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Thread: Help me choose a F-style mandolin in the $2500 - $3500 Range

  1. #1

    Default Help me choose a F-style mandolin in the $2500 - $3500 Range

    Hey guys,

    So I'm finally making the jump from my Loar LM-700 up a tier. Not sure where to start, so if you could all give me some recommendations to start, that would be much appreciated :-)

  2. #2
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Help me choose a F-style mandolin in the $2500 - $3500 Range

    We all love spending some one else's $.
    I would start by looking at the classifieds here on the Cafe. I found my Girouard used-mint F-5 in the classifiesd for a great price a couple of years ago.
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

  3. #3

    Default Re: Help me choose a F-style mandolin in the $2500 - $3500 Range

    Two basic ways I'd approach this. The first is decide what you want, and exact model, color,etc. and watch the classifieds and the bigger dealers, have patience, and pounce. Say you want an F 9. Be patient.

    The other is define a general range of possibilities formed by researching the marketplace. Say you could live with Weber, Summit, Ratcliff, Northrige, Silveramgel, perhaps a well loved Collings, you aren't married to a sunburst, radiused fretboard, etc. Pounce on the first one that seems well priced in your hunting grounds.

    Hopefully you will have played enough instruments to know what your deal breakers would be. Making this upgrade will most certainly net you a very large quality increase, but you want to try to find the one for you withing your range. If you are buying online, just pick one and be happy. You'll never really know what all the others would have been like. I recently had three mandolins in my hands at once. I had a preference, but if any had arrived in the mail, I'd have been happy.

    In your price range it's totally subjective. Reminds me of being in a shop playing a '65 D 18. Totally what I want in a D 18. A guy came up and said, kind of nasally and thin, isn't it? Well, yes if your pride and joy is a D 28 Marquis.
    Silverangel A
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    Registered User LastMohican's Avatar
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    Default Re: Help me choose a F-style mandolin in the $2500 - $3500 Range

    I have a Northfield F5-S. It's in your "range". Had it about 3 months. Could not be happier.
    "I actually wanted to be a drummer, but I didn't have any drums." - Stevie Ray Vaughn

    Northfield F5S "Blacktop", K&K Pickup

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    Front Porch & Sweet Tea NursingDaBlues's Avatar
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    Default Re: Help me choose a F-style mandolin in the $2500 - $3500 Range

    About as serious of a recommendation that I can make:

    Take about $400 out of your budget for a road trip. Drive the approx. 10 hours from St. Augustine to Nashville, TN. Visit Carter Vintage Guitars and Gruhn Guitars. Spend a couple of days. Take one day and audition all the under $3000 mandolins that they have – new and used. Then take the second day and do it again with the ones that struck your fancy the first day.

    If you don’t find THE ONE, you’ll more than likely uncover what you want in a mandolin. And go from there.

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    Registered User Lou Giordano's Avatar
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    Default Re: Help me choose a F-style mandolin in the $2500 - $3500 Range

    Northfield probably the most popular in that range. This is a good demo. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7x1oR78IzY
    Giving this another try.

  10. #7
    Registered User Eric Hanson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Help me choose a F-style mandolin in the $2500 - $3500 Range

    I was a TERRIBLE F-Style nerd. But, I found a Collings MT2V. I was AMAZINGLY converted to one who is now after sound and tone over “Just an F-5!”.
    There is now one relisted for less than before on the classified. If you are one who likes that Collings tone, it is a STEAL!!
    Mine is powerful and warm. Soft to the touch, but gives freely when played both softly and strongly.
    Wishing I had the $3250 to pick it up, and add to the herd.
    Eric Hanson
    Click #016/ Born on 2/29/08 - Sold to the next Conservator of this great mandolin!
    The search has ceased! (At least for now)
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    White #29R : Oh my!! This one is so AWESOME!!

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    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Help me choose a F-style mandolin in the $2500 - $3500 Range

    I would take a look at this......

    https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/122108#122108

    NFI
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

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    Default Re: Help me choose a F-style mandolin in the $2500 - $3500 Range

    I would look out for a used Gibson F-9. I have been playing mine for years and it sings like a bird & barks like a junk yard dog. As others have suggested, take your time with your choice. And don't forget, this is a fun time for trying various Mandos on for size. Good luck and enjoy your final decision.
    James

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    Astro 

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    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Help me choose a F-style mandolin in the $2500 - $3500 Range

    This Stiver just landed ..........

    https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/128398#128398

    A tad above budget but from a well known American maker with lots of fans.

    NFI
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

  17. #11

    Default Re: Help me choose a F-style mandolin in the $2500 - $3500 Range

    Oh my goodness, I'm drooling over that Stiver. Hmm decisions, decision....

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    Registered User geoffa's Avatar
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    Default Re: Help me choose a F-style mandolin in the $2500 - $3500 Range

    Would definitely agree with the suggestion to visit Nashville. It especially feels like peak mandolin season at Carter’s lately. They even had a bunch that weren’t even posted on their website when I was there a few weeks ago.

