Re: Solo builders
Originally Posted by
Br1ck
Hypothetical for now, and I do realize assessing Gryphon and Sylvan offers far more than most have the pleasure of experiencing. I wouldn’t want to wait for a commissioned build. I’m of an age where even a year seems to me too much of my life not to be playing something right now. But even Gryphon gets very few Gibson f styles in used, maybe one or two a year. But between those two stores, I have gotten a pretty solid education so that if some obscure brand end up in my hands, I can evaluate it properly. Living with my Silverangel has also given me a solid knowledge of that spectrum of tone, and my Arches kit has taught me how useful the brighter side of things is. Seeing a few Arches mandolins languishing in the marketplace at very nice prices got me wondering how many others are out there building really quality mandolins and how you would find them. Catch and release is not in my nature. Catch is not the problem.
I had the discussion with a friend how I’ve noticed that people seem to fall into two basic categories, those who need minty instruments and those who gravitate to very used. I’m in the last camp. I see no value in buying new and worrying about it. Most of my instruments have been gigged extensively and look it. Most of my friends want mint condition. I understand that. And I hope to be smart enough to buy the tone and not the name. Plus I have my self imposed limits as to cost, though I did make the statement the other day that I’d rather drive my 200,000 mile car and buy a 15,000 dollar mandolin, than have a newer car. So my subliminal mind has different ideas than my conscious
I agree that a good used instrument is the way to go. As mentioned in the "Brought Home A Buckeye!" thread, my 1931 National Duolian is my most played, treasured, and gigged guitar. It wasn't in exactly playable condition when I found it but the neck was straight and I knew enough about resonator guitars to know that it could be brought to life with a little work. To find it I had to drive across the state of Florida to spend an afternoon checking out around a dozen different Nationals in a store that is now no more. I got my pal, Frank Greathouse, to put in a new NR-P cone and biscuit and had him cut a new nut for me. Frank similarly brought to life a 19th century open backed banjo for me. I believe that stewardship is a responsibility that should be embraced by musicians.
Originally Posted by
Br1ck
I can't recall seeing a used Apitius F style for $6K, or a Ruhland, or a Sorenson, and many others. These are fairly well known builders. I'm thinking more like Buckeye, Poe, Ratliff, etc. This subject came to my mind when I looked at the Mando Mutt site and saw ,I think, four or five of these and wished I could try them all. And woe is me for the scroll addiction. I can't help it.
Oh, so I just found the Mando Mutt website. I'd probably grab one of the Randy Wood mandos from there. Frank used to let me pluck around on his and it was awesome. But, I think I understand why you started this thread. There are plenty of short happy reviews by new owners but surprisingly little context in regards to player and luthier experiences. It's one of the reasons that I went out of my way to describe more about my own musical journey in relation to working with a luthier to get the kind of mandolin that I wanted. I've had my eye on an Apitius Club Jazz but that has waned now that I have the third iteration of The Buckeye #87. I'd love a Club Jazz but The Buckeye pretty much serves all my jazz needs for now.
I could have obsessed more over all the different luthiers that can be found on the Builders section but as I said in that other thread: life is an adventure that sometimes requires a leap of faith or two along the way.
Play that which you feel is groovy, get down with your bad self, and shake your money maker if it makes sense for you to do so.
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