Hi all!
I'm going to be traveling from Columbus Ohio to Charlottesville Virginia next weekend, and I'm in the market for a new Mando. I was wondering if there are any stores worth checking out. The budget is max $700.
Thanks in advance!
Archie
Hi all!
I'm going to be traveling from Columbus Ohio to Charlottesville Virginia next weekend, and I'm in the market for a new Mando. I was wondering if there are any stores worth checking out. The budget is max $700.
Thanks in advance!
Archie
Play that which you feel is groovy, get down with your bad self, and shake your money maker if it makes sense for you to do so.
Welcome to our fair city of Charlottesville. The closest really good mandolin shop to Charlottesville is Picker's Supply in Fredericksburg, which is about another 1:20-1:30 farther east. They do have a good website and seem to keep their inventory up to date, so you can check online prior to driving over (if your itinerary allows for that).
If you go by way of Elkins, W. VA, contact Smakula Fretted Instruments.
I believe that their shop operates by appointment, so call to find out more.
They have been operating for decades and are straight shooters.
They have several Kentucky's in stock in your price range.
www.smakula.com
I'll also mention that they are perhaps more competent than anyone else at restoring high quality open back banjos such as Fairbanks/Vega, Cole, Stewart, etc.
You may want to check out Drum and Strum in Warrenton, VA.
https://drumnstrum.com/instruments/m...ns-and-banjos/
I'll Second Picker's Supply in Fredericksburg. I was there a couple of weeks ago and they had a good supply of instruments around your price range. They are an Eastman dealer and usually have a few in stock. You will also enjoy their selection of used and vintage instruments. I was checking out some of the older Gibson A styles. They had lots to choose from. I just did a quick scan of their website and they seem to be well stocked at the moment. They are nice folks, too.
Richard
Eastman 305
Gibson A1 (1919)
Martin D16 guitar
Great Divide Guitar (Two-Old-Hippies)
OME 11" banjo (1973)
Pisgah 12" banjo
Go through Pittsburgh and check out Acoustic Music Works!
Axes: Eastman MD-515 & El Rey; Eastwood S Mandola
Amps: Fishman Loudbox 100; Rivera Clubster Royale Recording Head & R212 cab; Laney Cub 10
Not sure how your route works out, but if you are coming east on I-64, there are two shops in Virginia to consider. They are both a mile or so from the highway.
Fretwell Bass (https://fretwellbass.com/) is an upright bass specialty shop (really!) in Staunton, maybe half an hour before you get to Charlottesville. I haven't been there since they moved away from their downtown storefront, and they are by appointment, now. But when they were downtown they had both new and used mandolins. I played several Eastman 305s there that were amazing, and I have friends that bought old Gibsons from them.
Before you get to Staunton, there is Rockbridge Music in Lexington, about 30 miles south. They always have some mandolins, but I don't know what brands they stock. They have always had a couple handmade mandolins by local builder John Schofield, who may be there if you stop in. Those would be out of your price range, but they will have others. They have a minimalist website, but there may be more info on Facebook.
Last edited by A 4; Jun-23-2022 at 8:31am.
Fretwell is no longer in business.
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