Can anyone recommend an OM, in the $1500-2000 range, that has rich, warm tone on all strings; plays in tune even on the upper frets; does not buzz; and is well suited to a variety of genres? I currently own a Trinity College OM and have enjoyed it as a starter instrument. But now I want something of slightly higher quality. Bragi
Peterson.
My F4 style OM by Tom Jessen of Madelia, MN. Here are a couple of clips:
Thanks for the clips! I fell in love with that very same OM last year at Rock Bend in St. Peter. I ended up getting a Peterson Koa and love it, but that Jessen played like butter. Love his handmade case too!
Back to Bragi's question, you could also take a look at Richard Beard's OMs...they're on the high end of your range, but tempting. http://www.vintagemandolin.com/09bea...emando_32.html
I'm in line to get one of Joe Mendel's octave mandos, most of which are near the higher end of your price range (he's placed a few in retail music shops that, due to their markup, are a bit above your range), but which you might want to check out. I've heard clips of a few he's made, but as of yet have not actually played one. The one he's making for me should be done next month, so I can provide an update once I get a chance to see what it can do. However, I've been in continual contact with Joe, who is very responsive and a nice guy, and I have no doubt it's going to be a great instrument. Joe's website is here: http://jmendelfrets.com/Default.aspx
Mandobart, What's the scale length on that F4 style OM ? Looks short. The Jessen website is not working. Also can you please tell us the Name of the tunes you are playing in the videos? Thanks
Amandalyn - The Jessen OM measures 20 -1/2" from bridge to 0 fret. That is shorter, I believe, then the TC and other Celtic styles. I just now clicked the link to TJ's website and it worked. The first song is "And We Bid You Goodnight", a Bahamanian folk song/spiritual, immortalized by the Grateful Dead (often used to close a show). The second one is "Arthur McBride", an Irish tune about a pushy recruiter. Here I play it in G, but nowadays I play it in D. There are about 7 verses to it.