram.com/p/BlXEA8YBPe3/
    - https://www.instagram.com/p/BlXEVvbheJk/
    - https://www.instagram.com/p/Blb0Gw1Bqsj/
    - https://www.instagram.com/p/BljkXEchDsd/

    And a couple of videos (excuse the poor playing):
    - https://www.instagram.com/p/BldnKQZncB8/
    - https://www.instagram.com/p/BlYB1wXAS7i/

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    Default Re: NMD: Rattlesnake F-5 "Loar"

    Wonderful instrument geoffa.

    Here is Rattlesnake #75, signed July 9th 2016
    This mandolin has developed a big voice and has everything I was looking for: volume, clarity, very loarish tone. Olin is a great builder and a great guy.
    Just put a set of monel strings (Martin M465) on it this morning.

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Rattlesnake F5
    Lebeda master model F5

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    Default Re: NMD: Rattlesnake F-5 "Loar"

    Quote Originally Posted by geoffa View Post
    This is the one from Lowe Vintage. They were great to deal with.

    The first few times playing I was hitting the Florida every now and then. However after playing all weekend, I’m not hitting it at all. I guess we humans are adaptable.
    Agree totally. My very first mandolin had a Loar style extension, and I got used to it as well, and could again if needed; it was just a shock how much it bugged me since I'm now used to not having one.

    That's an outstanding mandolin you've got there! Enjoy immensely!
    Chuck

  20. #15

    Default Re: NMD: Rattlesnake F-5 "Loar"

    Very nice old-school sounding bluegrass mandolins and they like monel strings, which seem to emphasize the old Gibson sound. Good luck with yours.

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  22. #16
    Registered User MissingString's Avatar
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    Default Re: NMD: Rattlesnake F-5 "Loar"

    That’s a real beauty and sounds awesome in the IG videos. Love the finish. Congrats to you, enjoy!
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    Default Re: NMD: Rattlesnake F-5 "Loar"

    Sweeeeeet . . . enjoy!

  24. #18
    Registered User geoffa's Avatar
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    Default Re: NMD: Rattlesnake F-5 "Loar"

    Quote Originally Posted by Andy B View Post
    Very nice old-school sounding bluegrass mandolins and they like monel strings, which seem to emphasize the old Gibson sound. Good luck with yours.
    Thanks! Will give those strings a shot.

  25. #19
    Registered User William Smith's Avatar
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    Default Re: NMD: Rattlesnake F-5 "Loar"

    So are Monel strings like what was on pre war Gibson F-5's and such? I'd like to know as I don't believe in all my years I've ever played/used monel, pretty much just J-75's and silk and steel? I'd like to try some for sure on my old Gibson's.
    I think every F-5 built is guilty of copyright infringement! Gibson 5's are the original anyway. So there are ways around the infringement/lawsuit stuff!

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    Default Re: NMD: Rattlesnake F-5 "Loar"

    Great tone and look on that mandolin!

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    Default Re: NMD: Rattlesnake F-5 "Loar"

    Quote Originally Posted by allenhopkins View Post
    Any issue with calling a mandolin model he makes "Loar," when "The Loar" has been trademarked by The Music Link Co.?

    I wonder if the use of that name, other than in the context of describing an instrument made or signed by Lloyd Loar, is now restricted.
    Good question. Makes me wonder how the family of Lloyd Loar feels about their family name having been trademarked for commercial use?
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  28. #22
    Registered User geoffa's Avatar
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    Default Re: NMD: Rattlesnake F-5 "Loar"

    Quote Originally Posted by Zigeuner View Post
    Good question. Makes me wonder how the family of Lloyd Loar feels about their family name having been trademarked for commercial use?
    FWIW, I don't think the builder of this mandolin refers to it as a "Loar". That's a different manufacturer. That's why I used quotes. Sorry if that caused any confusion or misunderstanding.

    These mandolins, and likely mandolins from many other builders, are built based on measurements taken from Loar signed Gibson F-5 mandolins.

    It sure does sound nice and is a blast to play!

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