Howdy folks...spent all day at Carters and Gruhns yesterday. Cotten today. Mandolin tasting. I played almost everything in inventory, including three Loars( non Virzi) and a ‘31 Fern. Here are my thoughts and opinions. I am posting for any pickers in the market out there. I have no financial interest in any of these mandolins for the record. In my opinion, the best mandolin For sale right now in Nashville is the Nugget A style at Cotton music. 1982 and serial number 72 I believe. This mandolin is out of this world good. One of the best mandolins I have ever played. I do have to say that it is a little unusual, with a Fir top and a Rosewood fretboard and bridge. I am not in the market for a new mandolin, that’s why I did not buy it. If you can get past the unusual fretboard and woods this mandolin is absolutely killer. The runner ups...the Heiden F5 mandolin at Carter’s and the Varnish Bush(‘04 I think) at Gruhns. Both are out of this world good. The top of the Heiden definitely has some bumps and bruises, just an FYI. Moving along, the Old Wave A style at Carters takes the ‘best value’ prize.
I play a Duff F5 now, and it’s right there with any Loar I’ve ever played, except for Mr. Reishmans. It was so validating to me to play all these wonderful instruments, and that I come back to a 2017 Duff that has ended my search. Hope this helps someone out there looking. Finally, I have to sing the mighty high praises of Collings MTs, MFs and Pava mandolins. For a few thousand dollars, and if you find an exceptional one....they hang (almost) right there with the big boys and girls, IMO. I almost never post or read the Forum...so I won’t be answering any questions. Off to the Station Inn for Rob Ickes and TH. Happy Picking!!!
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