Hey all, I initially was going to make a Google drive and a shared excel file for this since its a commonly asked question, but figured I could just put what I have currently into a post. So the ever present question or inquiry of wanting a solid US made instrument (usually asking for an F-style) for under (insert your price). Given the question is usually coming in for someone stepping up from their first lower end Kentucky, The Loar or other, I'll keep it hovering around the $1500 mid range mark and put info I have for both A and F style where applicable. I have no financial interest here, just know that some of the threads are older and just today I have found another new to me builder or two to include on the list. Very exciting!
Rag Mandolins - Upstate NY. Roy's mandolins hover around the $1500 mark for an F style mandolin. I have spoken to a handful of owners and they sing the praises of tone and playability over "fanciness", as they have been lauded as being a bit more rustic in finish. https://ragmandolins.com/
Morris - Oregon. Flat top A's around $650. Carved A's $950. I haven't seen an F style come from Sonny in a while, but I'd venture to guess if you reached out they would be around the $1500 mark. No website, but he keeps mighty busy and his mandolins are always showing up in the classifieds. Always seen positive input on these instruments and their simplicity, highlight playability over flash.
Ratliff - Tennessee. Audey has made a large large number of instruments! The Country Boys have less "bling" but the A's start at 1500 and Fs at 2k. Then going up from there on the more dressed to impress mandolins. Highly regarded around these parts. http://ratliffmandolins.com/new/index.php
Mia - Arkansas. This one just popped up in some searches for me today. Interesting finishing choices. Very folksy and whimsical. A's, F's, octaves. F styles for $950 without a pickup. ~1100 with. A style octave for 1400. A style "celtic" *(oval hole) for 700. Bright colors. https://www.clarindasmusic.com/
Boeh - Minnesota. I saw a used A style Boeh go in the classifieds a few months back for a deep discount. I think it was sub 1k. Steve's website has been down for a while, but I feel like he is worth mentioning because the fit and finish work looks like an instrument far more than what I have seen for prices listed in the past.
Dubova - Virginia. I love to watch Michael's videos demo-ing his instruments. Super helpful and always entertaining to see the progress. He too has a lot of really interesting designs. Varying style sound holes, some rad looking electric mandolins, interesting color choices for finishing work. He frequently uses really beautiful wood for his backs. I think he had a recent price increase due to material costs and popularity, but still is within the more affordable domestic instrument. He sells on Etsy and I don't often see his instruments come up in discussion here, which is surprising to me. A styles around 1350. https://dubovainstruments.wordpress.com/
Cross - Tennessee Ok, Cross mandos are just above the threshold, but I though they would be worth mentioning anyway. 2k. https://crossmandolins.com/
Heron Creek Mandolins Maryland. Really nice looking fit and finish on these. Similarly to the Boeh. 1600 for F styles as far as I can tell.
What else you guys seeing out there for US made instruments around this range?
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