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Thread: One Mandolin - forever...

  1. #1

    Default One Mandolin - forever...

    so, I'm a newly, and apologies if this had been covered (or if this opens a can of worms that can't be put back). Given current circumstances, I'm curious - you are allowed to keep one mandolin you've either played or own. That's it. One.

    I'll start - while I haven't owned a terribly exciting mandolin, I recently played a Gibson F5-G...it was fantastic...but I haven't had the chance to play all the big-boy mandolins...

    you?

  2. #2
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    Default Re: One Mandolin - forever...

    Kind of like getting married ! You expect her to be the only one, but--------------sometimes things happen to the best of plans !

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  4. #3
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: One Mandolin - forever...

    Sometimes you find the instrument that speaks to you and you grab it. Mine is an F5G I bought from Stan Jay at Mandolin Bros. in Staten Island New York in 2005. I played every mandolin on the wall that day and just kept going back to that mandolin. That doesn't mean I haven't or wouldn't buy another mandolin it just means I'll never get rid of that one. Some people never find the one and that's fine as well.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
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  6. #4
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    Default Re: One Mandolin - forever...

    I know Sam Bush has had "Hoss" for a long time ( he was recently playing Jethro's 2 point, which I think Jethro had for along time), and John Rieschman pretty much just plays his Loar that he has had for a while., I can't think of anyone else that had the same mandolin for the longest time, except maybe Monroe's Loar. Grisman, Marshall (although he played the same Loar for long time), Thile, Hull, McCrory, Apollon, they all seemed to cycle through mandos quite a bit. I know Norman had bunch of different ones.
    I recently sent my Macica F5 up to Marty for a top crack repair - which is forcing me back to my Rigel G110 that I got about 12 years ago. Every time I think I'm gonna put the Rigel up for sale, I play it and just can't let it go, I really like that box, I think it needs a fret job though.
    However if I had to, I might just go with the Weber Yellowstone Mandola, that is without a doubt the finest instrument I own, even though its not the most expensive.
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  8. #5

    Default Re: One Mandolin - forever...

    Collins MF, Ellis F5 and Ratliff F5 on my list...someday...for now, the Gibson has my ear.

  9. #6
    Purveyor of Sunshine sgarrity's Avatar
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    Default Re: One Mandolin - forever...

    The Heiden A5 I own. Had it about 12 years now.

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    Mandolin user MontanaMatt's Avatar
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    Default Re: One Mandolin - forever...

    My Ratliff is a forever axe, as is my Weber. Both are custom for me, so I’m stuck with them for life...they both have my name on the label next to the makers.
    2007 Weber Custom Elite "old wood"
    2017 Ratliff R5 Custom #1148
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  13. #8
    Barn Cat Mandolins Bob Clark's Avatar
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    Default Re: One Mandolin - forever...

    Two months ago I could have given you an answer I believed to be true. In fact, at that time it was true. Now, that instrument will soon appear in the classifieds along with my number two choice. Everything changes. Wait long enough and you will see. . .everything changes.
    Purr more, hiss less. Barn Cat Mandolins Photo Album

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  15. #9

    Default Re: One Mandolin - forever...

    I wished i never played my buddy's F5-G.

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    Default Re: One Mandolin - forever...

    My Paul Duff #200. Part of that has to do with getting to know Paul himself, but mostly the feel of the mando, the incredible wood selection and the fact it keeps getting better. Here are a few photos from when it was still in Paul's workshop.

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Duff F5 #200
    Kimble A5 #143
    Preston Thompson DMA - 2016
    Gibson RB4 - Greg Rich era

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  19. #11

    Default Re: One Mandolin - forever...

    Other instruments, including mandolins and mandolas, have come and gone, but my Flatiron 1SH Mandola has been used constantly since I bought it new....

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  21. #12
    Dave Sheets
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    Default Re: One Mandolin - forever...

    I guess I tend to have instrument makers I really like a lot (Flatiron, Collings, Lowden, G&L), rather than specific instruments. I just look for bargains in those brands, buy used and have accumulated a bunch of different instruments, pretty much on the cheap.

    So, for a single mandolin? Pretty much any Collings would get the job done for me if it had to be only one mandolin. I like that particular sound, and they feel good in my hands, that's good enough.
    -Dave
    Flatiron A
    Way too many other instruments

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  23. #13

    Default Re: One Mandolin - forever...

    I'm pretty certain it's going to be the next one that I buy...but maybe the one after that instead...

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    Registered User Jill McAuley's Avatar
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    Default Re: One Mandolin - forever...

