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Thread: Powerful A models in the 5K range

  1. #1
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    Default Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Hi Cafe,

    I have done my share of scrolling, and checking post archives, but I just love the discussion. So here's the question.

    I am looking into getting a second mandolin for stage use. It MUST be an A5, and MUST have a traditional (think Bill Monroe "Castle Studios") tone. Hard Core Blue Grass music. Chunky, and woody WITHOUT sacrificing the treble. Midrange is more important to me. A mandolin that sticks out in a band mix, rather than what it sounds like as a solo instrument. Not going to spend much over 5K.

    Interested in your opinions.
    2019 Duff A-5 #246
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  2. #2
    Gummy Bears and Scotch BrianWilliam's Avatar
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Duff

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  4. #3
    My Florida is scooped pheffernan's Avatar
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Quote Originally Posted by fernmando View Post
    I am looking into getting a second mandolin for stage use. It MUST be an A5, and MUST have a traditional (think Bill Monroe "Castle Studios") tone. Hard Core Blue Grass music. Chunky, and woody WITHOUT sacrificing the treble. Midrange is more important to me. A mandolin that sticks out in a band mix, rather than what it sounds like as a solo instrument. Not going to spend much over 5K.
    I’d be looking for a Kimble A5 like the ones that have been in the classifieds lately:

    https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/172309#172309

    https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/172305#172305
    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

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  6. #4
    Pittsburgh Bill
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    STIVER
    Lot's of excellent choices in this price range. While I have heard it said more than once that, " Stivers are more Bluegrass than Bluegrass itself", I am totally enamored with mine. I only play a smattering of grass and use it primarily for 40s / 50s country honky-tonk but also some rockabilly, folk, soft rock, and R & B.
    Big Muddy EM8 solid body (Mike Dulak's final EM8 build)
    Kentucky KM-950
    Weber Gallatin A Mandola "D hole"
    Rogue 100A (current campfire tool & emergency canoe paddle)

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  8. #5
    Registered User mcgroup53's Avatar
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Kimble

  9. #6
    Registered User mswilks's Avatar
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Another vote for Kimble. They are very well suited for what you're wanting.

  10. #7
    Registered User Glassweb's Avatar
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    I used to own the blonde Kimble that's for sale in the classifieds. This is a fantastic mandolin that I would buy back in a minute if I didn't already have two other Kimble mandolins (a F5 and a 2-point). Besides having the sound you want this mandolin also has one of the most beautiful one-piece backs you could ever hope for. It was a custom order and Will pulled out his best woods for this one.

    Looks, balance, volume, feel, build quality... this is an A model that has it all. Hey wait a minute... maybe I will buy it back!
    Last edited by Glassweb; Jun-21-2021 at 10:11am. Reason: Additional information added...

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  12. #8
    Registered User Brad Grafton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Ruhland? I'm kind of keeping my eye out for one of Matts's.

    Not in the same wheelhouse but a Model 1 Gil. If you have a chance to play one it is worth a try. Little over budget too.
    It's not an addiction... It's an investment.
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  13. #9
    Innocent Bystander JeffD's Avatar
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Quote Originally Posted by Pittsburgh Bill View Post
    STIVER - I have heard it said more than once that, " Stivers are more Bluegrass than Bluegrass itself"
    Mine sure is.
    A talent for trivializin' the momentous and complicatin' the obvious.

    The entire staff
    funny....

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  15. #10
    Purveyor of Sunshine sgarrity's Avatar
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Another Kimble vote.

  16. #11
    Registered User lowtone2's Avatar
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Hard to beat this. Might be a long wait.

    http://www.blackmandolins.com/a5-mandolins.html

  17. #12
    Registered User Mark Seale's Avatar
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Kimble, Duff, or Stanley. I was going to say Ruhland as well, but the last A model that was listed was well above your budgeted number.

  18. #13
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    I would add Givens to your list.

    Kirk

  19. #14

    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    All of the above, plus the Wienman boys are offering an A5 model now. I believe they are $4K. Might be the most underrated Bluegrass mandos on the market imho.
    Girouards seem very nice as well, although I have only had the pleasure of playing one to date. It was the Loar A5 replica model that a fine gentleman owns. Sweet mandolin. Good hunting!

  20. #15
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Skip Kelley.....

    http://www.mandomutt.com/products-pa...kip-kelley-a-5

    Plus you save 2K





    NFI
    Last edited by Charles E.; Jun-21-2021 at 5:23pm.
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

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  22. #16
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Looks like there is a Skip Kelley and a nice looking Hinde at Carters Vintage in Nashville, not too far from you?
    Last edited by Charles E.; Jun-21-2021 at 5:13pm.
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

  23. #17
    My Florida is scooped pheffernan's Avatar
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Quote Originally Posted by Old Growth View Post
    Girouards seem very nice as well, although I have only had the pleasure of playing one to date. It was the Loar A5 replica model that a fine gentleman owns. Sweet mandolin. Good hunting!
    While The Griffith is above the OP’s stated budget, I’d very much like to see and hear (that) one (there are only two I believe) in action.
    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

  24. #18
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Kimble? The only mandolin I’ve ever played that’s better than my Kimble A5 is my Kimble “F”.

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  26. #19

    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    At your budget and location I would say a 3 hour trip to Nashville is recommended.

    Kelley and Hinde (among others)at Carter Vintage and The Mandolin Store has an MT2 Varnish that might be incoming (says due in June). I don't know how Max voiced the used Girouard Concert that they have but it's an incredible amount of A5 mandolin for 3k. Worth an inquiry.

    https://themandolinstore.com/product/used-girouard/
    Girouard Concert A5
    Girouard Custom A4
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  27. #20
    Gibson F5L Gibson A5L
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    A Carlson period Gibson A5L , if you can find one.
    I love hanging out with mandolin nerds . . . . . Thanks peeps ...

  28. #21

    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    An Oliver Apitius A5 is sure worth consideration as well imo, totally spaced that out in an earlier post

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  30. #22
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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.
    Duhhhhh on me, man. I have one of those. Reckon I could try to find a second one.
    2019 Duff A-5 #246
    1964 Martin A

  31. #23
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range


  32. #24
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

  33. #25
    MandoHog MandoHog's Avatar
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    If you could ever find one, get a Unicorn.

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