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Thread: Just bought my first mandolin!

  1. #76

    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    ohhhhhh ok , so I see two different guys making mandos. Boy do those Ratcliffs look nice!

  2. #77

    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    Also am finding NO used Silverangels out there!

  3. #78
    My Florida is scooped pheffernan's Avatar
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    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    Quote Originally Posted by Belle Starr View Post
    Also am finding NO used Silverangels out there!
    You’re unlikely to find a used one much cheaper than his new Econo model:

    https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/152035#152035

    A Silverangel that I previously owned traded for $1400 used. Plus, Ken has been known to ship out a new mandolin on approval, meaning that you just have to send it back if you’re not thrilled with it.
    1924 Gibson A Snakehead
    2005 National RM-1
    2007 Hester A5
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  5. #79

    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    Both Ratliffs and Silverangels come up for sale from time to time, but I think people have to add a considerable amount of money to better them, so unless you're going to spend 3 or 4 thousand, there is not much reason to sell your SA Econo A or Country Boy.
    Silverangel A
    Arches F style kit
    1913 Gibson A-1

  6. #80

    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    Hey All, I just found a 1943 A style Gibson for sale, $1,000, thoughts?? Also, talking with Charles about Ratliff. Thanks!

  7. #81
    My Florida is scooped pheffernan's Avatar
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    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    Quote Originally Posted by Belle Starr View Post
    Hey All, I just found a 1943 A style Gibson for sale, $1,000, thoughts?? Also, talking with Charles about Ratliff. Thanks!
    Charles has some of those 40's Gibson A's as well, so you could ask him. I would rather have the longer neck of a modern A5 with the 15th fret body join.
    1924 Gibson A Snakehead
    2005 National RM-1
    2007 Hester A5
    2009 Passernig A5
    2015 Black A2-z
    2010 Black GBOM
    2017 Poe Scout
    2014 Smart F-Style Mandola
    2018 Vessel TM5
    2019 Hogan F5

  8. #82

    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    Quote Originally Posted by pheffernan View Post
    Charles has some of those 40's Gibson A's as well, so you could ask him. I would rather have the longer neck of a modern A5 with the 15th fret body join.
    another good point!

  9. #83
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    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    My first good mandolin was a 40's Gibson A. Served me well for several years. Most have mahogany back and sides and have a different sound than maple. Mine was above average, but they very. While in those years I didn't play as far up the neck as I do now, If you are looking for a long term mandolin and want to play leads I would vote for the Ratliff. I have a 60's Gibson A that has been X braced and the fingerboard moved so the 12th fret is not so buried in the body, and it is acceptable for being to get up the neck 99% of what I play. Has a better sound than that era of Gibson's too. I bought it that way for a purpose, which has now changed. The search is half of the fun.
    THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE!

  10. #84

    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    Quote Originally Posted by pops1 View Post
    My first good mandolin was a 40's Gibson A. Served me well for several years. Most have mahogany back and sides and have a different sound than maple. Mine was above average, but they very. While in those years I didn't play as far up the neck as I do now, If you are looking for a long term mandolin and want to play leads I would vote for the Ratliff. I have a 60's Gibson A that has been X braced and the fingerboard moved so the 12th fret is not so buried in the body, and it is acceptable for being to get up the neck 99% of what I play. Has a better sound than that era of Gibson's too. I bought it that way for a purpose, which has now changed. The search is half of the fun.
    Good info, yes search is fun, but I am ready to PLAY!!!!

  11. #85
    Registered User Simon DS's Avatar
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    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    My first one, which I borrowed was/is a Stagg semi acoustic (but terrible pickup).
    Very affordable for the tone, had to set it up, cut down the bridge and nut, quite a lot of work but I learned fast.
    It got me through some of the scale exercises on jazzmando.com (remember what that was like?!) and I began to understand when kind folks on MC talked about fifths music theory. Thanks guys!

  12. #86
    My Florida is scooped pheffernan's Avatar
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    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    Quote Originally Posted by Belle Starr View Post
    Good info, yes search is fun, but I am ready to PLAY!!!!
    So why are you waiting?
    1924 Gibson A Snakehead
    2005 National RM-1
    2007 Hester A5
    2009 Passernig A5
    2015 Black A2-z
    2010 Black GBOM
    2017 Poe Scout
    2014 Smart F-Style Mandola
    2018 Vessel TM5
    2019 Hogan F5

  13. #87
    Registered User Ranald's Avatar
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    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    This video came up on another thread. I'm posting it, not to recommend this particular mandolin, a Godin A8 -- I don't think it's what you want -- but to show what a mid-range or lower priced mandolin can sound like in the hands of someone who can play it well. Godin's sell new for about $800 USD. I have one of these but when I play, it doesn't sound like Eva Scow's. As well, many years ago, Graham Townsend, an outstanding Canadian fiddler, played my fiddle. I learned that a master can get an excellent sound from it, and it never crossed my mind since then that I need a better fiddle. My point is that there's no perfect instrument out there though there are plenty of inexpensive ones that you can make sound good if you pay well. As others have said, you can upgrade later. I'm not implying that there aren't great differences in instruments, but as long as you're researching, you're not playing.

