Re: A nod to Ratliff Mandolins
I've been paying a lot of attention lately to the builders that offer this kind of value, and when you scratch the surface there are really quite a few. Priced new in the $3-4K range, and even up to $5k, they offer very good value, particularly if you want a fully bound f style mandolin.
When I look and play something like a Collings F5 Deluxe, and I'll grant you they are fabulous, my thought go to, geeze that's a pile of money not to get a fully bound mandolin. Same goes for the F9. I don't have 5 grand for a stripped down mandolin when you can get a Country Boy for less than $2k. What you won't get is admiration and envy from guitar players, and the easier sale when you tire of them.
And used, you can have a serious mandolin for your $3500. Special honorable mention to Northfield. The F5S and Big Mon are nice and nicely priced. But those Silverangels, Ratliff's, Pomeroys, etc. you can buy used are exceptional values. Just hope the big star players don't start playing them, but that is not likely because these small builders have no promotional budgets.
Silverangel A
Arches F style kit
1913 Gibson A-1
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