I made a "Smart" purchase this weekend
Took a trip to Kansas City this weekend to Bradford Company Fret Shop to pick up two new instruments. I've wanted a matched pair of a Mandolin and Mandola and I found the legendary Authur Stern Matched Mandolin and Mandola from Lawrence Smart there at the location.
Just a few observations.
1) The Smart Mandolin is a joy to play. It had to have some work done on the soundboard due to a humidity crack, but it still PROJECTS (and not in a bad way). It's loud but very controlled. i'm enjoying it a lot.
2) The Mandola is AMAZING. Any complaint I've had about the last 3 mandola's I've owned have completely been erased by this instrument. It's WARM and BALANCED. It reminds me of the sound of a viola in a stringed instrument section. If you really listen, the violas sound richer and fuller than their violin counterparts. Most of the last mandola's I owned just didn't carry the warmth or richness. They sounded like they were missing something. This doesn't, and it's easy to play. It just plays fantastically. I can see why so many musicians own his mandola's.
3) Both are asthetically beautiful. Really to see them in person was a treat. The pictures can only show so much. These are so beautiful.
4) These are my first Calton Cases also (Fiberglass). Oh my goodness. They're SOLID and I have no fear when they're in the cases. They fit like a glove. These cases are beautiful and I see why so many people own them.
5) Mr. Bradford was great to work with. Very open over email, and really made the process easy. I liked going to the shop. I just wish I had more time there. If you need a quality instrument, check him out.
Anyway, enjoy the overview pics. If you have ever had a chance to play these, let me know.
(I was) my own teacher and pupil, and thanks to the efforts
of both, they were not discontented with each other. -- Segovia
Lawrence Smart Stern 2-point Mandolin
Lawrence Smart Stern 2-point Mandola
Weber Gallatin Mandocello
Weber Gallatin Soprano (Piccolo) Mandolin
Breedlove Prototype Mandolin
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