Favorite mandolin

[Jim Garber]

Many folks on this list have at least a few instruments. I was just wondering what mandolin is the one you reach for first. I realize that there are times when one may be more suitable than another, depending on the music, the mood of the player, the weather conditions, etc. I know that some mandolins are intended for orchestra playing and some for solos. I know that some folks may just have one nearby within reach for that moment of inspiration, but that when it comes to playing in public may use another, more suitable mandolin.

In any case, the one I keep by my side for most occasions is my Pandini. It is needing some adjustments but still sings sweetly and plays very nicely. I also have my Lyon & Healy A, which I have taken on gigs where I need to play a greater variety of music, venturing into the American old time country and Irish repertoire as well as the classical and Italian pieces.

Jim

[AlanN]

Gibson F-5 Master Model #73675

[vkioulaphides]

Jim, you DO tempt me to quote Mae West...

[Ken Sager]

I use the reach method. Whichever mando is within reach I play.

Joy to all,
Ken

[Eugene]

My favorite is my 1908 Martin...and I wish it wasn't. It is one-of-a-kind (one of Longworth's "unidentified specials"), and keeping it as my main player gives me some concern. I suppose I need to get something else in as good playing order and learn to like it.

[margora]

My favorite is my Collins A. It is a perfect instrument. I play the others (a 1907 Martin bowlback and a 1980s East German bowlback) quite frequently, however.

[Jim Garber]

Jim, you DO tempt me to quote Mae West... #

Victor... you tempt us... please do quote MW.

Jim

[Jim Garber]

My favorite is my Collins A. #It is a perfect instrument. #I play the others (a 1907 Martin bowlback and a 1980s East German bowlback) quite frequently, however.

Robert:
Is this a Collings or a Collins?

Jim

[vkioulaphides]

Well, to paraphrase the latter-day, bawdy actress / determinist philosopher: "If I'm not with the mando I love, I love the mando I'm with."

As you know, I have (just) one in every port and therefore it's always the local mando that's the favorite one.

Only in my New York home do I have two: the baby Calace and the Ceccherini; and among those two, I try to distribute my affections equally.

[margora]

Collings, sorry. Slip of the keyboard.

[Jeff_Stallard]

I'm surprised to report that I'm still reaching for my Troubadour Josquin. This thing sounds incredible! It's even better now that I've thrown on some Boston strings (first time using them, and VERY happy). It's also very comfortable to hold and play. The fact that it was only $200 just makes it that much better.

[Bob A]

At this time, my bowlback time is mainly divided between the newest example, the Monzino, (about half the time), and the Stahl and Kevorkian. The F4 also gets some attention.

It's sort of surprising to me that, no matter what I'm playing, I seem to sound better on the Gibson. I suspect it has a lot to do with a 30-year association. Still, I love the bowlback sound, which no Gibson will ever produce.

[JimD]

Phoenix Neoclassical. It gives me the flexibility that I need to play the various styles that I am called on to play and it always sounds great.

Jim

[Cragger]

mine is the Pomeroy that Don started building yesterday. it probably is only a couple of scraps at the present time but i can still dream.

[jcs271]

See comment below!

[Mark Levesque]

I use my Weber Bridger (A model, oval hole) when I am playing anything Italian or classical sounding. A student of mine also recently bought one that sounds fantastic.........I love these things!
Is anyone else using one?

Cheers,
Mark

[Dfyngravity]

custom Red Diamond F5. She sounds like a dream. I had the neck angle pitched forward are bit so now when I am playing classical or jazz I just lower the action down. It is practially on the fingerboard and not a single buzz to be found. I love it!

[Ali]

Sorry to be predictable but......mines my Baby - 1933 Luigi Embergher. We're seldom apart........
ALI

[WJF]

I just flip a coin and let it decide for me which of my two A.Lawrence Smart mandolins I'll play. It's a beutiful thing ... heads or tails, I still win!!!

I have a John Garrity mandolin coming soon. Does anyone know where I might be able to find a three sided coin???

[mandroid]

did snow white have a favorite dwarf?, even grumpy got a condecending pat on the head.
[i wanted to put in 7 emoticons, but it wasn't allowed]

[PlayerOf8]

My Lyon & Healy B


George

[Clyde Clevenger]

My Givens A is my couch mandolin. Too ugly to take to the dance, but she can sure sing pretty.

[Jim Garber]

I was trying to get a census of the players who play classical here who plays what as their main instrument (or the one they reach for first at home and first to play a concert).

Any more takers? Alex? Richard? Plami? Others?

Jim

[aero_space]

I play classical music on my Hohner 2 point. This Mandolin sounds good no matter what type music it plays or rather i play on it.

[mcmando]

Rigel G-110-- great playability and killer tone. Makes even me sound decent.