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Thread: Downgrade

  1. #1
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    Default Downgrade

    I am considering selling my Gibson f9 due to some financial issues. I want to replace it with a quality mando for $1k or less. I think I'll miss the volume (and obvious tone) the most. Any suggestions?

  2. #2
    Registered User 40bpm's Avatar
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    Default Re: Downgrade

    You'll probably get a lot of recommendations, so I'll start out with mine: Rigel. No need to compromise on volume and tone (or playability). Sorry to hear about your difficulties and best of luck.
    [note to self] Burst not thy brother's bubble ~ unk

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  4. #3
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    Default Re: Downgrade

    Go with a Kentucky KM1000. Gets real good reviews here.

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    Default Re: Downgrade

    You would get more bang for the buck with an A style. But you knew that, right?

    You could go with an A-40 or A-50, player's grade of the former can be had for less than 1000 and the latter slightly above. That way you could still have a Gibson. They don't come up often but occasionally you see an A-9 for 1500 or so. Yea, higher than you want to spend but not that far off from what you're used to.

    Kentucky KM-900 or 950 could work. They are really nice. I never played one, but the newly introduced KM-755 looks like a lot of bang for the buck. And it's an F style for under a grand. I also like the Eastman 805.
    Don

    2016 Weber Custom Bitterroot F
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    1974 Martin Style A

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  8. #5
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    Default Re: Downgrade

    Silverangel Econo model used...
    Chuck

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  10. #6

    Default Re: Downgrade

    If I could find a Silverangel for $1000, I'd have me two.

  11. #7
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    Default Re: Downgrade

    Gibson A-9. I have played several that were stellar!
    It doesn't matter . . . I'm going to WINFIELD!!!!!

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  13. #8
    Scroll Lock Austin Bob's Avatar
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    Default Re: Downgrade

    Sorry to hear of your financial problems. Most of us have been in the same boat at one time or another in our lives. All I can say is that I've sold several nice instruments over the years that I wish I still had. I never got what they were really worth, and the money never really solved my financial situation. Good luck.
    A quarter tone flat and a half a beat behind.

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    Registered User Martin Ohrt's Avatar
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    Default Re: Downgrade

    If you can find a used Czech A-model, go for it. They offer so much bang for the buck!
    Mandolins: 1920s (?) Meinel & Herold Bowlback, 2006 Furch "Redwood MA-1" A5

    Octaves: 2004 Fender FMO-66 Flat-Top, 2015 A. Karperien 5 String Electric

    Banjos: 2007 Gold Tone IT-250F Irish Tenor, 1963 Vega Vox No. 1 Plectrum, 2016 Recording King RK-OT25 Clawhammer

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  17. #10
    Registered Muser dang's Avatar
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    Default Re: Downgrade

    Maybe you can trade your F-9 for an A-9 + some cash???
    There has to be an A-9 player out there with scroll envy!
    I should be pickin' rather than postin'

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  19. #11
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Downgrade

    Quote Originally Posted by 40bpm View Post
    You'll probably get a lot of recommendations, so I'll start out with mine: Rigel. No need to compromise on volume and tone (or playability). Sorry to hear about your difficulties and best of luck.
    One just popped up in the classifieds........

    http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/104121#104121

    NFI
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

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  21. #12
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    Default Re: Downgrade

    Sorry to hear of your troubles. It's tough letting go of a beloved instrument, especially under such circumstances.

    Kentucky, J Bovier, and Eastman all offer quality instruments. I used to have a Kentucky A-style that had a very Gibson-esque sound/tone, and it was loud. The Eastman I had sounded way more modern. I've played a couple Boviers that I liked a lot but have never owned one. Good luck in your search.
    ...

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  23. #13
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Downgrade

    [QUOTE=

    Kentucky KM-900 or 950 could work. They are really nice. .[/QUOTE]

    Also in the classifieds and it has upgrades........

    http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/103490#103490

    NFI

    Good luck with you search and your situation.
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

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  25. #14

    Default Re: Downgrade

    I agree with the Kentucky 900/950 recommendation. Since you have something you like and are used to I would recommend being patient and looking for a 1999-2001 Flatiron Performer. They were made in Nashville under Charlie Herrington and Danny Roberts along with the Gibson mandolins. They actually have a Gibson Master Model label inside. some of them can be really good.

    I have had a Kentucky 1050 (it was great), currently have a 950 and had 900. I had a 2001 Flatiron Performer (should have never sold it!!!) and currently play a 2001 Flatiron Festival. The Festival is a great mandolin and my Performer was almost as good. You can listen to David Benedict on the Mandolin Mondays, he plays a 2000 Flatiron Festival.

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  27. #15
    Registered User Roger Moss's Avatar
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    Default Re: Downgrade

    If you're going to downgrade do it right. Go with a Rogue.

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  29. #16
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    Default Re: Downgrade

    Why not a used A9?
    Jeff Rohrbough
    "Listen louder, play softer"

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