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Thread: Dreaming of a Great A5 under $6000

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    Mando-Afflicted lflngpicker's Avatar
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    Default Dreaming of a Great A5 under $6000

    Just having a Holiday morning waking dream as I sit in my recliner: I am interested in comparing Ellis A5, Pavo Pro A5, Kelly A5, and Collings MT2. I would like to buy the best possible mandolin I can afford and would need to sacrifice to get there. Therefore, I am looking at high quality A5's, rather that F5. I do like the F5's, very much, but I am interested in the best build quality, sound and playability I can afford. I have an affinity for the A5 shape, as well. I do have a very nice near mint MT with a gloss top and wide nut, so call me nuts if you like.

    My favorite is the Ellis A5, as I have seen and heard it played so often, though I have never seen or played one in person. I am thinking used in somewhat excellent shape because I am hoping to gather $5200 together. Anyone have a chance to compare and contrast any of these?
    2014 BRW F5 #114
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    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Dreaming of a Great A5 under $6000

    You might want to add a Kimble to your list, there is a recent thread about his two point mandolins...

    https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/t...-point-reviews

    https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/154701#154701

    NFI
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    Default Re: Dreaming of a Great A5 under $6000

    Quote Originally Posted by Charles E. View Post
    You might want to add a Kimble to your list, there is a recent thread about his two point mandolins...

    https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/t...-point-reviews

    https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/154701#154701

    NFI
    Great idea, Charley! Thank you.
    2014 BRW F5 #114
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    YouTube Original Recording of My composition "Closer Walk"

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    My Florida is scooped pheffernan's Avatar
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    Default Re: Dreaming of a Great A5 under $6000

    Quote Originally Posted by lflngpicker View Post
    My favorite is the Ellis A5, as I have seen and heard it played so often, though I have never seen or played one in person. I am thinking used in somewhat excellent shape because I am hoping to gather $5200 together. Anyone have a chance to compare and contrast any of these?
    Now we’re talking, Dan! I have always thought the next tier of instruments would include Ellis (as you propose), Kimble (as Charles noted), and Duff (as Josh Levine will soon suggest). I have also seen, and nearly purchased, a Heiden at the top end of your budget within the last year and a used Red Diamond vintage A5 just above it. Let’s get shopping!
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    Default Re: Dreaming of a Great A5 under $6000

    I'd recommend Kimble as well, and Ruhland. I don't know what Matt is asking for A5's right now, but they were, and maybe still are, a great value. Matt, like Will, builds amazing mandolins. As do the others mentioned in this thread.

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    Default Re: Dreaming of a Great A5 under $6000

    I appreciate your thoughts on this, Pat and Luna! Thank you.
    2014 BRW F5 #114
    2022 Kentucky KM 950 Master Model

    YouTube Original Recording of My composition "Closer Walk"

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    Registered User Glassweb's Avatar
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    Default Re: Dreaming of a Great A5 under $6000

    Kimble 2 point all the way! There's a reason they're raving about his mandolins at The Music Emporium... check out the 2 point that's there now...

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    Default Re: Dreaming of a Great A5 under $6000

    Will do, Glassweb!
    2014 BRW F5 #114
    2022 Kentucky KM 950 Master Model

    YouTube Original Recording of My composition "Closer Walk"

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    My Florida is scooped pheffernan's Avatar
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    Default Re: Dreaming of a Great A5 under $6000

    Quote Originally Posted by lflngpicker View Post
    Will do, Glassweb!
    You mentioned an A5, Dan. Do you like two-points? Of course, there’s always a danger in buying new and paying the cost of depreciation when you’re a notorious horse trader.

    https://themusicemporium.com/mandolins/kimble-two-point

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    Default Re: Dreaming of a Great A5 under $6000

    Hey Dan PM me or email me robb@elkhornmandolins.com

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    not a donut Kevin Winn's Avatar
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    Default Re: Dreaming of a Great A5 under $6000

    Probably can't go wrong with any of the instruments listed. I was able to play all of those (except a Kelly) as well as Gibsons, Northfields and others, in one splendid afternoon at Fiddlers last year. I wouldn't trade my Kimble for any of them, so I'll toss in another vote for Will.

