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Thread: A fun little comparison video

  1. #1
    Worlds ok-ist mando playr Zach Wilson's Avatar
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    Default A fun little comparison video

    Since receiving my "new-to-me" '82 Flatiron 1N I've been playing it nonstop! That is until I changed the strings on my Red Valley EM (flat top)... after I was finished changing them I played the Red Valley a bit. My wife was the first to mention how, although the two Mandolins look similar (to her), there sound is not. So here is a little, goofy video demonstration of the two. Enjoy!

    *I did it all in one take using my phones microphone
    *They both have new GHS A250 strings
    *I used the same pick (Wegan TF120)
    *Flatiron- Maple B/S
    *Red Valley- Mahogany B/S

    Excuse my sloppy playing and mispronunciation of Wegan.

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    Registered User Jill McAuley's Avatar
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    Default Re: A fun little comparison video

    The mahogany back and sides on your Red Valley sure make for a sweet sounding instrument! Reminds me of when I had my Weber Gallatin way back in the day - it had mahogany back and sides as well and it always had such a light, sweet sound compared to mandolins I've owned with maple back and sides.
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  4. #3
    My Florida is scooped pheffernan's Avatar
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    Default Re: A fun little comparison video

    That video is consistent with my experience, as I found that I preferred the tone of pancake, Army-Navy style flattops like Flatirons and Redline Travelers to the more tulip shaped Mid-Missouri and Gypsy Vagabonds.
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    Registered User Cary Fagan's Avatar
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    Default Re: A fun little comparison video

    Interesting! I would have thought the mahogany is what gives a softer tone to the Red Valley vs the punch and greater clarity of the maple on the pancake. Both sound good.
    Cary Fagan

  6. #5
    Worlds ok-ist mando playr Zach Wilson's Avatar
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    Default Re: A fun little comparison video

    Quote Originally Posted by Cary Fagan View Post
    Interesting! I would have thought the mahogany is what gives a softer tone to the Red Valley vs the punch and greater clarity of the maple on the pancake. Both sound good.
    Same here. It seems backwards to me. The first thing I noticed was how much more sustain and overtones the Red Valley has.

    Thanks!

  7. #6
    Worlds ok-ist mando playr Zach Wilson's Avatar
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    Default Re: A fun little comparison video

    Quote Originally Posted by pheffernan View Post
    That video is consistent with my experience, as I found that I preferred the tone of pancake, Army-Navy style flattops like Flatirons and Redline Travelers to the more tulip shaped Mid-Missouri and Gypsy Vagabonds.
    It's hard for me to say which I like better cause the Red Valley is so much easier to play (bigger frets, elevated f/b, side maker dots). If I could forget the feel I think I like the sound of the Flatiron better.

  8. #7
    Worlds ok-ist mando playr Zach Wilson's Avatar
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    Default Re: A fun little comparison video

    Quote Originally Posted by Jill McAuley View Post
    The mahogany back and sides on your Red Valley sure make for a sweet sounding instrument! Reminds me of when I had my Weber Gallatin way back in the day - it had mahogany back and sides as well and it always had such a light, sweet sound compared to mandolins I've owned with maple back and sides.
    I always loved my Mahogany guitar and its why I ordered the Red Valley to have Mahogany. It is very sweet sounding and versatile. Those Gallatins were very nice. I wish I would have picked up a Oval/F when they were easier (and cheaper) to find.

  9. #8
    Worlds ok-ist mando playr Zach Wilson's Avatar
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    Default Re: A fun little comparison video

    I should have mentioned that the two Mandolins have very different finishes.

    The Flatiron is glossy throughout (neck and body).

    The Red Valley is Satan.

  10. #9
    Registered User Simon DS's Avatar
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    Default Re: A fun little comparison video

    Subjective opinion here, but I think you have a special relationship with the second mandolin.
    Nice playing, thanks.

  11. #10
    Worlds ok-ist mando playr Zach Wilson's Avatar
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    Default Re: A fun little comparison video

    Quote Originally Posted by Simon DS View Post
    Subjective opinion here, but I think you have a special relationship with the second mandolin.
    Nice playing, thanks.
    Yes, it's true! I love my Mandolin.

    Thanks!
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  12. #11

    Default Re: A fun little comparison video

    Quote Originally Posted by Zach Wilson View Post

    The Red Valley is Satan.
    Well, that explains everything.
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  14. #12
    Worlds ok-ist mando playr Zach Wilson's Avatar
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    Default Re: A fun little comparison video

    Quote Originally Posted by Don Grieser View Post
    Well, that explains everything.
    OMG! My bad

    Correction: Satin finish

  15. #13
    My Florida is scooped pheffernan's Avatar
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    Default Re: A fun little comparison video

    Quote Originally Posted by Zach Wilson View Post
    It's hard for me to say which I like better cause the Red Valley is so much easier to play (bigger frets, elevated f/b, side maker dots). If I could forget the feel I think I like the sound of the Flatiron better.
    I couldn’t forget the feel, which is what led me to a pair of Redline Travelers and ultimately the Poe Scout.
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  16. #14
    Worlds ok-ist mando playr Zach Wilson's Avatar
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    Default Re: A fun little comparison video

    Quote Originally Posted by pheffernan View Post
    I couldn’t forget the feel, which is what led me to a pair of Redline Travelers and ultimately the Poe Scout.
    Yes, those Poe's look nice. I've never played one. Do you have any experience with Crystal Forest a/n mandolins? A Poe or Crystal Forest may be my next flat top venture.

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    Default Re: A fun little comparison video

    I'm missing my Sawchyn Beavertail...thought I needed to downsize...what was I thinking? Beautiful workmanship, excellent playability and tone. Stacks up very favorably to any pancake out there. Thanks Zach for this excellent video.
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  18. #16
    Worlds ok-ist mando playr Zach Wilson's Avatar
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    Default Re: A fun little comparison video

    Quote Originally Posted by scotta View Post
    I'm missing my Sawchyn Beavertail...thought I needed to downsize...what was I thinking? Beautiful workmanship, excellent playability and tone. Stacks up very favorably to any pancake out there. Thanks Zach for this excellent video.
    Those Beavertails are excellent in every way! I've had the pleasure of playing a couple of them in store and every time I'm surprised by the volume they produce.

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