Looking For A Decent A Style w/Oval

[ryevick]

I've received a response about the Red Valley but holding out for the Morris. Not sure why they haven't responded. Nothing in Spam. I may just hold off and see what comes up.

[ryevick]

MYSELF BEING A VINTAGE GIBSON MANDOLIN NUT-NOT SURE OF THE PRICE BUT BERNUNZIO'S HAS AN EARLY 30'S MAYBE A 34 GIBSON A-50-OVAL HOLE BUT HAS THE RARE ELEVATED FRET BOARD RATHER THAN GLUED FLUSH TO THE TOP-THESE ARE GREAT MANDOLINS-I'M MORE INTO F-HOLE MANDOLINS BUT THE ONE JOHN HAS IS VERY NICE AND ON THE RARE SIDE! NFInterst on my part! BUT THESE ELEVATED BOARD A MODELS SURE ARE FAR SUPERIOR IN TONE/VOLUME AND OVERALL VOICE, JUST MY OPINION ON THESE OLDER GIBSON'S, AND JOHNS A REALLY GOOD GUY THAT TAKES TRADES AND WILL WORK WITH YOU ON HIS PRICES.

Yeah you can't touch a Gibson for less than $1500-$1600

[ryevick]

Well I just read that Morris mandolins don't have truss rods. Is that true???

[Steve 2E]

Well I just read that Morris mandolins don't have truss rods. Is that true???

They have a truss rod, but it’s not adjustable.

[ryevick]

They have a truss rod, but it’s not adjustable.

Hmmm... I may skip on that.

[Steve 2E]

Hmmm... I may skip on that.

The Red Valley is not adjustable either. Just an FYI.

[ryevick]

Probably going back to the Kentucky KM-272. I know the Morris and Red Valley may play and sound great but taking away the truss rod adjustment... I don't think I want to chance that. The mandolin will be with me as I travel to different areas and you never know.

[ryevick]

I just received a reply on the Morris but looked at the ad again and he's removed the 2 armrest and extra tuners. Different pic also (1st one looked better IMO).

[ryevick]

I just bought the Morris A4
Thanks for all of the feedback, comments and suggestions!!!

[Eric Platt]

I think you'll like the Morris. He makes very good instruments.

[ryevick]

I think you'll like the Morris. He makes very good instruments.

Thanks, I think so too. My concerns were addressed and I'm pretty excited about it now.

[Northwest Steve]

Not trying to sway either way but Gibson mandolins did not have adjustable truss rods until 1920 or 1921. That is a lot of mandolins and they are 100 plus years old. I guess that is one of the ways that he keeps the cost down. Hope you enjoy it.

[ryevick]

Not trying to sway either way but Gibson mandolins did not have adjustable truss rods until 1920 or 1921. That is a lot of mandolins and they are 100 plus years old. I guess that is one of the ways that he keeps the cost down. Hope you enjoy it.

Thanks, I'm sure I will. It apparently has a steel rod in the neck.

[ryevick]

Well I received the Morris and I love it! Seeing as it came with an armrest, which I've never had... the first thought was... "That looks like a chin rest on a violin... it's tuned like a violin... it's a violin sized mandolin... I'm gonna have to buy a bow". Yep... gonna give that a shot.

[Mike Scott]

I see you have a Morris A4. I currently have a Big Muddy MW 0 (primitive) and used to own a MW-0 standard. I have also owned a Kentucky 272. I have played a Red Valley. In the carved topped category, I thing the Morris is markedly better sounding and playing than the Kentucky. I also thing the Big Muddy tone and playability is better than either. It has been too long since I played the Red Valley so I can't stack it up against the others, but I don't recall it "wowing" me. Sonny Morris makes a flat top too and I had one of those that was excellent. Just my opinion, but your existing A4 is probably as good as you'll get unless you get an old Gibson or step up to a Collings or Weber. Good Luck!

Oh, I see you just got the Morris. Good choice. I'm sure you'll like it!!!

[ryevick]