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In response to the “significant step up” in northfield mandolin models, I do disagree with that. I currently own a big mon with engelmann top from 2012. It’s a killer mandolin for sure, but I’ve...

Hello fellow mando nerds,
I just ordered a 1924 Gibson Ajr. (77474) from a guy in Canada who got it from an estate sale. Looks like it’s been oversprayed with lacquer at some point and looks to be...

Dan, there are so many mandolins that cost less than the 815v that sound so much better. Any Kentucky km900 or km1000, Gibson A9, Silverangel, flatiron A5, and many more. I’ve played a few high end...

I’ve played several Eastman mandolins, from the cheapest to the most expensive, and I’ve never liked the tones from any of them. They all seemed heavy and had no resonance or complexity on the low...

Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge Glassweb, always! I own a 2012 big mon with engelmann top and it definitely has that “puffiness” you describe, especially in the low end. It’s very...

I saw an instagram post from Jarrod’s luthier in Nashville saying that it was indeed a 2005 master model f5 signed by Charlie Derrington. Must be a killer mandolin to replace his Wienman f5!

Funny, after reading this thread and commenting that my Fern has kept my Kimble MAS at bay, what did I do but find a Kimble A5 #280 for sale at North American Guitar and ordered it! Sheesh! It should...

Bitcoin to the moon!! Haha if not in this bull run, absolutely in 4 years ;)
I’ve always wanted a Kimble mandolin. Everyone I’ve played has been a beast. And I think his aesthetics and designs are...

Hey no worries Tony! Sorry if I was acting like the grammar police lol and yea, Collings wouldn’t be in my top 5 either , but sometimes a mandolin is just special, no matter what’s on the headstock....

Just my experience- I’ve played several lower end Eastman mandolins and they all had soft V necks that felt comfy. Then my buddy bought an Eastman 815v so I had the chance to play it a few times, and...

Carter’s is a fun place to try out mandolins for sure! When I was there last October, the best to my ears was an Apitius f5. Had it all! I walked in there expecting to leave with an Ellis A5,...

Thanks Flatrock! Can’t believe I didn’t know that.. ha

Anyone know the name of this tune?? Marc is one of my favorite pickers, and a really nice guy, as well.

All standard F9’s come with the traditional small fretwire. I did have larger Evo frets installed on my 2015 f9 by Bobby Wintringham in Colorado and he did a great job! But I don’t mind the small...

AlanN, I also own a 2015 Gibson F9. Signed by Dave Harvey January 14, 2015. Had it almost a year, I think it’s an incredible bluegrass mandolin!
Deep chop, dry and punchy midrange and strong highs....

Al, I'd highly recommend the XR50. Shaped like a dawg pick, 2 very rounded sides and one half pointed side, no bevel. The pointed side to me is right in between too pointy and bright (CT or TAD) vs...

Ahh good call Mike - did not have adjustable truss rods. My '85 is adjustable.

Jim, I believe '83 and '84 A5-1 and A5-2's (first two years of carved top mandolins at Flatiron) did not have truss rods. Not until '85 I've read. I own an '85 Flatiron A5 and it has a truss rod....

Great pic DataNick! Hey how was her Harvey MM?

That blacktop A5 special always looked killer to me! Wish he would offer a 2 point model, maybe with X bracing..
Dmaples, you said J Bovier is not done? Care to elaborate. I called the Mando Shop...

Thanks DataNick!! Will do! I'd love to post a video review but the IPhone sound quality just doesn't cut it for me..hope to get a GoPro soon

No worries Petrus, I've acquired the F5 Special that was just in the classifieds! I use to own a 2014 j. Bovier A5t and loved it, great instrument! Sold it on here to help fund my Gibson F9 Harvey.....

Hahaha yes! Argh!!
And you're right, it does clearly say ebony!? Maybe I was confused, in the mandolin store demo video he says its rosewood.. It looks exactly like my rosewood fretboard and...

The bridge on my 2014 F9 is definitely rosewood, matching the fretboard. I was just on gibsons website and it says "rosewood bridge and fretboard." Im gonna install the CA bridge soon, curious to see...

I have the same question, as I have a new Gibson F9 that has a rosewood bridge. Sounds great as is and set up is good, but the saddle is leaning a little and I have a CA bridge I'm not using.