    If the links don't work search YouTube for "Eva Scow/After You've Gone."

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kl6oavXJsi8

    Last edited by Ranald; Mar-25-2020 at 11:59am.
    Robert Johnson's mother, describing blues musicians:
    "I never did have no trouble with him until he got big enough to be round with bigger boys and off from home. Then he used to follow all these harp blowers, mandoleen (sic) and guitar players."
    Lomax, Alan, The Land where The Blues Began, NY: Pantheon, 1993, p.14.

  14. #88

    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    Quote Originally Posted by pheffernan View Post
    So why are you waiting?
    Good question, haha

  15. #89

    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    Quote Originally Posted by Ranald View Post
    This video came up on another thread. I'm posting it, not to recommend this particular mandolin, a Godin A8 -- I don't think it's what you want -- but to show what a mid-range or lower priced mandolin can sound like in the hands of someone who can play it well. Godin's sell new for about $800 USD. I have one of these but when I play, it doesn't sound like Eva Scow's. As well, many years ago, Graham Townsend, an outstanding Canadian fiddler, played my fiddle. I learned that a master can get an excellent sound from it, and it never crossed my mind since that I need a better fiddle. My point is that there's no perfect instrument out there though there are plenty of inexpensive ones that you can make sound good if you pay well. As others have said, you can upgrade later. I'm not implying that there aren't great differences in instruments, but as long as you're researching, you're not playing.

    If the links don't work search YouTube for "Eva Scow/After You've Gone."

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kl6oavXJsi8

    Ranald, nail on the head!

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  17. #90

    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    You are not going to find a better deal if you are willing to spend the money. Wait any longer and that Country Boy is going to be gone. Surprised it’s not already.
    Silverangel A
    Arches F style kit
    1913 Gibson A-1

  18. #91

    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    Quote Originally Posted by Br1ck View Post
    You are not going to find a better deal if you are willing to spend the money. Wait any longer and that Country Boy is going to be gone. Surprised it’s not already.
    Hi Br1ck, Told him I would let him know today :0)

  19. #92

    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    ok, what about the back of the neck being stripped and the screw at the base of neck? http://www.vintagemandolin.com/18rat...yboy_1188.html

  20. #93
    My Florida is scooped pheffernan's Avatar
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    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    Quote Originally Posted by Belle Starr View Post
    ok, what about the back of the neck being stripped and the screw at the base of neck? http://www.vintagemandolin.com/18rat...yboy_1188.html
    It’s a clean job to make the neck more playable and a convenient way for installing a strap.



    1924 Gibson A Snakehead
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    2007 Hester A5
    2009 Passernig A5
    2015 Black A2-z
    2010 Black GBOM
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  21. #94
    harvester of clams Bill McCall's Avatar
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    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    The screw is to hold a strap, which will make holding and playing the mandolin much easier. Wouldn't open the case without a strap.

    The neck is a matter of taste, its to make the neck less sticky in hot, humid conditions which might impede lightning playing. Shows off the wood nicely and was nicely done.

    My F is #1118, similar neck and my cloudy speed is not enhanced

    btw, the finish is an option ($) on a CountryBoy.
    Not all the clams are at the beach

    Arrow Manouche
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  22. #95

    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    Quote Originally Posted by pheffernan View Post
    It’s a clean job to make the neck more playable and a convenient way for installing a strap.



    thanks!

    - - - Updated - - -

    haha, don't think it will be useful to me for years!

  23. #96
    Registered User J Mangio's Avatar
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    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    Just got word! nfi...head on over to Banjo Warehouse and grab a new The Loar LM600 BF for $649.00...cant be beat! These instruments don't get the credit they deserve.
    2021 The Loar LM700 VS

  24. #97

    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    Quote Originally Posted by J Mangio View Post
    Just got word! nfi...head on over to Banjo Warehouse and grab a new The Loar LM600 BF for $649.00...cant be beat! These instruments don't get the credit they deserve.
    oh my that one looks beautiful!!

  25. #98
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    Quote Originally Posted by J Mangio View Post
    Just got word! nfi...head on over to Banjo Warehouse and grab a new The Loar LM600 BF for $649.00...cant be beat! These instruments don't get the credit they deserve.
    What is this? From the LM-600 page mentioned above.

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Jim

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  26. #99
    Registered User J Mangio's Avatar
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    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Garber View Post
    What is this? From the LM-600 page mentioned above.

    Click image for larger version. 

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    That is the bag your new mandolin case will be wrapped in.
    2021 The Loar LM700 VS

  27. #100
    Mando-Afflicted lflngpicker's Avatar
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    Default Re: Just bought my first mandolin!

    Good to have you aboard, Belle! There so many nice and also knowledgeable folks on the M.C. I have learned so much from these friends and enjoyed the conversations. You will too! Dan
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