New F4, what would you suggest?

[red7flag]

I really like the sound Gibson F-4s. I have this thing about buying new instruments, however. I have played the Eastman 614. Not a bad instrument, but truthfully, I would prefer a step up. Any suggestions?
Tony

[Nick Royal]

Gavin Baird, who has made mandolins for Peter
Ostroushko, makes what looks like a very nice F4
Nick Royal

[Nick Royal]

I would suggest checking out Canadian maker, Gavin Baird.
Nick Royal

[Greenmando]

Try the King Brown
But if you want that old Gibson sound, the new Flatirons are coming out soon and they had a F4 in the works. Nothing has been confirmed for release yet.
Here is Link 1 and link 2.

[LKN2MYIS]

Pomeroy. I love my F4 that Don made.

[barricwiley]

I am with LKN2MYIS, I love my Pomeroy F4. I think you will also find a Pomeroy fan in JML. Don builds a wonderful instrument and is still doing it for a price that is real hard to beat. Be more than happy to send you pics if you like. Go ahead, jump on the Pomeroy wagon, can't go wrong.
Richard

[johnsmusic]

One word BUSSMANN!

[Greenmando]

You know, the Eastman's are pretty nice.

[swampstomper]

Jiri Lebeda makes a nice F4 in various levels of appointments, also A4's. See http://mandolins.net for the US distributor.

[JEStanek]

Chris Baird of Arches. If you really want to step up, go with Hans Brentrup. Both of these guys make a new mando that is faithful to the teens F4s in terms of looks, inlay, rosette. Both are stunning. Drool. For a lot less I have an Eastman 814 (hey its a step above the 614!). I feel the key to the old F4 sound is the F4 short neck. I love mine. I would love to have thiers.

Jamie

[Tom C]

Peter Sawchyn make a really nice looking, traditional f-4. I've never played one but I am very intrigued.

[John M. Riley]

Ive got a nice and barely played flatiron f-4 (with a regular sized neck) that i would sell for 2300 plus shipping. Its got a great sound and best of all it was the same playability as an f5 with the long neck.
Email is jmr9d@uvawise.edu if you are interested

[Spruce]

In addition to the aforementioned Baird and Bussman, I'd look into Bob Schneider's F4's...

[glauber]

Isn't Gibson making them again, under the Flatiron brand? Ask Big Joe. Also, maybe Gibson would make you an F4 in their custom shop?

[Jim M.]

Pics of the beautiful Schneider F4 in this thread:

Schneider F4

And a great Chris Baird F4:
Arches F4

I've played the Arches, and it's a beautiful instrument. Short neck, non-elevated fingerboard, and really captures the vintage sound. (I also have one one order).

[Tom C]

I think Big Joe spoke about a Gibson F6 (F4 with long neck like an F-5) and an
A-6 (A style oval hole with long neck). So you may want to wait to see.

[Pete Martin]

Old Wave (Bill Bussman) and Bob Schneider.

[sgarrity]

Well I just sent my deposit off to Don for a Pomeroy F4. I'm looking forward to getting this one. It'll be my first custom instrument. I'll be sure to let y'all know how the process goes.
Shaun

[recklessmando]

Congratulations, Shaun! Bet you're going to love it.

Seems like a good excuse to post another Pomeroy F4 pic. By the way, I strung mine up the other night with Ted's LaBella flatwound JM11's and it is sounding SOOOOO sweet. They have incredible sustain and an added richness to the bottom end. If you're looking for something a bit more balanced than J74's I think they're worth a try.

[f5loar]

What about price on these new F4 copies? It use to be that you could buy a nice vintage F4 for the price for a good luthier to build you one for. Is that not still true?
Vintage F4/F2 models are still plentiful and can be found at most vinatge dealers inventory. A Loar era F4 will set you back several grand more. I still see other pre1921 in the $4K range. Loar era in the $6 to $8K range
To the get the quality of a pre-30's F4 you would have to spend $4K to $6K to have a nice one made. Now if you just want one for the sound and not the nostilgia I would shop for a new Eastman 814 and get it set up right.

[Scot Thayer]

I've been fortunate enough to play several Sawchyn O-2's (F4's) and they all sounded great, including the one Butch Baldassari used on The Mandolin Tribute to Andrea Bocelli. #That one had a longer fingerboard, joining the body at the 15th fret as per Butch's request. #It's on all cuts except 1, 3, 7 and 8 and has a bit more aggressive sound than a regular O-2.

[sgarrity]

I went with a new one for several reasons. First, it's much less expensive and I get exactly what I want. To get a comparable vintage instrument it would have cost me at least $6-8K. Second, there are no vintage F4's in my area to try out. And I've never liked the necks on the Gibson A's I've played. The neck on the Pomeroy will be radiused and attach at the 15th fret. Third, I like supporting the independent luthier that pours their heart into their work. I talked to every builder mentioned in this thread and Don Paine was the one that could give me everything I wanted and keep it within a reasonable budget. If I had the means I'd order a mandolin from every one of these guys!
Shaun

[red7flag]

In my passing through the web today looking at mandolins I found a website where you could hear different songs listed with the mando it was played on. The files were Quick Time compatable, which I didn't have on my machine. I downloaded Quick Time and in the mean time closed the window on that site. Anybody have any ideas what it would be? Also, thank you all for the great suggestions. I have been to many websites and been in touch with a few builders. I seem to be leaning toward Pomeroy and Arches, but have not closed the door to others.
Tony

[Jim M.]

Mandozine has that, with great playing by Peter Mix (of Rigel mandolins). No F4s, but some great builders represented.

Mando of the Week

[red7flag]

Thank you.
Tony