Originally Posted by
Dean Gray
Hi Nic. I have 2 Coombe mandolins, a classical model (flat top/oval hole) and an A5 (arch top/f holes). So not quite what you are after, but I can tell you about them anyway.
The A5 is a red spruce top and for the back and sides I wanted a timber that would help mellow the sound a bit. Peter went looking through the woodpile and came up with some lovely claro walnut. I think it's a good combination. I also asked for a slightly wider nut, and settled on his standard mandola width of 32mm, which suits my hand nicely.
The classical model was my main mandolin up till now and has (big leaf?)maple back and sides, stained dark like a violin. His flat top mandolins are great, sound beautiful and cost less than a carved top. Mine sounds great with thomastiks or pb strings. It currently has d'addario flat tops.
Even though the oval hole seems to sound louder to me as I play it, my wife assures me the A5 is louder as she shuts the door on me!
Lately Peter has made some red spruce/jarrah combinations and they sound really really good too.
Oh and he recently sold an oval hole A model with beautiful birds eye maple back and sides..... I wanted that one too!
Re standard or custom, I can't really help, but one more to consider is his stunning Lyon and Healy replica..... if you're thinking a mandolin for classical stuff, could be a winner.
Good luck with your decision.