NMD: Ratliff R-5 Country Boy

[lflngpicker]

Audey Ratliff crafts his mandolins by hand, alone in his shop. I got an amazing price on this, as mandolins are going up, dramatically. Hard to find a built-to-order, USA-made, solid wood, and hand-carved mandolin in this price range, let alone locate one with the woody bark and loud punch of each note or chord that this one has. This R-5 Country Boy is appointed similarly to a Gibson F-9, with a satin finish, white-bound top and peghead. I am very happy with it.

[Kenny]

Nice one, lflngpicker! I have a Ratliff Country Boy as well. Mine was built in 2011 and it’s unbound. I’ve had it for five months, now, which is exactly how long I’ve been playing mandolin at all. I’m very happy with the sound and feel of this instrument and the look is just what I’d have asked for if I’d ordered it myself. I hope to progress well enough to make it worth my while to order an A style oval hole from Audey or Pava.

Enjoy your new mandolin!

[lflngpicker]

Hello Kenny, I am glad to find another enthusiastic mandolin player who plies his trade with a Ratliff R-5 Country Boy. I too really like the feel and look of yours, being the earlier version. Just great woods, carving and volume for days. Well, you keep playing and I hope that A Style oval hole comes your way sooner that hoped!

[Frankdolin]

Congrats Dan!!! Enjoy!!

[MontanaMatt]

Dan, so glad you’ve gotten another Ratliff! How does the new acquisition compare to the last one?
Happy pickin

[lflngpicker]

Dan, so glad you’ve gotten another Ratliff! How does the new acquisition compare to the last one?
Happy pickin

Hi Matt! The first one I had, which I sold because of medical expenses, was a master model and was simply beautiful. I regret having to sell it. So far, I am very pleased with the playability, tone and volume of the R-5 Country Boy. Very traditional sound and shape, and works great for fiddle tunes or country music. I just really like Audey and wanted to have one of his instruments in my possession. Thanks for getting in touch, Matt!

[pheffernan]

Audey Ratliff crafts his mandolins by hand, alone in his shop. I got an amazing price on this, as mandolins are going up, dramatically. Hard to find a built-to-order, USA-made, solid wood, and hand-carved mandolin in this price range, let alone locate one with the woody bark and loud punch of each note or chord that this one has. This R-5 Country Boy is appointed similarly to a Gibson F-9, with a satin finish, white-bound top and peghead. I am very happy with it.

Congrats, Dan! Like MAS, scroll envy knows no cure and only one treatment!

[lflngpicker]

Thank you, Pat! It is interesting too, the fundamental sound of Audey’s build when I compare it to the rich, sweet tone of my Pava Pro A5. The Pava does everything I need it to, but I wanted a bluegrass machine. That is exactly what Audey builds. Good to hear from you, Pat!

[Don Grieser]

Congrats, Dan! I had the Country Boy that Kenny has now and probably shouldn't have sold it. Audey certainly has the tone dialed in. I think Audey has built more mandolins than any other single builder. Morgan Music has a new Country Boy with serial # 1241. I think Gilchrist is in 800s or 900s now.

[rnjl]

Looks great. I'm getting a Country Boy in about 6 months (or who knows?) but I had it done with a gloss top, so does that make it a Country Adolescent with the upgraded top and tailpiece?

[lflngpicker]

Thanks Don, The #1241 they have on sale at Morgan’s Music looks really nice with that gloss top.

[lflngpicker]

RNJL, That’s hilarious— “Country Adolescent”! The custom build will be worth the wait I’m sure. Nothing like ordering just what you want in appointments. Audey is great about allowing a variety of unique additions or modifications. Enjoy the anticipation!

[pops1]

Nice Dan, I can almost see the smile from here.

[lflngpicker]

Hi pops! When I hear from you I always think of my dear friend and beloved cousin, Don Young. Thanks pal!

[Kenny]

Apropos of not much, I have no idea how my upright photo inverted itself here. It’s a fine mandolin in either orientation!

[lflngpicker]

Apropos of not much, I have no idea how my upright photo inverted itself here. It’s a fine mandolin in either orientation!

Kenny, I turned the phone around and zoomed in. Got a great view of that sweet Ratliff!