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I have always had the opinion that top wear is almost never "pick wear". It is from fingernails, etc. (pinky and ring). I also don't call the elevated 'guard' on a mandolin a "pick-guard"...it is a...

I obtained my 1920 A2 (my regular player) that came with the original case in good condition. I definitely prefer having the case, but I don't keep the A2 in it...not enough protection and the case...

My little finger not only is short, but it bends in towards my ring finger. It has always been difficult for me to reach 4 finger chop chords, so I mostly get along just fine with three fingers. You...

I have a rectangular case made by Access that fits my 1920 A-2 perfectly. Not sure about a model number. Only negative is that it is somewhat heavy, but hey...it protects my 100 y/o friend very well....

Even worse is the person that proudly shows you their latest "steal" and you have to tell them they were cheated.

Now you have me wondering. I put a CA bridge on my 1919 A2 and like it, but maybe I should put the original bridge back on and see which I like best. The CA did lower the action. My A-2 is completely...

There is (was?) a wonderful white-face A3 at Fiddlers Green that I have lusted over as well. Big sound on that one.

My 1920 A2 has been my favorite for quite a while. There is something about the woods used and the craftsmen who made the A2 beginning about 1919 through the early 20's. My other mandolin is a 2008...

I'll stick with my tenor guitar....tuned like an octave mandolin. I also play: button accordion, penny whistles, harmonica.

It makes me think about what my A-2 sold for in Jan 1920...$55.00. I have the purchase order. That may have been for many people two months salary. Sold by a Gibson rep in Chicago.
The buyer paid...

In Austin Texas, we seem to have quite a few jams every month. The best place to keep updated is at the website for Austin Friends of Traditional Music ... aftm.us
There is at least one jam...

Del McCoy was great Friday night at Old Settlers Music Fest last month...night closed out by Shiny Ribs. Doesn't get much better.

Reminds me of a violin I saw at a flea market that was in such a case...only wanted $200 for it. Silly me passed on it. The "fiddle" was easily worth the money...the case probably a good bit more.

I replaced the original bridge on my 1920 A-2 with a Cumberland and love it. (kept the original bridge of course). I wanted a modified action and did not want to modify the original bridge.

That pineapple tailpiece may be worth more than the mandolin..(ha ha)

And if there was not a finger rest (erroneously called a pick guard) there might be wear from fingernails. Does the pick ever touch the top beyond the e-string?

I owned a Shiro exactly like yours for a number of years. It was my first "good" mandolin. Shiro is an alternative name for Aria. The founder of Aria was a man named Shiro Arai. He switched the last...

Definitely try and visit Tom Ellis, you'll meet Pava as well.
Of course go to Fiddlers Green
BBQ: I agree you don't have to go out of town, there are many in Austin: Blacks (on Guadalupe, not the...

I would go for a US made instrument. That would be Weber, Collins, Pava, Northfield, Passernig, Ratliff etc. Take a look at the offerings at Fiddlersgreenmusicshop.com here in Austin. They have...

When it comes down to it, Kentucky mandolins are in my opinion among the best pac rim instruments. I would consider trading the 505 only for a small shop US made instrument. KM 505's have been near...

My pet peeve is the so called "pick guard". It is a finger rest. You might notice that your pick never touches the top of a mandolin without one. Top wear is caused by fingernails etc.
Yeah,...

Never found out why it was returned...I don't think it had anything to do with playability etc.

My A-2 was sold in Jan 1920. I think the 20-22 A's are pretty special. You can include the first of...

The temptation is almost overpowering...but not quite. Oh well, maybe give it time and hopefully someone will relieve me by buying it. It is a good price.

I am still amazed that my 1920 A-2 came with the original purchase order/receipt
https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=131390&d=1425595023

I can't help but think of Bill Monroe and his comment that he uses whatever pick is around. Wonder what he would think about spending $35 on a Bluechip. Whatever...I do like the 3 I own.