Mike Black #8 A2Z

[Doug Freeman]

Happy to be the new custodian of this wonderful instrument, shown here sporting its lovely pumpkin top with white/black top binding. It certainly captures everything good about the Gibson oval hole sound, with none of the less desirable characteristics some of the old ones have. And, of course, with larger frets and a radiused fretboard it plays like a dream. I think it's going to be with me for a good, long while. Time to invest in a proper strap.

[JEStanek]

Yeah, I like pink paracord, really I do, but that mandolin wants something a tad more traditional, I think. It looks fantastic.

Jamie

[rfloyd]

It's a really good-looking instrument. Is this a standard build for him, ie, on his price list, or is this a completely custom job?

[Dave Weiss]

Very nice. If I didn't have one ordered already, I may have tried to snap that one up. Don't see them come up for sale very often (never). Mine should be ready in the near future, I can hardly wait...

[Nick Gellie]

Well done Doug. I have Black #20. I can't believe how good it sounds too. It has a more yellow-orange top. I have to say thank you to Mike Romkey for letting her go. Here she is:

[pheffernan]

Does that A2Z have a Virzi? I seriously thought about it but had just sunk my MAS budget elsewhere. I'd very much like to get a Black and an Old Wave in the same room with my snakehead for an extended comparison and contrast.

[Nick Gellie]

Mine has a Virzi. It makes a great difference to the tone I have found.

I am glad that Doug is enjoying his A2Z.

[Doug Freeman]

Thanks guys. #8 does not have a Virzi. I think the A2Z style mando is a fairly standard build for Mike--he seems to make them as frequently as any other. I see one in progress alongside a couple A4s on his facebook page now. Basic pricing is listed on his website, but I have never inquired what the actual pricing would be, always hoping to find one on the secondary market. So glad I did. But based on this experience I would feel very comfortable buying a new one.

[GKWilson]

Welcome to the club Doug.
I think as Mike gets more instruments out there and people get a chance to see
and play them, he will be a very busy man.
Gary