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Thread: Soliciting suggestions for my next mandolin (or not)

  1. #1
    Registered User Eric Platt's Avatar
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    Default Soliciting suggestions for my next mandolin (or not)

    Don't really need something else. Been playing the Collings MT and both Gibson oval holes a lot. But - while I love the volume and just about everything else about the Collings, wouldn't mind more bass. Especially if it's duets with a fiddle. (MT set up with TI strings).

    Could just stick with either oval hole. (Probably will be the end result). But if I'm looking, what would you suggest? Max of $2k. Doesn't have to be that much. Doesn't have to be new. So far, been thinking of either a '30's/'40's A-50 (or A-00), Gibson A-9, a new Morris oval hole with cedar or redwood top, or ???

    Thanks in advance.
    Brentrup Model 23, Boeh A5 #37, Gibson A Jr., Big Muddy M-11, Coombe Classical flattop, Strad-O-Lin
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  2. #2
    Registered User Gunnar's Avatar
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    Default Re: Soliciting suggestions for my next mandolin (or not)

    Get a Girouard! Or a silver angel....
    Mandolin: Kentucky KM150
    Other instruments: way too many, and yet, not nearly enough.

    My blog: https://theoffgridmusician.music.blog/
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  4. #3

    Default Re: Soliciting suggestions for my next mandolin (or not)

    If you have not already, you might invest in some different strings. I have been around several Collings mandolins. I know one that is not exactly a banjo killer but most of them are loud and have plenty of bass. A couple of MT's were really LOUD. It is surprising to me how much strings and picks can change an instrument.

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  6. #4
    Registered User doc holiday's Avatar
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    Default Re: Soliciting suggestions for my next mandolin (or not)

    Eric, I'd suggest trying a Pava A style. Used, they should be in your price range. A little different tonal character than the MT with a similar level of care and attention to build detail.

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  8. #5

    Default Re: Soliciting suggestions for my next mandolin (or not)

    When I had just my Silverangel, I thought to myself what a great compliment an MT would be. The opposite would be true. It would be a fine pairing. $2k would get you a fully bound A style with the lovely SA script logo inlay. A redwood topped, X braced mandolin would be warm enough to melt fudge.
    Silverangel A
    Arches F style kit
    1913 Gibson A-1

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  10. #6

    Default Re: Soliciting suggestions for my next mandolin (or not)

    Quote Originally Posted by Eric Platt View Post
    Don't really need something else. Been playing the Collings MT and both Gibson oval holes a lot. But - while I love the volume and just about everything else about the Collings, wouldn't mind more bass. Especially if it's duets with a fiddle. (MT set up with TI strings).

    Could just stick with either oval hole. (Probably will be the end result). But if I'm looking, what would you suggest? Max of $2k. Doesn't have to be that much. Doesn't have to be new. So far, been thinking of either a '30's/'40's A-50 (or A-00), Gibson A-9, a new Morris oval hole with cedar or redwood top, or ???

    Thanks in advance.
    If you are looking for more bass the SA will do the trick. Mine has the strongest G strings I’ve ever played. I understand working with Ken Ratcliff is a pleasure and he can dial in the tone.
    Teri LaMarco
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  12. #7
    Registered User Mandobart's Avatar
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    Default Re: Soliciting suggestions for my next mandolin (or not)

    I have a sweet Morris hybrid F4 with western red cedar top. Custom built in 2010. I have 2 WRC mandos, one WRC octave and a redwood mandola and redwood mandocello. I've found both tonewoods to have great sweet, thick, rich bass with the right builder. I'd suggest this redwood A5 by Sonny Morris. I've played several of his and they're all great!

    Another great builder is Tom TJ Jessen. He's built 5 of my instruments. Still kind of under the radar.

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  14. #8
    Registered User Eric Platt's Avatar
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    Default Re: Soliciting suggestions for my next mandolin (or not)

    Quote Originally Posted by Northwest Steve View Post
    If you have not already, you might invest in some different strings. I have been around several Collings mandolins. I know one that is not exactly a banjo killer but most of them are loud and have plenty of bass. A couple of MT's were really LOUD. It is surprising to me how much strings and picks can change an instrument.
    What type of strings would you recommend? I went with the flatwounds because they have the most bass of any strings I've tried. This Collings is loud, and in a full band is fine. But just find myself wanting a deeper bass when I'm playing in a duo with a fiddler.
    Brentrup Model 23, Boeh A5 #37, Gibson A Jr., Big Muddy M-11, Coombe Classical flattop, Strad-O-Lin
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  15. #9
    Registered User John Bertotti's Avatar
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    Default Re: Soliciting suggestions for my next mandolin (or not)

    More bass why not add a Dola or OM?
    My avatar is of my OldWave Oval A

    Creativity is just doing something wierd and finding out others like it.

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  17. #10

    Default Re: Soliciting suggestions for my next mandolin (or not)

    Mo bass=Silverangel. There, I said it again.
    Silverangel A
    Arches F style kit
    1913 Gibson A-1

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  19. #11
    Registered User Eric Platt's Avatar
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    Default Re: Soliciting suggestions for my next mandolin (or not)

    Quote Originally Posted by John Bertotti View Post
    More bass why not add a Dola or OM?
    Already have an OM. Just trying not to take 3 or more instruments to a gig (guitar, mando, OM).
    Brentrup Model 23, Boeh A5 #37, Gibson A Jr., Big Muddy M-11, Coombe Classical flattop, Strad-O-Lin
    https://www.facebook.com/LauluAika/
    https://www.lauluaika.com/
    https://www.facebook.com/Longtine-Am...14404553312723

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