Break Angle

[CES]

Ken,

Funny that you chimed in...I was literally clicking the reply button to post what a great reputation you have for customer service. I'm still loving my "Econo" model, #291 (built in 2009). No issues at all thus far...structurally rock solid, and sounds better and better, IMO. Thanks for standing behind your work, man!

[multidon]

Mr. Ratcliff, I salute you for standing by your work like this. It is very unusual in the music instrument business. I never really understood why builders would only stand behind their instruments to the original owner. Guess it's a matter of economics like most things. But I love it when integrity trumps economics. "If it isn't right, it isn't right, no matter who owns it..." How could this possibly be said any better?

I am happy the OP is going to get a resolution to the problem. And hopefully all those who follow this thread will remember this when considering which builder to select for their next instrument. Again, kudos to Mr. Ratcliff!

[Ivan Kelsall]

JWW - Donnie did indeed say that when he got it,the mandolin looked a lot like it does now - OK. My thoughts were that if it had looked exactly like it does now,then the builder might not have sent it out like that,& that the top could have sunk a tad more after it had been received. That's not too far out is it ?. I was more importantly refering to Donnie's remark that he thought (still thinks) that the top is stable,otherwise he most likely wouldn't have sold it. If the top IS stable,then my following remarks about the bridge apply.
As the builder has turned out to be Ken Ratcliff,i'm even more convinced that the mandolin looked ok
when it was shipped. And kudos indeed to Ken Ratcliff for stepping in - it doesn't get better than that - ever !!,
Ivan

[jshane]

I'm the builder. ..........If it isn't right, it isn't right, no matter who owns it, and I would feel much better in my mind to go ahead and fix it.

THIS is the mark of a craftsman/artist. What's cool is that in an instant-karma world, doing this kind of standup thing is probably also going to result in increased success.

Ken B. Ratcliff-- for what it is worth, you have my complete admiration.

[pheffernan]

As I was in a 48 hour approval period, I tried to be deliberately circumspect in my earlier posts. I didn't want anyone to think that I was impugning the character of the seller (who was open and forthright in disclosing the potential issue prior to shipping) or the builder (who has an established reputation for high quality instruments and service). I was simply trying to assess my risk as I weighed the certain cost of return shipping (and undoing a trade) against the potential cost of retopping the instrument. Fortunately, Ken Ratcliff removed all risk by offering to stand behind his work even though I am not the original and therefore warranteed owner. His generosity and integrity are all too uncommon but are part and parcel of what makes this mandolin community so special. Thanks to all who weighed in with their perspectives and a heartfelt thanks to Ken for an unexpected Thanksgiving blessing.

[eastKYmando]

I have been playing Ken's mandolins since the late 90's. I can honestly say, that from the first mandolin I purchased from him to the last, he has always been extremely mindful of his customers needs. Per the norm, there is no doubt that Ken is a standout. He really does care if a "player" enjoys his mandolins and if something isn't right, he has, no doubt, stood behind his work before and will as long as he is in the business. Ken is very dedicated to his craft and customers. There are several reasons why I play Ken's mandolins....tone, playability, crafstmanship, volume, dependability....his mandolins have everything I need in a mandolin, but above all, Ken and his integrity as a builder and person. I have deeply cherished the opportunity to play his mandolins and to become good friends with Ken. I've seen him go through several things over the years that would have brought many a good man down, but Ken has stayed the course and been very determined to continue his passion of building mandolins. As Ken's friend, I'd like to thank each of you for all the kind words and notice of just how great of a guy Ken is. I'm sure he appreciates it, and in my opinion deserves it. BTW, here is a video of me and few of my buddies playing a couple of Ken's mandos...the mando in question here is being played by me. It is the "red wine" colored A, and this was just shortly after it was finished. Don't know that I did the instrument justice, but I sure enjoyed it.

[fatt-dad]

All of a sudden I want a Silverangel mandolin.

f-d

[eastKYmando]

Go for it fatt-dad!!! LOL

[darylcrisp]

i want a two point now also.

and my dad grew up in Bucks Branch, Kentucky.

d

[kyken]

i want a two point now also.

and my dad grew up in Bucks Branch, Kentucky.

d

Who was your dad? I grew up on Bucksbranch too. You may qualify for the Bucksbranch discount!

[darylcrisp]

Who was your dad? I grew up on Bucksbranch too. You may qualify for the Bucksbranch discount!

Hi Ken

First, very cool and typical of solid Eastern Kentucky folks in the way you've handled this call.

My dad is Richard Crisp, he is 84 now. His father was Caner Crisp, mom Laura Crisp. I'll get out the family book and PM you some other names that might be familiar.

d

[edandjudy3946]

My #341 F SA has an incredible arch in the top. Ken hand makes the bridge and I'm not sure any after market bridge could be made to fit. Donny had it before - top replaced again after I got it. It is the old 1850 redwood.

[GKWilson]

mmmm Next to the great sound Ken's mandolins have, I love his distressed models.
I went for the super. He's probably dragging it down a gravel road as we speak.
Actually I don't know how he does it. But, where others just look like they've had
sand paper taken to them Ken's look old and well played. True artist.
Gary

[edandjudy3946]

mine is a super - people ask if it was my grandfather's

[Pete Jenner]

Was it your grandfather's?

[lflngpicker]

As I was in a 48 hour approval period, I tried to be deliberately circumspect in my earlier posts. I didn't want anyone to think that I was impugning the character of the seller (who was open and forthright in disclosing the potential issue prior to shipping) or the builder (who has an established reputation for high quality instruments and service). I was simply trying to assess my risk as I weighed the certain cost of return shipping (and undoing a trade) against the potential cost of retopping the instrument. Fortunately, Ken Ratcliff removed all risk by offering to stand behind his work even though I am not the original and therefore warranteed owner. His generosity and integrity are all too uncommon but are part and parcel of what makes this mandolin community so special. Thanks to all who weighed in with their perspectives and a heartfelt thanks to Ken for an unexpected Thanksgiving blessing.

This is truly extraordinary for Ken Ratcliff to do such a highly professional and generous thing. Pheffernan, he couldn't have done it for a nicer person. I would love to see pictures after the work is done. BTW-- you will soon need to remove the Mid-Mo from your signature list... Dan

[edandjudy3946]

no - it's distressed by Ken

Was it your grandfather's?

[edandjudy3946]

no - distressed by Ken

[pheffernan]

I just wanted to draw some closure to this thread and this experience by sharing some images of the retopped and revarnished Silverangel #337:







I also want to take this opportunity once again to thank Ken Ratcliff for stepping up and standing behind his work even though I am not the original owner. Thanks Ken!

[Don Grieser]

Looks amazing. Great story of wonderful service from Ken!

If you've ever seen a picture of the Griffith Loar A5, it has a significant bulge behind the bridge and a distorted top. Still going strong after 90 years and some say it's best of the Loars.

[Mark Wilson]

Cool outcome!!
Did the sound change?

[fscotte]

Now that's a much better looking arch.