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Thread: Powerful A models in the 5K range

  1. #51
    Registered User John Soper's Avatar
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    For A models the OP's budget hits such a sweet spot. Lots of options - all instruments that could be a life-time mandolin. I hope the OP is going out and playing as many as possible to find "the" one!

  2. #52
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    I’ve read all the suggestions, my .02 worth is the name on the peghead IS NOT the final test. You may find a $1,000 mandolin that will put them to shame, play every one you see for sale until one speaks to you.

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  4. #53

    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    I haven't played every mandolin out there. I have played any I could get my hands on.

    Yes, there are quality (and preference) ranges that don't exactly correlate to price.

    No, I've never met a 1K mandolin that puts an Ellis to shame.
    Girouard Concert A5
    Girouard Custom A4
    Nordwall Cittern
    Barbi Mandola
    Dunwell B-1 Bouzouki
    www.singletonstreet.com

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  6. #54
    Gummy Bears and Scotch BrianWilliam's Avatar
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range


  7. #55
    harvester of clams Bill McCall's Avatar
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Quote Originally Posted by BrianWilliam View Post
    Oh yeah. One guy’s reject could easily be someone else’s lifer.
    Not all the clams are at the beach

    Arrow Manouche
    Arrow Jazzbo
    Arrow G
    Clark 2 point
    Gibson F5L
    Gibson A-4
    Ratliff CountryBoy A

  8. #56
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    There's a beautiful Duff for sale in the classifieds.

  9. #57

    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Recent Duff A5s are the best.

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  11. #58

    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    I'm going down tomorrow to check out the Red Diamond.
    "your posts ... very VERY opinionated ...basing your opinion/recommendations ... pot calling ...kettle... black...sarcasm...comment ...unwarranted...unnecessary...."

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  13. #59

    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    I see it's still there.
    2010 Heiden A5, 2020 Pomeroy oval A, 2013 Kentucky KM1000 F5, 2012 Girouard A Mandola w ff holes, 2001 Old Wave A oval octave
    http://HillbillyChamberMusic.bandcamp.com
    Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@hillbillychambermusic

  14. #60

    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Quote Originally Posted by Don Grieser View Post
    I see it's still there.
    Never made it down there. No yet, anyway.
    "your posts ... very VERY opinionated ...basing your opinion/recommendations ... pot calling ...kettle... black...sarcasm...comment ...unwarranted...unnecessary...."

  15. #61
    harvester of clams Bill McCall's Avatar
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Quote Originally Posted by Josh Levine View Post
    Recent Duff A5s are the best.
    +1

    I could give yours a new home…….
    Not all the clams are at the beach

    Arrow Manouche
    Arrow Jazzbo
    Arrow G
    Clark 2 point
    Gibson F5L
    Gibson A-4
    Ratliff CountryBoy A

  16. #62
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    I'm back!!!! I found the mandolin I was looking for. It's a 7/9/97 Flatiron A5 Artist, interestingly enough signed by Charlie Derrington. Got it at Carter Vintage a couple days ago for far under my 5K target. Previous owner outfitted it with Waverlys and a James tailpiece. Wicked good mando. I already own a '89 Carlson A5L and wanted something to complement that one. Maybe one day I'll get that Duff or Aleyas A5, maybe even a Dude 1A. Until then I'm pretty well set. Made on the same day as Monroe's....just not the same year. BUT I can say I have a July 9th. Thanks, everyone.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

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    2019 Duff A-5 #246
    1964 Martin A

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  18. #63

    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Kimble

  19. #64
    Registered User urobouros's Avatar
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Looks like a homerun! Congrats!!
    2020 Northfield Big Mon
    2016 Skip Kelley A5
    2011 Weber Gallatin A20
    2021 Northfield Flattop Octave Mandolin
    2019 Pono Flattop Octave
    Richard Beard Celtic Flattop
    And a few electrics

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  21. #65

    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Looks great, signed by one of the best, Waverly and James are good QoL upgrades. A lot to love. Enjoy!
    Girouard Concert A5
    Girouard Custom A4
    Nordwall Cittern
    Barbi Mandola
    Dunwell B-1 Bouzouki
    www.singletonstreet.com

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  23. #66
    Registered User Eric Platt's Avatar
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Really nice. Yes, I agree, you can stop there and be very happy.

    Other folks have done a lot of nice recommendations.
    Brentrup Model 23, Boeh A5 #37, Gibson A Jr., Big Muddy M-11, Coombe Classical flattop, Strad-O-Lin
    https://www.facebook.com/LauluAika/
    https://www.lauluaika.com/
    https://www.facebook.com/Longtine-Am...14404553312723

  24. #67
    Registered User Charlie Bernstein's Avatar
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Nice!

  25. #68
    Registered User John Bertotti's Avatar
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Quote Originally Posted by pheffernan View Post
    In case “MUST be an A5” means “COULD be an F5,” here is the link:

    https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/172799#172799

    And these are two video samples:



    All sound great preferred the Nugget and Hogan, the Gil was nice but to me a tinny bit more tinny.
    My avatar is of my OldWave Oval A

    Creativity is just doing something wierd and finding out others like it.

  26. #69
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    Default THREAD UPDATE Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Hi Cafe,

    Since posting this thread some months ago, I have shifted mandolins around and ended up with a 2020 Craig Wilson WA-5 AND.....a 2019 Duff A-5! The Wilson is a strong-sounding Griffith-style, and the Duff is unimaginably great. Paul Duff is soooo underpriced for what you get. Both mandolins are good enough to run with. The Wilson is LOUD with a chunky neck profile. The Duff is also loud, but more so in proper mandolin fundamentals, and has a thin neck, allowing even the Gb chord to be comfortable. Thanks for all the comments and input.
    2019 Duff A-5 #246
    1964 Martin A

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  28. #70
    Gummy Bears and Scotch BrianWilliam's Avatar
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Duff wins!

    Congrats

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  30. #71
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Quote Originally Posted by UsuallyPickin View Post
    A Carlson period Gibson A5L , if you can find one.
    Another possibility is a pre-Gibson Flatiron A5. Mine is 83 and signed by Carlson FWIW.
    Jim

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  31. #72
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    I think a simple answer would be that any well-respected builder's A models would be as powerful as their F models. So, think of any highley regarded builder who has A models in the $5k range and assume they'll be pretty powerful instruments.

  32. #73
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Kimble or Pomeroy.
    Pomeroy F5 2003
    Weber Madison F5 2013
    Weber Sweet Pea travel mando 2006
    Eric Ouren open back banjo
    Bart Reiter open back banjo

  33. #74
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    THE WEBER YELLOWSTONE A14-F MANDOLIN, just to suggest something different.

  34. #75
    Registered User Kevin Briggs's Avatar
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    It seems to me you’re describing a Skip Kelley. His A styles are well within your price range and are way on the loud, cutting, bluegrass-oriented side of the fence. I’m a tad biased because I’m hoping to get one someday, but man do those things bark.

    John Hamlet too. John dialed in my two point and it’s just killer. I remember him asking me what kind of music I play, and any tone specs. He, like most of our beloved independent luthiers, can pretty much make precisely what you would like.

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