    I only have one mandolin, my Girouard, and it's not going anywhere -it's all I want and need in a mandolin. Plus the inlay on the peghead is of my Beagle Janey Mack!
    2018 Girouard Concert oval A
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    Registered User William Smith's Avatar
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    Default Re: One Mandolin - forever...

    One mandolin forever huh-now thats funny! Myself i have many, have gotten rid of many and will continue to get many! I just love all the differences in each one, different builds etc...i have had one of my main ones for about 20 years now and wouldn't ever get rid of that one-i wouldn't even trade it for a 22-24 loar f-5 so that may tell you something about my keeper!

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  29. #16
    Registered User tree's Avatar
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    Default Re: One Mandolin - forever...

    I don't foresee getting rid of my Hamlett A or my '21 A2 (especially since I FINALLY solved the buzzing issue with that old pick guard). I absolutely love the sonic differences they afford and have no problem with the different scale lengths.

    My F5G is personalized with a speed neck, homemade armrest, and tone guard. And it has seen the most hard use, with 2 headstock scroll repairs under its belt. I can live with 3 forever . . . maybe.
    Clark Beavans

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  31. #17
    Timothy Tim Logan's Avatar
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    Default Re: One Mandolin - forever...

    Quote Originally Posted by William Smith View Post
    One mandolin forever huh-now thats funny! Myself i have many, have gotten rid of many and will continue to get many! I just love all the differences in each one, different builds etc...i have had one of my main ones for about 20 years now and wouldn't ever get rid of that one-i wouldn't even trade it for a 22-24 loar f-5 so that may tell you something about my keeper!
    As a neophyte I set out to own mandolins of distinctly different tone qualities (as compared to cosmetic and appearance differences). I have just bought my fourth mandolin (arriving tomorrow) and would not for a minute think of selling the first three. I play them each daily and I so much enjoy their unique characteristics. I think for me the question is “will I stop or discover another sound, tone quality, that is again quite distinctive”. Hope that makes sense!

    “There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.” ― Albert Schweitzer

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    two t's and one hyphen fatt-dad's Avatar
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    Default Re: One Mandolin - forever...

    History tells me it's my A3. Just had it so long!

    Right now; however, I'm mostly playing my Cohen and I love that mandolin too!

    f-d
    ¡papá gordo ain’t no madre flaca!

    '20 A3, '30 L-1, '97 914, 2012 Cohen A5, 2012 Muth A5, '14 OM28A

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    Registered User Cary Fagan's Avatar
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    Default Re: One Mandolin - forever...

    My Passernig F5. Many came and went until I got it 13 years ago. On the other hand, the search for the right oval hole may not be over...
    Cary Fagan

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  37. #20
    formerly Philphool Phil Goodson's Avatar
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    Default Re: One Mandolin - forever...

    My '09 Heiden 2-point.
    Phil

    “Sharps/Flats” “Accidentals”

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  39. #21
    Gibson F5L Gibson A5L
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    Default Re: One Mandolin - forever...

    2016 #746 Gilchrist Model 5 made to my order. I feel so lucky, blessed , undeserving to have this instrument. Picking it up and playing it is a gift over and over again. R/
    I love hanging out with mandolin nerds . . . . . Thanks peeps ...

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  41. #22
    Front Porch & Sweet Tea NursingDaBlues's Avatar
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    Default Re: One Mandolin - forever...

    2008 Weber Custom Vintage A

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  43. #23
    Registered User William Smith's Avatar
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    Default Re: One Mandolin - forever...

    Its a very fine thing to have the so called forever "keeper" we live in possibly the greatest mandolin building era ever as there are so many fine builders out there that make such mighty fine instuments-with anything new its a very tough choice on what to buy or trade for-i've had 100's of low to very high quality/expensive mandolins! Most all have gone as i've sold or traded up for my dream mandolins, some i would've loved to hang onto but hey sometimes bills need to be paid "unfortunatly-and wish i had some back" i'm a vintage mandolin nut at heart and love all my old 20's-50's gibson's and all are different in tone/voice and some are very rare and very expensive.

    Life is indeed short and unexpected as nobody is promised tomorrow, so if you want to go for a dream mandolin-go for it, trade up, take a loan out etc...

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  45. #24
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    Default Re: One Mandolin - forever...

    My Weber Yellowstone is it! Have to keep it. It just sings!

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  47. #25
    Moderator JEStanek's Avatar
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    Default Re: One Mandolin - forever...

    My Spira is one I will not part with.

    Jamie
    There are two things to aim at in life: first, to get what you want; and, after that, to enjoy it. Only the wisest of mankind achieve the second. Logan Pearsall Smith, 1865 - 1946

    + Give Blood, Save a Life +

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