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Thread: NMD: 2008 Kimble A5 #143

  1. #1
    not a donut Kevin Winn's Avatar
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    Default NMD: 2008 Kimble A5 #143

    Been looking for a natural finish Kimble A for quite a while. Missed on one in the Classifieds here about a month ago, so when this one came up on The Music Emporium's site, I jumped. Got here yesterday and I am over the moon.

    First off, it's just freakin' gorgeous. Second, I spent a good 15 minutes going over every inch in bright sunlight and could only find one tiny nick on the headstock. Other than that, it's like a brand new instrument - no fret wear, no tiny scratches anywhere...not even any dust under the fingerboard extension. It's like this thing time-traveled from Will's bench in 2008 to my living room.

    The sustain on this mandolin is truly amazing, and the tone is, well, everything I expect from a Kimble. This mando will easily hold its own in most any banjo-fest. This is the sound that drew me to mandolin playing (via Andrew Marlin). Very happy boy.

    Shout out to Ian at TME. Spent about half an hour with me on the phone talking through the features and playing bits so I could get some sense of what it sounded like. Highly recommend that shop!

    This means that my "starter" Kimble A #266 will be hitting the Classifieds soon. It deserves a good home, as it's a great mando in its own right, it just has less of the extras that come with a standard build.

    Pics below, and I'll upload a vid in a bit.
    Click image for larger version. 

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    "Keep your hat on, we may end up miles from here..." - Kurt Vonnegut

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  3. #2
    not a donut Kevin Winn's Avatar
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    Default Re: NMD: 2008 Kimble A5 #143

    "Keep your hat on, we may end up miles from here..." - Kurt Vonnegut

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  5. #3

    Default Re: NMD: 2008 Kimble A5 #143

    I played this Kimble while I was at TME a few weeks back. I actually liked it better than the two-point that I used to own. In fact this Kimble reminded me of the one that Mike Compton had for a while.

    Good catch, Kevin.
    "your posts ... very VERY opinionated ...basing your opinion/recommendations ... pot calling ...kettle... black...sarcasm...comment ...unwarranted...unnecessary...."

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  7. #4
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    Default Re: NMD: 2008 Kimble A5 #143

    Wow, what a fantastic mandolin. Congratulations! It is gorgeous, but I'm most impressed with the volume and tone. The notes really pop and have vey pleasant ring to them. Enjoy!
    2014 AL Smart F5
    1988 Givens A
    1921 Gibson A
    2009 Peter Zwinakis Selmer Guitar
    2002 Martin D-18V
    1999 Huss and Dalton CM Custom
    Several Old Fiddles

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  9. #5
    Registered User John Soper's Avatar
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    Default Re: NMD: 2008 Kimble A5 #143

    You saved me from an impulsive purchase. My wife & bank account thank you. Play the snot out of that beautiful instrument!

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  11. #6
    Registered User Kirk Higgins's Avatar
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    Default Re: NMD: 2008 Kimble A5 #143

    Congratulations, It looks like it is new.

    I have #124 (07 F5) and it is a great mandolin.

    Enjoy!
    Kirk

    2007 Kimble F5
    1985 Kentucky KM 650

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  13. #7
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    Default Re: NMD: 2008 Kimble A5 #143

    Yeh, I used to think #150 (A5) was great until I bought #150 (F5) but, nearly 14 years later, I’m not so sure. I really wouldn’t part with either.

  14. #8

    Default Re: NMD: 2008 Kimble A5 #143

    What pick and strings are ya’ll using?

  15. #9
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    Default Re: NMD: 2008 Kimble A5 #143

    Wegen and J74s (what else!)

    Edit - just noticed a typo in my previous post - the F is #145 - too many mandolins & so few years left!

  16. #10
    not a donut Kevin Winn's Avatar
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    Default Re: NMD: 2008 Kimble A5 #143

    Quote Originally Posted by Ray(T) View Post
    Wegen and J74s (what else!)
    Same here
    "Keep your hat on, we may end up miles from here..." - Kurt Vonnegut

  17. #11
    Registered User Glassweb's Avatar
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    Default Re: NMD: 2008 Kimble A5 #143

    Quote Originally Posted by Tim Griffin View Post
    What pick and strings are ya’ll using?
    After trying every expensive pick imaginable (yep, all of 'em) I have seen the light and am now using the extremely toneful and inexpensive Fender Extra Heavy 346 (large rounded triangle). For strings I am currently rotating between DA Monels, their new XS strings and their Nickel Bronze set... all 11-40 gauge and all of them on my beloved Kimble 2-point #195.

    Anybody that doesn't play a Kimble is wrong!
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

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  18. #12
    Registered User Mark Seale's Avatar
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    Default Re: NMD: 2008 Kimble A5 #143

    Quote Originally Posted by Glassweb View Post
    After trying every expensive pick imaginable (yep, all of 'em) I have seen the light and am now using the extremely toneful and inexpensive Fender Extra Heavy 346 (large rounded triangle). For strings I am currently rotating between DA Monels, their new XS strings and their Nickel Bronze set... all 11-40 gauge and all of them on my beloved Kimble 2-point #195.

    Anybody that doesn't play a Kimble is wrong!
    Your two pointer is a beautiful instrument.

  19. #13
    Registered User Glassweb's Avatar
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    Default Re: NMD: 2008 Kimble A5 #143

    Thanks Mark... here's a shot of the back(side)...

    Has an Engelmann Spruce top and red maple sides and back...
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  21. #14
    Registered User Kirk Higgins's Avatar
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    Default Re: NMD: 2008 Kimble A5 #143

    I am using John Pearse Phosphor Bronze set # 2160 (12-40) on my Kimble F5. I am very happy with them and use Pearse Phosphor Bronze on my guitars as well as mandolins. Been using these strings as long as I can remember!

    Use a BlueChip CT55 pick for mandolin and guitar. Happy with these as well but I did just order the Apollo John Reichman pick to try. Haven’t received it yet.
    Kirk

    2007 Kimble F5
    1985 Kentucky KM 650

  22. #15
    Dave Berry
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    Default Re: NMD: 2008 Kimble A5 #143

    Quote Originally Posted by Kirk Higgins View Post
    Congratulations, It looks like it is new.

    I have #124 (07 F5) and it is a great mandolin.

    Enjoy!
    #122 A5 here and couldn't be happier. Perfect companion to Gil #539. Enjoy.
    Dave
    Gilchrist A3 #03539, Kimble A5 #122, Gibson A4 #65987
    https://linktr.ee/davidalanberry

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