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Thread: Powerful A models in the 5K range

  1. #26
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    I don't know if you're still looking, but I'd be all over that Kimble that just showed up in the classifieds. NFI, etc.

  2. #27
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Yep. Still looking.

  3. #28

    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Quote Originally Posted by Luna Pick View Post
    I don't know if you're still looking, but I'd be all over that Kimble that just showed up in the classifieds. NFI, etc.
    I thought the same. That Kimble looks sweet!

  4. #29
    Registered User urobouros's Avatar
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    I just got a 2016 Skip Kelley A5 with more chop than a lumberjack It's a redwood top but definitely has that traditional tone. In my humble opinion of course

  5. #30

    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    I have a blonde Kimble that looks identical to the one currently in the classifieds. I bought it a couple years ago from the original owner - it is a 2008. It is a beast - very easy to play and very well made. The price on that one seems spot on.
    Duff F5 #200
    Kimble A5 #143
    Preston Thompson DMA - 2016
    Gibson RB4 - Greg Rich era

  6. #31
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Ellis A just landed in the classifieds....

    https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/172810#172810

    NFI
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

  7. #32
    Registered User grassrootphilosopher's Avatar
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Duff has already been mentioned. I second that.

    Vana (CZ) should surely enter the contest. It was about 5 k new... Maybe it's 5 k used now. Anyhow, they are nice mandolins. I tried out a blonde A-5 and it was good. Probably not as good as a HoGo F-5... (there's one in the classifieds; should be a great one. I have no fingers in the pie).

    I would like to know how a Hansen would hold up in the mix. Does anyone have a clue.
    Olaf

  8. #33
    My Florida is scooped pheffernan's Avatar
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Quote Originally Posted by grassrootphilosopher View Post
    Probably not as good as a HoGo F-5... (there's one in the classifieds; should be a great one. I have no fingers in the pie).
    In case “MUST be an A5” means “COULD be an F5,” here is the link:

    https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/172799#172799

    And these are two video samples:




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  10. #34
    Resident Hack
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Quote Originally Posted by urobouros View Post
    I just got a 2016 Skip Kelley A5 with more chop than a lumberjack It's a redwood top but definitely has that traditional tone. In my humble opinion of course
    My Kelley also has a ferocious chop, light singing tones and everything in between. I feel guilty holding it back but it's gonna take some time to get used to power like this.

  11. #35
    Registered User MarkusSpiel's Avatar
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    I Never played a kelley or duff. But I have a kimble and it’s a great mandolin.

  12. #36
    Registered User John Soper's Avatar
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    The Sorensen AX is not traditional in appearance and at the upper limits of your price range, but Steve will talk you through the sound that you are looking for and build options. I have a Sprite that is among the loudest mandolins I've ever played, with a vigorous chop and serious bluegrass voice.

  13. #37
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Quote Originally Posted by Mitch Stein View Post
    My Kelley also has a ferocious chop, light singing tones and everything in between. I feel guilty holding it back but it's gonna take some time to get used to power like this.
    My Kelley A-5 is a beast as well, but it’s also very versatile, and very even in tone across and up the neck. I’ve played some F5s by well respected makers costing much more for which I wouldn’t/haven’t traded it. I’ll admit, though, that I haven’t had the chance to A-B it with Duff, Ellis, Heiden, or Apitius yet.
    Chuck

  14. #38
    AKA Billgrass
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Ellis.

  15. #39

    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Kimble

  16. #40

    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Duff.

  17. #41

    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Get the Ellis that just hit the classifieds
    Chris from Tucson
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  19. #42
    Registered User doc holiday's Avatar
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    You beat me to it Chris. Ellis A5 (deluxe) should definitely be on the list

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  21. #43

    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Having owned several of the brands in this thread I think the builder mentioned that comes closest to the tone you seek in my experience is Kimble. When I listen to Castle Studios I hear those screaming mids and highs and dry focused tone. If that's what you want I think Kimble tends to land in that camp in my experience. Obviously all instruments are different though. I have played a Duff A5 for the past several years and it goes there as well although I'd say it produces a bit of a "fatter" tone and is a touch darker than the Kimble, more balanced to my ear. Ellis makes very fine instruments, among the best, but in my experience they tend to emphasize the mids and lows and are extremely balanced, almost buttery and darker, the furthest from the tone you seek of those mentioned. Of course I have not played all of the Ellis mandolins, so YMMV. Not sure what your timeline is, but Pete Hart of Buckeye Mandolins recently had a new A for sale for 4k. He is known for nailing the traditional tone, check out any videos of Lauren Price playing for proof.

    This thread has me comparing a Kimble and Duff A5. Watch at your own risk.

    https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/t...ble-or-Duff-F5

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  23. #44
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    It seems to me that the OP has lots of worthy candidates for a next mandolin, I hope he checks in when he has decided.
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

  24. #45
    Registered Muser dang's Avatar
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    I know this luthier has been mentioned already but not enough and not recently…. My Stiver cuts through my band in just the right way, it has a beautiful snappy chop and the notes pop out when I solo - but it is an F-style and around $5k which is not what the OP specified.
    I should be pickin' rather than postin'

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  26. #46

    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Over budget a little bit, but that Red Diamond that just popped up would be hard to beat. https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/173109#173109

  27. #47

    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Quote Originally Posted by bradeasley View Post
    Over budget a little bit, but that Red Diamond that just popped up would be hard to beat. https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/173109#173109
    Quite a bit over budget
    "your posts ... very VERY opinionated ...basing your opinion/recommendations ... pot calling ...kettle... black...sarcasm...comment ...unwarranted...unnecessary...."

  28. #48
    not a donut Kevin Winn's Avatar
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    Kimble.

    But I'm biased...
    "Keep your hat on, we may end up miles from here..." - Kurt Vonnegut

  29. #49
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    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    And poof a Red Diamond popped up in the classifieds today ....... that is likely a grand mandolin. R
    I love hanging out with mandolin nerds . . . . . Thanks peeps ...

  30. #50

    Default Re: Powerful A models in the 5K range

    I love my Red Diamond A!

    The Kimble A that just hit the classifieds is within your budget.
    Chris from Tucson
    2007 Heiden Artist F5 #F102
    1919 Gibson A3 #49762 (found on eBay for $15!!)
    2022 Austin Clark Octave #159
    1922 Gibson H1 Mandola #70063
    1972 Martin D-18 (modified by Bryan Kimsey)
    2024 Klos Carbon Fiber (on order)

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