my "new to me" 1999 Ratliff

[Gary Watkins]

I am thrilled to have this "new" Ratliff, and it sounds GREAT!!! I just wanted to show it off.

[Peggy Cabe]

This is my 2011 Norris A,, when it was brand new and after two years of finish mellowing. It has a wonderful, ringing sound.

[Pete Jenner]

This is my 2011 Norris A,, when it was brand new and after two years of finish mellowing. It has a wonderful, ringing sound.

That's lovely Peggy but I don't get the connection to the Ratliff (also lovely).

[jasona]

I am thrilled to have this "new" Ratliff, and it sounds GREAT!!! I just wanted to show it off.

Great looking mandolin!

[roberto216]

Wow, that's a real beauty. Congrats! I've been seriously considering getting a Ratliff. How is the playability? Is the neck chunky?

[Gary Watkins]

Wow, that's a real beauty. Congrats! I've been seriously considering getting a Ratliff. How is the playability? Is the neck chunky?

Robert,
I wouldn't consider the neck to be "chunky" at all, and it's a dream to play. I don't think that you would go wrong by getting a Ratliff. This one is a 1999 model, and it still looks almost new.

[DataNick]

Robert,
I wouldn't consider the neck to be "chunky" at all, and it's a dream to play. I don't think that you would go wrong by getting a Ratliff. This one is a 1999 model, and it still looks almost new.

Gary,

Congrats!

Can't wait to get my hands on the "Country Boy" model that Audie's been building for me since Oct 2012...it's due to ship in a week or so!

[cayuga red]

This is my 2011 Norris A,, when it was brand new and after two years of finish mellowing. It has a wonderful, ringing sound.

Very nice indeed Peggy. Play it in good health!

Red

[cayuga red]

I am thrilled to have this "new" Ratliff, and it sounds GREAT!!! I just wanted to show it off.

Ratliff makes a fine mandolin. Enjoy it in good health.

Red

[Gary Watkins]

Gary,

Congrats!

Can't wait to get my hands on the "Country Boy" model that Audie's been building for me since Oct 2012...it's due to ship in a week or so!

Please post a few picturers of your "COUNTRY BOY" when you get it!

[billhay4]

I've got an F-4 three point he built back in the 80's and its a fine instrument. Enjoy yours.
Bill

[DataNick]

Please post a few picturers of your "COUNTRY BOY" when you get it!

Absolutely will do!

[Skip Kelley]

Gary, that is a great looking mandolin! I bet it sounds awesome!!

[billhay4]

A terrific example of a Ratliff in action.
Bill

[Gary Watkins]

A terrific example of a Ratliff in action.
Bill

Sounds GREAT!!!

[jim simpson]

I really like the headstock inlay design.

[Bob Stohlman]

super sound....looking at a Ratliff myself... Thanks for the post....

[houseworker]

Looks really great, love the flame on the back. Those pictures make it look as though you've not got round to taking the Christmas lights down yet

[DataNick]

Absolutely will do!

Gary et al,

Here's a video that Audey made of The Country Boy R5 special model for me...

[Gary Watkins]

Gary et al,

Here's a video that Audey made of The Country Boy R5 special model for me...

It sure looks good!!!

[DataNick]

It sure looks good!!!

Thread Bump:

I got it, picked it up from Buffalo Bros. last night, see the thread re: Ratliff Country Boy F5.

[usqebach]

Bill,

The Honey Island Swamp Band mandolinist is yet another example of a musician who has arrived in a place that I do not have enough years left in my life to attain. Wow! What great music!

How can artists this talented remain "undiscovered" (at least by me)?

I'm now a fan -let's see what some Internet sleuthing can uncover.

Thanks for sharing!

Jim

[usqebach]

Well, admittedly it's a faux pas to reply to one's own post, but apparently I've been the village troglodyte that was never exposed to the Honey Island Swamp Band.

My hasty internet search uncovered a primarily electric, guitar heavy blues band that does put out some good music, mostly covers of old classics. This Youtube clip represents a rare, "unplugged" moment. It is disappointing, in that Aaron's playing of that mandolin to me represents a truly "groovy" way to play this instrument, and would be something unique to offer in a genre that already has plenty of representation of guitar blues.

Oh well, at least I can enjoy the tune for what it is!

[mandrian]

I'd never heard of the band either, but really enjoyed that video. Good stuff.

Regards