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This is a great community- I sincerely appreciate the advice and suggestions. I am going to give these great non-destructive suggestions a try this weekend, and I resolve not to try peeling off the...

J4: Thank you for the intel- I really appreciate it! The mando definitely has a wider nut and the deep V neck. I've always wanted a nice oval to use as an accompaniment instrument when I am singing-...

Ray: Thank you for your reply. I sincerely appreciate it! I've tried a couple different light sources and even brought in a couple sets of younger eyes to give it a look to no avail yet. But I will...

Thank you, Mike! I sincerely appreciate your help!

Russ

I recently purchased a Gibson A4 and it is in great shape for it's age. I am however having more than a little trouble discerning the serial number.

I can easily read the factory number (#11342)...

@musicofanatic: Thanks for the encouragement- I literally just picked the mandolin up today and it is a nice instrument. I've attached a photo of the happy new owner with his new toy.

Now to...

I did- after hearing it and trying (unsuccessfully) to get any movement on the Pomeroy I decided that if I could get an A-4 for less money and a pick-up, it was a prudent move. I suppose time will...

I just wanted to follow-up and express my sincerest thanks to everyone for their helpful feedback. I ultimately decided to go with the Gibson A, but not without a lot of evaluation of many of the...

Great feedback, @Marcus CA. I really appreciate your detailed reply.

The more I dig and the more I listen to different options, I think wider neck oval soundhole models is where I want to be. I...

Thanks @ Steve 2E. I really appreciate your feedback. I suppose I used the term 'safer' in terms of long-term investment value. If a vintage A-4 can be had for the same money as a modern high-quality...

Thank you, @pheffernan! I appreciate the feedback!

Russ

I think you are right on that - I was curious if an M-2 and an M-11 are the same build just different tone woods? If I am wanting a more 'woodsy' sound, I would assume the maple top is going to be...

Here's a dark horse candidate I've run up on - a peghead A4 with an older K+K pick-up. Assuming it sounds/plays well, would something like this be a safer investment?

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You all are certainly opening my eyes to a lot of really great boutique manufacturers - I can tell it has been awhile since I payed close attention to the mandolin scene.

Thanks, Don. I sincerely appreciate the feedback. I had studied up on the trussrod question but had never considered the varnish versus lacquer question. To your mind, does a light lacquer finish...

You all are awesome- thanks for the input.

So after a survey of what is a: available and b: oval sound-hole I am seriously considering either:

1. The Pomeroy that @Steve 2E and @Chuck Leyda...

Duplicate

Thanks, NDO. Great suggestion- I circled-back with Mr. Morris to see what kind of feedback he might offer.

Chuck:

Thank you for your reply. I sincerely appreciate it! I was somewhat familiar with Rigel but had never heard of Silverangel- looks/sounds quality- I'll contact them!

Jeff:

Thank you for the input- that is certainly a good idea. I see there is an M-2W in the Classifieds- is this the same build as the M-11W just with maple instead of mahogany? I assume the M-2...

Thank you for the feedback, gents! I am studying up on the Pomeroy product line now as this is not one I was familar with.

Thank you for the advice!

Russ

I recently stumbled across this forum and have really enjoyed reading many of the older posts in conducting due diligence for an upcoming mandolin upgrade. Great resource.

I currently have a...