Comparing Phoenix Mandolins - Bluegrass vs. Standard/Deluxe

[judith]

Hey - Has anyone played both of these mandos and could share an opinion about how they compare to each other? I'm asking because I might want a mando with more chop and a more blue-grassy sound. I have a Deluxe (now called Standard, I think). Are they different enough to be worth a swap?
Thanks!
Judith

[Big Joe]

They are all very nice mandolins, but they are voiced a bit differently. The Bluegrass will generally have a better bluegrass chop than the other models. Each mandolin has to stand on its own, but from my experience the Bluegrass holds its own very well with bluegrass mandolins. I have one in the store and I have been very impressed with it.

[pickloser]

I have a Phoenix Ultra and a Phoenix Bluegrass. They sound VERY different. The PBG is as advertised--it has everything you would want for bluegrass (except maybe a scroll). It cuts the mix with volume to spare, and has a truly excellent chop. I bought mine from a fellow who had worn the frets to nothing playing bluegrass up in western NC. Whether you would like it better than your Deluxe, I couldn't say. But if I could only keep one, I would without a doubt keep my Ultra, despite bluegrass being what I play most with others. PM me if you wish further comparisons. I could play both for you over the phone or record some MP3s.
Laura

[trevor]

I have both in stock. I agree with Big Joe. The Bluegrass is just that, more power, better chop. The standard is mellower. Both great mandolins but different.

[otterly2k]

Really Jude?
You want a more bluegrassy instrument? But you don't play bluegrass...

are you just in MAS mode??

although I could see your maybe wanting something that is more of a contrast with your Gibson A...

[Lee]

Wow, you still have my ol' Deluxe !

[judith]

Damn, you don't miss a thing! J

[Lee]

It's been quite awhile since I last logged on here. Big coincidence that it was when you posted. I could have easily missed it. The Phoenix-MAS struck me and I acquired a Phoenix Jazz. Such a wonderful instrument. I asked Rolf if he ever considered building oval holes. He said nope and added that he felt he could get all the tones he was looking for with his f-holes and varieties of bracing.

[Ed Goist]

...snip... I asked Rolf if he ever considered building oval holes. He said nope and added that he felt he could get all the tones he was looking for with his f-holes and varieties of bracing.

Interesting, I have had several other builders tell me this exact same thing.

[judith]

I think most builders are set up to do what they basically do - with small variations of course. It's a lot of effort to shift gears. So, here is what I did. Made a quick trip to Mandolin Brothers, on Staten Island - a relatively reasonable trip from here. Took my "Deluxe." I sat in a sound booth for quite awhile, playing both mandos. Comparing is always somewhat challenging because it's hard to control for all factors. In this case, the Phoenix Bluegrass had brand new phosphor bronze strings on that hadn't been played in. Thomastiks on mine. The Bluegrass was LOUD. Wow!! Had a very nice sound. But, my Deluxe also has a nice sound - more mellow, but not necessarily quiet. I kept my Phoenix Deluxe. However, I did not escape unscathed. I played a Collings that I also liked - didn't sound like the Phoenix Bluegrass, but it sounded really nice, was highly playable, and less than half the price of the Phoenix Bluegrass. Oi yoy yoy. It should come tomorrow (having them ship it is cheaper - no tax). Can't open the box for 24 hours. Then, I'll have my trial period to see if we belong together. Lee - wish I could own as many mandos as you have, but if I did, I'd probably drive myself nuts trying to decide which one to play. J

[evanreilly]

Eenie, meenie minie mo.....
they're all good, don't you know!!!
But both are Bluegrass models, albeit custom ones.

[Lee]

Judith, which Collings did you get? I've been thinking of an MT oval

[maj34]

Evan:

Have you ever recorded a side-by-side comparison of your two Phoenix mandolins? Doesn't your prototype model have a fir top and the Bluegrass MM have an Engleman top? I think Rolfe's mandolins are fantastic, and I'd love to hear a comparison of your two.

[evanreilly]

I have not done a side-by-side video of the two.
Here is a little clip of #301, however:

Linda Lou, by Bill Monroe

[Eliot Greenspan]

I have a 2006 Custom Deluxe. About a year ago I spent a long day taste testing at Mandolin Bros. Stan had a bunch of Rolfe's mando's, including a couple of his special customs w/ antique woods, unique inlays, etc. There's a very distinct difference in the voicing of the BG model. It defnitely has that BG honk and growl. I liked it alot and have have MAS for one. All have that signature wonderful neck and silky action.

In the end I was happy to walk away feeling that my mando held up to just about everything I played that day. The Collings are also stellar (well made, great sounding, great playing) and there was a Gibson Distressed MM that Stan pulled out of a back room for me to try that was sublime, and *really* out of my price range. Speaking of out of my price range, I didn't love the Giocomel Grisman model. Surprised me.

[strings777]

I have not done a side-by-side video of the two.
Here is a little clip of #301, however:

Linda Lou, by Bill Monroe

That's a coincidence, I own number 302 and absolutely love my Phoenix Bluegrass. I know I listed it as a 2003 in my signature, but the label actually says November 2002. Rolfe truly builds works of art that are easy to play, sound spectacular, and are light as a feather...she's my nicest instrument and definitely a keeper!