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    Registered User Marcus CA's Avatar
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    Default Re: Help me choose a F-style mandolin in the $2500 - $3500 Range

    This Lebeda has been on the wall at Gryphon for a looooooong time, without a price reduction. It's pretty nice!

    https://shop.gryphonstrings.com/prod...standard-53260
    still trying to turn dreams into memories

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  21. #14
    Registered User MissingString's Avatar
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    Default Re: Help me choose a F-style mandolin in the $2500 - $3500 Range

    Quote Originally Posted by Eric Hanson View Post
    I was a TERRIBLE F-Style nerd. But, I found a Collings MT2V. I was AMAZINGLY converted to one who is now after sound and tone over “Just an F-5!”.
    There is now one relisted for less than before on the classified. If you are one who likes that Collings tone, it is a STEAL!!
    Mine is powerful and warm. Soft to the touch, but gives freely when played both softly and strongly.
    Wishing I had the $3250 to pick it up, and add to the herd.
    NFI - totally agree that a used MT2 is a great investment if you can be happy with an A-Style! The one referenced is tempting and shouldn’t last long. That Stiver mentioned looks incredible too.
    “Without music, life would be a mistake” Neitzsche

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  22. #15
    Registered User Tom Hart's Avatar
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    Default Re: Help me choose a F-style mandolin in the $2500 - $3500 Range

    Bill Bushman's Old Wave mandolins from Caballos, NM. I'm intending on buying a second from him eventually.

  23. #16

    Default Re: Help me choose a F-style mandolin in the $2500 - $3500 Range

    Nashville-era (99-2001?) Flatirons are Gibsons by another name but usually more affordable. https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/127587#127587

  24. #17
    Mando-Afflicted lflngpicker's Avatar
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    Default Re: Help me choose a F-style mandolin in the $2500 - $3500 Range

    These are some great suggestions, above. I started a similar thread/discussion several months ago. I was seriously considering Gibson F5G, F9, Weber Bitterroot F5, Weber Yellowstone (used) F-5, Flatiron Festival (late 90's early 2000's Gibson Nashville era-- see thread by DataNick), and several small shop builders such as Ratliff and Pomeroy. I agree with Eric that a Collings MT2V would quell my scroll envy quick . There are so many great options and I am just chiming in... I would enjoy the journey. The search and discovery is the best part of all this! Oh, by the way, I bought a used 2001 Flatiron Festival F5 Gibson Master model for around $2700. I love it! A very traditional, bluegrass sound with a V-shaped neck and dry woody chop. Tone monster!
    Last edited by lflngpicker; Aug-23-2018 at 11:28am.

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    Default Re: Help me choose a F-style mandolin in the $2500 - $3500 Range

    2006 Collings MF GT just popped up in the classifieds for $3300
    https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/128421#128421
    Sounds like it is well played with playwear and fretwear, but looks nice.

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  28. #19

    Default Re: Help me choose a F-style mandolin in the $2500 - $3500 Range

    Quote Originally Posted by Marcus CA View Post
    This Lebeda has been on the wall at Gryphon for a looooooong time, without a price reduction. It's pretty nice!

    https://shop.gryphonstrings.com/prod...standard-53260
    I agree, it was nice, but it was a very quiet mandolin that would be buried at a jam. At home it would shine.
    Silverangel A
    Arches F style kit
    1913 Gibson A-1

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    Default Re: Help me choose a F-style mandolin in the $2500 - $3500 Range

    Kentucky KM-5000 Varnish Model $1800

    https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/128428#128428

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  32. #21
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    Default Re: Help me choose a F-style mandolin in the $2500 - $3500 Range

    Agree with the suggestion to visit Carter and Gruhn in Nashville - that was a blast, lots of fine opportunities for comparison.
    There's also a really nice Weber Bitterroot at Guitar Works Ltd in Evanston, although they don't yet have photos of it on line. I'm sure they would send some if you call or email:
    http://www.guitarworksltd.com/
    (No financial interest)
    If I recall correctly this is in your price range and it plays, sounds and looks great.
    I also second the recommendations on the Collings MT or MT2 - if you don't have to have an F, these are great instruments.

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    Default Re: Help me choose a F-style mandolin in the $2500 - $3500 Range

    Hmm great recommendations - now really considering doing a road trip and store hopping to play test a bunch of mandos before buying.. Got a busted tired though so might have to wait a few haha

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    Default Re: Help me choose a F-style mandolin in the $2500 - $3500 Range

    2011 Collings MF Custom $3500
    https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/128447#128447

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    Front Porch & Sweet Tea NursingDaBlues's Avatar
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    Default Re: Help me choose a F-style mandolin in the $2500 - $3500 Range

    Quote Originally Posted by Stehvia View Post
    Hmm great recommendations - now really considering doing a road trip and store hopping to play test a bunch of mandos before buying.. Got a busted tired though so might have to wait a few haha
    I have to apologize. When I mentioned traveling from St. Augustine, I must have looked at the location of the member in the second post instead of your original post. So I don’t know where you’re located. But there are some exceptional stores throughout the country that carry a broad range mandolins. If you live in the Southeast, consider a trip to Gruhn’s or Carter’s in Nashville. In the Northeast, try out The Music Emporium in Lexington, MA. Middle of the country, look at Mass Street Music in Lawrence, KS. Of course, there are many others throughout the United States, but you get the idea. If you are considering traveling to sample mandolins, I’m sure that if you ask, members can steer you in the right direction to a great store near you.

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  38. #25
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Help me choose a F-style mandolin in the $2500 - $3500 Range

    Quote Originally Posted by colorado_al View Post
    I got my Girouard F-5 from Kevin, great guy to deal with.
    That is a nice price for that Collings. It won't last long.
    NFI
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

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