    If you're not into the two-point that is linked to above, drop him a line; he may have something in the works that would fit the bill. I got lucky and landed a A that he had been finishing.
    "Keep your hat on, we may end up miles from here..." - Kurt Vonnegut

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    Fiddler & Mandolin Player Dave Reiner's Avatar
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    Default Re: Dreaming of a Great A5 under $6000

    Could also consider Givens A6 - about in the right price range.

    Good luck,
    Dave
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  21. #13
    Registered User Glassweb's Avatar
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    Default Re: Dreaming of a Great A5 under $6000

    I wouldn't mess with a Givens. No truss rod = future potential neck problems. Also this... even Givens A6 is not in the same class as a Kimble, Ellis, Northfield A5 Special etc...

    Givens is/was an important builder, but I see no justification for the prices that people seem to want for them...

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    Registered User rnjl's Avatar
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    Default Re: Dreaming of a Great A5 under $6000

    I'd look for an early or mid-80's Carlson Flatiron. The good ones hold up against any bluegrass mandolin out there. If you can find one, they're probably in the $2.5-3K range. Mine's an '83 and love it, though someday I want to get a scroll thingy mando too.

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    Registered User Glassweb's Avatar
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    Default Re: Dreaming of a Great A5 under $6000

    OK time for me to put my money where my mouth is... this is how I feel about Will Kimble's instruments...
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    Default Re: Dreaming of a Great A5 under $6000

    Quote Originally Posted by Glassweb View Post
    OK time for me to put my money where my mouth is... this is how I feel about Will Kimble's instruments...
    Are these current holdings?
    "your posts ... very VERY opinionated ...basing your opinion/recommendations ... pot calling ...kettle... black...sarcasm...comment ...unwarranted...unnecessary...."

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    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Dreaming of a Great A5 under $6000

    Bees in the Barn Band's August Eriksmoen plays an Ellis 2 point. I saw them in person last year and he makes that mandolin sing.
    Jim

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  31. #18

    Default Re: Dreaming of a Great A5 under $6000

    Quote Originally Posted by pheffernan View Post
    Now we’re talking, Dan! I have always thought the next tier of instruments would include Ellis (as you propose), Kimble (as Charles noted), and Duff (as Josh Levine will soon suggest). I have also seen, and nearly purchased, a Heiden at the top end of your budget within the last year and a used Red Diamond vintage A5 just above it. Let’s get shopping!
    I wasn't going to say that. Don't get a Duff, they are terrible. or a Ruhland, terrible value. (You should actually get either of those) Kimble's are great too. Lot's of great A5s under $6000.

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    Default Re: Dreaming of a Great A5 under $6000

    Quote Originally Posted by Mandobar View Post
    Are these current holdings?
    yep...

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    Purveyor of Sunshine sgarrity's Avatar
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    Default Re: Dreaming of a Great A5 under $6000

    Two Kimble ‘dolas???

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    Default Re: Dreaming of a Great A5 under $6000

    Clark A5

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    Default Re: Dreaming of a Great A5 under $6000

    Quote Originally Posted by Glassweb View Post
    OK time for me to put my money where my mouth is... this is how I feel about Will Kimble's instruments...
    What a beautiful collection! Oh my!
    2014 BRW F5 #114
    2022 Kentucky KM 950 Master Model

    YouTube Original Recording of My composition "Closer Walk"

  40. #23
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    Default Re: Dreaming of a Great A5 under $6000

    This thread is giving insight into the best A5 instruments out there, a real education. The other thing I am gaining is awareness of who loves the A5 and/or two point shape. Obviously, this is a more experienced group of players and collectors than most. Mandolin players like yourselves are great to hang out with! Not sure I can part with the guitar and mandolin I would need to move to get these resources together to acquire one of these.
    2014 BRW F5 #114
    2022 Kentucky KM 950 Master Model

    YouTube Original Recording of My composition "Closer Walk"

  41. #24

    Default Re: Dreaming of a Great A5 under $6000

    I know there's diminishing returns as you go up but I can't imagine an A getting too much better than this one:
    https://themandolinstore.com/product...efied-varnish/
    Girouard Concert A5
    Girouard Custom A4
    Nordwall Cittern
    Barbi Mandola
    Crump OM-1s Octave
    www.singletonstreet.com

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    Registered User Lane Pryce's Avatar
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    Default Re: Dreaming of a Great A5 under $6000

    That Pava is real hoss. Dang strong for sure. Lp
    J.Lane Pryce

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