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Thread: Phoenix Neoclassical mandolin

  1. #1

    Default Phoenix Neoclassical mandolin

    Has anyone heard of this and what is your opinion?

  2. #2
    Pittsburgh Bill
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    Default Re: Phoenix Neoclassical mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by LisaDG60 View Post
    Has anyone heard of this and what is your opinion?
    Heard of what? Phoenix Neoclassical? If that is your question the answer is yes. Many references can be found here on the Cafe. Well respected in both brand and model. Played one once because I thought I might like to own one. It really didn't jump out at me. In fairness I probably did not play it long enough to develop a feel for it as it responded to a light touch and was clearly different than what I was used to. Had I spent a week with it I would likely be singing it's praises.
    Fit, finish, and playability were spot on.
    Last edited by Pittsburgh Bill; Apr-23-2019 at 11:01pm.
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  3. #3
    Confused... or?
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    Default Re: Phoenix Neoclassical mandolin

    You don't see many around, but they are highly regarded. Got to play a used one 8-10 years ago. I forget which model (not the Bluegrass), but I vividly recall fighting the urge to spend a big bunch of money!

    Maybe this will help?
    http://www.phoenixmandolins.com/

    BTW, Pheonix Mandolins (in Maine) and Phoenix Guitar Co. (in California) are different entities.
    - Ed

    "Then one day we weren't as young as before
    Our mistakes weren't quite so easy to undo
    But by all those roads, my friend, we've travelled down
    I'm a better man for just the knowin' of you."
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    Barn Cat Mandolins Bob Clark's Avatar
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    Default Re: Phoenix Neoclassical mandolin

    They are amazingly good mandolins, if they are the style you are looking for. They are designed to be strung with light strings, specifically Thomastic Mediums (which are actually quite light). I own one and love it.

    That said, these mandolins are no longer being produced; Phoenix has closed shop.
    Purr more, hiss less. Barn Cat Mandolins Photo Album

  5. #5
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Phoenix Neoclassical mandolin

    There are two listed in the classifieds at the moment.....

    https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/137615#137615

    https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/136689#136689

    NFI
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

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    Confused... or?
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    Default Re: Phoenix Neoclassical mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by Bob Clark View Post
    ... no longer being produced; Phoenix has closed shop.
    SO sorry to hear that - you'd never know from the website. We'll be visiting a friend in Maine who lives about a half hour away from their location.
    - Ed

    "Then one day we weren't as young as before
    Our mistakes weren't quite so easy to undo
    But by all those roads, my friend, we've travelled down
    I'm a better man for just the knowin' of you."
    - Ian Tyson

  7. #7
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Phoenix Neoclassical mandolin

    The 2015 neoclassical was just relisted at under 2K.........

    https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/138462#138462

    NFI
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

  8. #8
    Barn Cat Mandolins Bob Clark's Avatar
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    Default Re: Phoenix Neoclassical mandolin

    Yes, Ed, I was really saddened by it as well. I really thought it was a great thing when Rolfe turned the shop over to Jenny. A small shop going to a new generation is a gift for all of us who play. Rolfe had developed a unique line of instruments and I was thrilled that his innovations would move forward. But it was not to be.

    There are a couple of threads from back when the shop closed. And never mind the mandolinists who now will not get a new Phoenix in the future; I really felt bad for Jenny who's dream it had been to continue the shop. Sad all the way around. I am sure glad I have my treasured Neoclassical, though. What a gem it is! I'll let you give it a try when we bump into each other.
    Purr more, hiss less. Barn Cat Mandolins Photo Album

  9. #9
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    Default Re: Phoenix Neoclassical mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by Bob Clark View Post
    ... What a gem it is! I'll let you give it a try when we bump into each other.
    You mean at November's "East Coast Mandolin Orchestra 2", near Philly. I'll be one of the folks listed as both Bloomfield Mandolin Orchestra and La Bella Musica, and most likely playing guitar (which makes it easier for us up here in the NY suburbs to practice as a group). Should be fun!
    - Ed

    "Then one day we weren't as young as before
    Our mistakes weren't quite so easy to undo
    But by all those roads, my friend, we've travelled down
    I'm a better man for just the knowin' of you."
    - Ian Tyson

  10. #10
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    Default Re: Phoenix Neoclassical mandolin

    Yeah, I was really sad to hear they'd closed up shop. I have #593 from 2013 and it's a gorgeous instrument, MUCH too good for me, but it's a treasure. Picked it up at Gryphon - it plays incredibly easily and great for classical, but I doubt it would be a great bluegrass choice (fine for me, no interest.)

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