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Thread: Newguy with new Ratcliff A

  1. #1
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    Hi all. I'm a first time poster to the site, but have been reading posts for a a long while. I've learned so much from you guys and gals. Anyway I just received my new Laura Ratcliff A style. It's an amazing instrument. The sound is beautiful, woody and deep. It is VERY loud. I wasn't expecting it to be as loud as it is, but works out even better for me. Laura and Ken are class acts. Laura sent me pics of the building process, and kept me updated frequently. I will not hesitate to reccomend them to anyone wanting a fine custom mando for a great price. When the funds are available, I am going to order a 2 point from Ken. That is a sweet looking instrument.
    Just a little about me. I'm 37 and have been playing guitar for 30 years. I also play dobro, banjo and now mandoling has taken over my life. I play in 2 bands around the St. Louis area, a old timey/bluegrass band, and a singer songwriter type duo. I'll try to attach pics that Laura took over my mando before I received it this past week.

    Michael [img] <a href=[/img]" target="_blank">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v460/adlerian/mike3.jpg[/IMG]</a>
    Michael Eisenbeis

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    Sorry, let me try the pics again.
    Michael Eisenbeis

  3. #3
    Closet Mandolin Player Mark Walker's Avatar
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    CONGRATULATIONS! #You can't go wrong with a Silver Angel or Laura Ratcliff mandolin. #I'm on my second F-style - both crafted by Ken, and several friends and relatives of mine have A-styles (from Laura) and a 2-pointer as well. #For the money, they are certainly among the best-sounding mandolins (both in volume and tone) and all offer fine craftsmanship (and craftswomanship). #As you discovered in your efforts working with Laura, working with either of them is a treat. #Ken has taught her well, and she is among the most meticulous luthiers for quality of finish and details.#They are among the most humble and friendly luthiers in the business, and are genuinely wonderful people. #You'll only grow happier with your instrument as you play it! #Cheers! # #



    "The more I learn, the more I realize how ignorant I truly am..."

  4. #4
    Gilchrist (pick) Owner! jasona's Avatar
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    Need these a little bigger...

    Very pretty mando!
    Jason Anderson

    "...while a great mandolin is a wonderful treat, I would venture to say that there is always more each of us can do with the tools we have available at hand. The biggest limiting factors belong to us not the instruments." Paul Glasse

    Stumbling Towards Competence

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    Thanks Jasona. I'm "image challenged." I've been playing this thing all morning. I can't beleive how nice it is.

    Michael
    Michael Eisenbeis

  6. #6
    Closet Mandolin Player Mark Walker's Avatar
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    I can believe how nice it is! I was the same way with both of mine! A friend of mine has Laura's #33 - what a beauty THAT one is! Plays great and sounds like a 100-year old mandolin! Have fun with your new baby!
    "The more I learn, the more I realize how ignorant I truly am..."

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    Thanks. This one is #39.
    Michael Eisenbeis

  8. #8
    Registered User Lane Pryce's Avatar
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    Thumbs up

    Weller welcome to the A club and the cafe'. BTW nice A. Lp
    J.Lane Pryce

  9. #9
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    Thanks for the welcome JLP.
    Michael Eisenbeis

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    PRetty mando -- can someone post a larger pic of the front, as you did the back of it.

    I've love to see both sides close.

  11. #11
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    Let me see if this worked.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

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    Michael Eisenbeis

  12. #12
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    closer
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    Michael Eisenbeis

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    headstock.
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    Michael Eisenbeis

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    Thanks for posting more pics. Beautiful.

    I really like the look of the neck and fingerboard. Is it radiused? How does it play for you? Big frets?

    Very impressive A.

    Drool.

  15. #15
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    Yea, it has a 12" radius,oversize frets, and has an oil varnish finish. It plays great up and down the fingerboard, very easy, even though the action isn't super low. I can't beleive how fortunate I am to have an instrument this nice. I hope someday to do it justice with my playing.
    Michael Eisenbeis

  16. #16
    Closet Mandolin Player Mark Walker's Avatar
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    Wow - that's an impressive inlay that Laura did too! Regarding the action height, after you get her broken in a bit, you could either tweak it yourself or have a local luthier work with you on the action. On my first Silver Angel (#192 or something like that; my cousin actually has #197, which I think I've mistakenly mentioned as being MY first one) my wife and I actually visited Ken and Laura at their beautiful home, and he lowered my action and she played even BETTER. (I'd had her about 18 months at that time - the mandolin, not my wife. ) On my latest one (#231) I've had her a few months, and have tweaked the setup a bit and have her as low as my earlier one! I've got the 12" radius and the oversized frets as well. What a treat to play. Playing my old Lotus A-Style (A Kentucky A-style clone I bought about 15 years ago just to learn how to play) now after playing two Angels is like playing a 2x4! Enjoy!
    "The more I learn, the more I realize how ignorant I truly am..."

  17. #17
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    That is a BEAUTY!!! Love that burst.
    Always remember, no matter where you go, there you are.

  18. #18
    Gilchrist (pick) Owner! jasona's Avatar
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    Are your soundholes bound?

    Very nice finish
    Jason Anderson

    "...while a great mandolin is a wonderful treat, I would venture to say that there is always more each of us can do with the tools we have available at hand. The biggest limiting factors belong to us not the instruments." Paul Glasse

    Stumbling Towards Competence

  19. #19
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    No, they're not bound, the finish is slightly distressed.
    Michael Eisenbeis

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