Since the September dust-up in which I was involved, I've been "lurking," as they say, and not posting on the Cafe. I must confess to some hurt feelings; whether deserved or not, up to others to determine.
But I do miss interacting with other members of this mandolin community, so I'm going to resume former levels of involvement. I hope my participation, of whatever value it may be, will be met with the usual Cafe level of courtesy -- and that those who disagree with my opinions, will express their disagreement sans vituperation. On my part, I'll try to do the same.
In December, I gave myself a holiday/birthday present of another Larson-attributed instrument, a Stahl mandola from Bernunzio's. Traded in two Eastmans, a DGM-1 and a MDA-615 mandola, and an old koa Regal tiple, plus a bit of cash. It's a very strong-sounding instrument, in decent shape (two small repaired back cracks) with apparently all-original parts. The enclosed tuners are a bit stiff, even with a bit of Tri-Flo to lubricate, but I hope they'll free up a bit with use. No case, so it occupies a well-padded Cordoba tenor ukulele gig bag.
Having just passed my 75th birthday, I plan to gently "downsize," trading in multiple instruments for a few special ones to which I'm attracted. Traded in three for the Larson-made Stahl mando-bass, and three more for the 'dola. Following this procedure, I may well end up at death's door, with a manageable number of higher quality instruments. At least, that's what I tell myself...
Anyway, going to try to "get back in the saddle," here; hope to reconnect with friends.
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