I don't know if you're still looking, but I'd be all over that Kimble that just showed up in the classifieds. NFI, etc.
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I don't know if you're still looking, but I'd be all over that Kimble that just showed up in the classifieds. NFI, etc.
Yep. Still looking.
I just got a 2016 Skip Kelley A5 with more chop than a lumberjack :grin: It's a redwood top but definitely has that traditional tone. In my humble opinion of course ;)
I have a blonde Kimble that looks identical to the one currently in the classifieds. I bought it a couple years ago from the original owner - it is a 2008. It is a beast - very easy to play and very well made. The price on that one seems spot on.
Ellis A just landed in the classifieds....
https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/172810#172810
NFI
Duff has already been mentioned. I second that.
Vana (CZ) should surely enter the contest. It was about 5 k new... Maybe it's 5 k used now. Anyhow, they are nice mandolins. I tried out a blonde A-5 and it was good. Probably not as good as a HoGo F-5... (there's one in the classifieds; should be a great one. I have no fingers in the pie).
I would like to know how a Hansen would hold up in the mix. Does anyone have a clue.
In case “MUST be an A5” means “COULD be an F5,” here is the link:
https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/172799#172799
And these are two video samples:
I Never played a kelley or duff. But I have a kimble and it’s a great mandolin.
The Sorensen AX is not traditional in appearance and at the upper limits of your price range, but Steve will talk you through the sound that you are looking for and build options. I have a Sprite that is among the loudest mandolins I've ever played, with a vigorous chop and serious bluegrass voice.
My Kelley A-5 is a beast as well, but it’s also very versatile, and very even in tone across and up the neck. I’ve played some F5s by well respected makers costing much more for which I wouldn’t/haven’t traded it. I’ll admit, though, that I haven’t had the chance to A-B it with Duff, Ellis, Heiden, or Apitius yet.
Ellis.
Kimble
Duff.
Get the Ellis that just hit the classifieds
You beat me to it Chris. Ellis A5 (deluxe) should definitely be on the list
Having owned several of the brands in this thread I think the builder mentioned that comes closest to the tone you seek in my experience is Kimble. When I listen to Castle Studios I hear those screaming mids and highs and dry focused tone. If that's what you want I think Kimble tends to land in that camp in my experience. Obviously all instruments are different though. I have played a Duff A5 for the past several years and it goes there as well although I'd say it produces a bit of a "fatter" tone and is a touch darker than the Kimble, more balanced to my ear. Ellis makes very fine instruments, among the best, but in my experience they tend to emphasize the mids and lows and are extremely balanced, almost buttery and darker, the furthest from the tone you seek of those mentioned. Of course I have not played all of the Ellis mandolins, so YMMV. Not sure what your timeline is, but Pete Hart of Buckeye Mandolins recently had a new A for sale for 4k. He is known for nailing the traditional tone, check out any videos of Lauren Price playing for proof.
This thread has me comparing a Kimble and Duff A5. Watch at your own risk.
https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/t...ble-or-Duff-F5
It seems to me that the OP has lots of worthy candidates for a next mandolin, I hope he checks in when he has decided. :grin:
I know this luthier has been mentioned already but not enough and not recently…. My Stiver cuts through my band in just the right way, it has a beautiful snappy chop and the notes pop out when I solo - but it is an F-style and around $5k which is not what the OP specified. :cool:
Over budget a little bit, but that Red Diamond that just popped up would be hard to beat. https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/173109#173109
Kimble.
But I'm biased...
And poof a Red Diamond popped up in the classifieds today ....... that is likely a grand mandolin. R
I love my Red Diamond A!
The Kimble A that just hit the classifieds is within your budget.