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Thread: NMD #774 Ratliff R-5 (1999)

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    Default NMD #774 Ratliff R-5 (1999)

    I am really pleased with the condition of my new, pre-owned Ratliff. Obviously, it had been in the case for 20 years. Little wear-- with just one or two tiny bumps. Really nice robust, dry tone with low action, a straight neck, smooth tuners that snugly maintain pitch. Likely first set of strings and it still sounds warm and full. Balanced across the courses, top to bottom. Very traditional sound, which I was hoping for to compliment my modern, warm and deep MT with the Englemann top. The Ratliff is throaty and dry, with plenty of chop before the string change. Nice inlays in the headstock! Rounded comfortable neck (not too tiny) and a flat board. Just right. Photos don't show how incredible the flame is. Audey knows how to build 'em, I'll say.
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    2014 BRW F5 #114
    2022 Kentucky KM 950 Master Model

    YouTube Original Recording of My composition "Closer Walk"

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    Default Re: NMD #774 Ratliff R-5 (1999)

    Beautiful. :-)

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    Default Re: NMD #774 Ratliff R-5 (1999)

    Congrats on an awesome mando! !
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    Default Re: NMD #774 Ratliff R-5 (1999)

    I agree.. I had a Ratliff R5 that I regrettably traded. Then about a year later commissioned Audie to build me a Country Boy that I love. Still playing it and will probably have it forever. Congratulations....

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    Default Re: NMD #774 Ratliff R-5 (1999)

    Quote Originally Posted by Bobby Hall View Post
    I agree.. I had a Ratliff R5 that I regrettably traded. Then about a year later commissioned Audie to build me a Country Boy that I love. Still playing it and will probably have it forever. Congratulations....
    Bobby, So glad to know you are a Ratliff owner. The Country Boy is very appealing to me. I really like the mat finish and I have watched many of Audey's videos-- he puts the same level of care and quality materials into those. I am so glad I didn't have to pay for the newly commissioned price of an R-5. I bought it for a bit under half of the newly built price! Has the nice square case he puts them in, too. Thanks again.
    2014 BRW F5 #114
    2022 Kentucky KM 950 Master Model

    YouTube Original Recording of My composition "Closer Walk"

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    Default Re: NMD #774 Ratliff R-5 (1999)

    Congratulations Dan! That's a great looking mandolin. Enjoy

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    Default Re: NMD #774 Ratliff R-5 (1999)

    I’ve played 2 Ratliffs in my time, and both were really good instruments. Love the back on your new one!

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    Default Re: NMD #774 Ratliff R-5 (1999)

    It looks like Audey used his special stash of wood for that build, Dan! If it sounds half as good as it looks, it should keep you satisfied for quite a while. I hope that you find some tunes hidden in there for your next recording venture!
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    Default Re: NMD #774 Ratliff R-5 (1999)

    Quote Originally Posted by pheffernan View Post
    It looks like Audey used his special stash of wood for that build, Dan! If it sounds half as good as it looks, it should keep you satisfied for quite a while. I hope that you find some tunes hidden in there for your next recording venture!
    What a great comment, Pat! And thank you for that impetus to get writing! Appreciate it. Dan
    2014 BRW F5 #114
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    YouTube Original Recording of My composition "Closer Walk"

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    Default Re: NMD #774 Ratliff R-5 (1999)

    Quote Originally Posted by Mark Wilson View Post
    Congratulations Dan! That's a great looking mandolin. Enjoy
    Thank you, so much! Did I ever tell you we named one of our three sons Mark? He's 34 and plays piano, drums, uke and guitar. A very good guy, like yourself.
    2014 BRW F5 #114
    2022 Kentucky KM 950 Master Model

    YouTube Original Recording of My composition "Closer Walk"

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    Default Re: NMD #774 Ratliff R-5 (1999)

    Nice score Dan, have not got to play one of these yet, it is a beauty. Enjoy, Enjoy, Enjoy.
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    Default Re: NMD #774 Ratliff R-5 (1999)

    Congrats! My RA-5 is two years older than yours... and has cured my MAS completely...... well except for finding a Gibson Oval from the twenties at a price I can justify.

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    Mandolin user MontanaMatt's Avatar
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    Default Re: NMD #774 Ratliff R-5 (1999)

    Woo hoo, what a beauty! Looks great, happy pickin!
    2007 Weber Custom Elite "old wood"
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    Registered User Mike Arakelian's Avatar
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    Default Re: NMD #774 Ratliff R-5 (1999)

    That’s a beautiful mandolin, and I’ll bet it sounds as good as it looks.
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    Default Re: NMD #774 Ratliff R-5 (1999)

    Thanks to all my mandolin pals for your encouraging greetings and replies! I am really finding Audey's work easy to play and sounding pleasing to the ear. He sure puts a lot of care into the details of his F5's.
    2014 BRW F5 #114
    2022 Kentucky KM 950 Master Model

    YouTube Original Recording of My composition "Closer Walk"

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    Default Re: NMD #774 Ratliff R-5 (1999)

    Quote Originally Posted by lflngpicker View Post
    Thanks to all my mandolin pals for your encouraging greetings and replies! I am really finding Audey's work easy to play and sounding pleasing to the ear. He sure puts a lot of care into the details of his F5's.
    Correction! R5
    2007 Weber Custom Elite "old wood"
    2017 Ratliff R5 Custom #1148
    Several nice old Fiddles
    2007 Martin 000-15S 12 fret Auditorium-slot head
    Deering Classic Open Back
    Too many microphones

    BridgerCreekBoys.com

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    Default Re: NMD #774 Ratliff R-5 (1999)

    I wonder how many one person shops have made over a thousand mandolins. Not too many I'd venture.
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    Default Re: NMD #774 Ratliff R-5 (1999)

    Quote Originally Posted by Br1ck View Post
    I wonder how many one person shops have made over a thousand mandolins. Not too many I'd venture.
    I read that he had a crew at one point, but scaled back. Like Bruce Weber, he's back to him and his wife Mary.
    2007 Weber Custom Elite "old wood"
    2017 Ratliff R5 Custom #1148
    Several nice old Fiddles
    2007 Martin 000-15S 12 fret Auditorium-slot head
    Deering Classic Open Back
    Too many microphones

    BridgerCreekBoys.com

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    Default Re: NMD #774 Ratliff R-5 (1999)

    Nice find! Play it in good health!

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