Ratliff f - looking at my 1st one tonight . . .?

[scgc.om]

Tonight after work, I'm looking at a 2002 Ratliff F - for sale privately asking $2500.

I know the name Ratliff from this site. Also, have Googled to find more. Ultimately, I'll know a LOT more after I play this locally-for-sale mandolin . . . (duh!).

Right now I'm just seeking any input from experienced Ratliff players here at MC. What can you tell me about these mandolins? Any "red" or "green" lights? From Elderly site, I read between the lines that finish durability might be an issue . . . ? Anything else?

Thanks for all help.

[sgarrity]

I played a Ratliff F5 for about 6 months. Pretty nice mando for the money. Fit and finish was very good. I could have held onto it a lot longer but you know how MAS is. $2500 seems a tad high if it's used.

[Ken]

I played a Ratliff F5 at a jam recently and thought it was a good mandolin. Powerful balanced tone. The finish on the one I played was fine, don't know how old it was though.
Ken

[BlueMountain]

I loved mine. It's a fine, professional-level, luthier made mandolin. Nothing bad about it at all.

[bmm5255]

If it is nice, you should jump on it at that price. Audey's mandos will be going up in price soon as they are becoming harder to get. Since the article in Bluegrass Unlimited last month, I have heard that he has quite a waiting list. I LOVE mine. You could spend a lot more and wind up with a lesser mando.

[pickinNgrinnin]

Never played a Ratliff but I've seen used ones selling in the range of 2k-2.2k

Report back tomorrow once you give this a run.

[jim_n_virginia]

Get it if you like the sound. His prices will be going up soon. He is getting a lot of name recognition including articles written. And then you know the drill.

As soon a a big name starts playing one of his mandolins they'll be 4-5K, after the waiting list hits 5 years then they'll be 8-10K

[metalmandolin]

My first great F mando was a '95 Ratliff. Up until I got my Fern this year, I feel that every mando I bought was an attempt to get back to the Ratliff. I cast my vote affirmatively! Let us know how it goes for you.

[DannyB]

I've had mine for sale for a while and don't understand why no one snatched it up. I have decided to keep it. My honest opinion is that these are a very good mandolin and probably should cost more. Without mentioning any specific mando names, they definitely will stand up to mandolins costing much more. I'll stand by that statement no mater if I ever sell mine or keep it for life.

[Gutbucket]

My son grabbed mine. He takes it everywhere. It has a nice woody tone and a killer chop. The neck was scraped down and tung oiled. It has a narrower neck, and fits his hand better. Audey makes a nice instrument. $2500.00 is fair.