Upgraded to Ratliff Country Boy

[rcerbone]

I am a newbie and had been playing an Ibanez 522 F scroll mandolin. After I had it set up correctly, it was a lot of fun. I started out with free lessons over at Mandolessons and now I am working my way through ArtistWorks content with Mike Marshall.

I was looking for an upgrade and eyeing an Eastman MD-505 or Kentucky 500 A Style (to save a few dollars). I ultimately ended up getting a used Ratliff Country Boy A Style. No fancy decorations, but this thing is great! Easy to play, sounds great. A Style takes a little getting used to when sitting down due to the lack of points automatically locking the instrument into your lap, but so far I'm loving it. Made the decision to jump up a notch after looking for some good quality used instruments and reading a lot of positive feedback about Ratliffs in the forums. Thanks for the open feedback!

[addamr]

Congratulations. Good choice. Audey builds very nice mandolins.

Adam

[Mandobart]

I am a newbie and had been playing an Ibanez 522 F scroll mandolin. After I had it set up correctly, it was a lot of fun....
A Style takes a little getting used to when sitting down due to the lack of points automatically locking the instrument into your lap, but so far I'm loving it.

I started out on one of those Ibanez mandos too (before I found mandolincafe). I keep my straps on my mandos all the time and use the strap whether playing standing or seated. It keeps the instrument in a good position for me either way.

[Bill McCall]

They are great, obviously I love mine.

[lflngpicker]

Audey is a great mandolin builder and a wonderful person. I love my F5 Ratliff Country Boy! Super tone and great fit and finish for a satin type.

[MandoMan1]

Audey is a great mandolin builder and a wonderful person. I love my F5 Ratliff Country Boy! Super tone and great fit and finish for a satin type.

Great looking mandolin! Congratulations!

[Tjspahr1]

I have a Lafferty that Audey built. Wonderful instrument, was playing it a moment ago.

Congrats on the A Style. It will be a keeper.

[musicofanatic]

I am pleased to see your move to an instrument from a US instrument builder. I see so many domestic, hand built mandolins offered affordably in our classified ads, nearly every day, that it seems preposterous to purchase an Eastman or Kentucky, at least not as an upgrade or second instrument.