I have always been a Gibson guy. So, when I decided to go spend the money, I bought an F9 and then later an F5G and finally a Montana made Flatiron. I loved them all. Selling that F9 was a life long regret. I have played others and they all have their place among the pantheon of greats, but paying $2,700 of an A style Collings always seemed to hurt my feelings a bit.
Then I came across a deal on a custom Ratliff Country Boy with a radius fingerboard and a semi gloss front with a satin back. It was the exact specifications for a custom mandolin I had discussed with Audie Ratliff himself about two weeks ago so I bit the bullet and bought it. It came in today and to say I was shocked is an understatement. This thing had never been played and yet is screamed like it had haunted the stage for decades. The craftsmanship was impeccable and the play-ability is like butter. It was simply the most amazing thing I had seen in a long time. How in the world can a one man shop put out this kind of Mando for under $2,000? This country boy is no frills but what is there is gorgeous and I can only imagine what the R-5 looks and feels like. I say all that to say this. My hats off to you Mr. Ratliff. You make the best Mando I have seen under $5,000.
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