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Thread: Comparison

  1. #1

    Default Comparison

    I accidentally destroyed my Unicorn and am looking to replace it. I have been pouring through the many ads in the classifieds here in the Cafe. I have seen several contenders in about the same price range. I’m curious how a Kentucky km 1050 would compare to a Morris. Price is not an issue. Both are the same price.

  2. #2

    Default Re: Comparison

    Unicorn ? that's a rare beast.

    Dave H
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  3. #3

    Default Re: Comparison

    Quote Originally Posted by Dave Hanson View Post
    Unicorn ? that's a rare beast.

    Dave H
    They’re all over UK heraldry; supposedly because they hang out in Scotland, unlike those lions, red dragons and more southerly beasts. In the US we only have a big bird, although early on we had a snake, and Ben Franklin favored the turkey, IMHO a pretty good call.

  4. #4
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Comparison

    Quote Originally Posted by Jimmiller View Post
    I accidentally destroyed my Unicorn and am looking to replace it. I have been pouring through the many ads in the classifieds here in the Cafe. I have seen several contenders in about the same price range. I’m curious how a Kentucky km 1050 would compare to a Morris. Price is not an issue. Both are the same price.
    That is sad about your Unicorn. Is it not restorable? I haven’t played the models you mention but I would think the quality and tone might be equal to your Unicorn.
    Jim

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  5. #5
    Innocent Bystander JeffD's Avatar
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    Default Re: Comparison

    I would be devastated if I destroyed my mandolin. Yikes!

    This is, perhaps, closing the barn door after the horse has escaped, but...

    Would the type of accident that occured to destroy your mandolin have been covered by musical instrument insurance? Seriously, some policies cover damage of various types and can even total the instrument and pay you full value.

    Just a thought going forward.

    Good luck.
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  6. #6
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    Default Re: Comparison

    I love my Unicorn and doubt what you are looking at would be as good sound wise. Post a picture of the damaged mandolin, it is possible to repair what some think is not repairable.
    THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE!

  7. #7
    Confused... or?
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    Default Re: Comparison

    Rare beast indeed! Hadn't heard of Unicorns before, but gathered this from a current Reverb ad for a 1976 model:

    "Only 149 Unicorn Mandolins were produced and they were handmade by Rolf Gerhardt in San Antonio, TX. ... rare and sought after ... "

    Rolf went on to produce the Phoenix line of mandolins!
    - Ed

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  8. #8
    Teacher, repair person
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    Default Re: Comparison

    Rolfe Gerhardt's Unicorn mandolins were very good handmade instruments. You're probably going to have to look in a higher price range than the Kentucky or the Morris to find an instrument of comparable quality.

    I agree with pops-- it wouldn't hurt to post a few pictures of the damaged instrument-- it may be worth repairing.

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