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Thread: What are some best options for buying premium F - Style Mandolins

  1. #1
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    Default What are some best options for buying premium F - Style Mandolins

    It should have elaborative design, 8 strings and gloss finish? Any Recommendations?

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    Default Re: What are some best options for buying premium F - Style Mando

    That is a very open ended question of which there will be many answers. I would suggest looking at the inventory of places like Gruhns, Carters, Elderly, etc. Take notes on who has the widest variety, pack a bag and travel. You have many, many choices depending on what feels and sounds right, to you, and what your budget will withstand. Just look at the builders eye candy page on this website and you will see many, many choices.
    Last edited by Steve Mead; Mar-23-2023 at 7:43am. Reason: Not done

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    Rush Burkhardt Rush Burkhardt's Avatar
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    Default Re: What are some best options for buying premium F - Style Mando

    1. Go to a place where there are a variety of "premium" mandolins and a good group of people willing to help you!
    2. Sit in a chair and be blind-folded.
    3. Have a person hand you in anonymous order, one-at-a-time, the mandolins you are going to be trying [be sure they are selected in a price range you are willing to spend], "named" only 1-5 [or however many there are].
    4. Play (and fondle) each for 5-10 minutes, and pay particular attention to a) how the mandolin feels and frets; b. how it sounds from nut to last fret; c. how it smells [yes, smells].
    5. After going through the entire group of mandolins, if you need, pick a couple to retry.
    6. Pick your mandolin based on playing the samples...touch, smell, sound and your own appreciation. Buy the thing!
    Put aside biases like maker, style, appearance, inlays, condition [save for significant structural problems] and the preferences of others. ("Here's one you're really gonna' like!" PS while you're playing concentrate on the type of music and role you play...lots of lead, mostly rhythm, 2-string tremolo, et.)

    I recognize that it's tough to find a place for this anal an activity. Finding all the instruments, people and time, in one place is tough. Remember: You are probably making a sizable investment, and the sellers are probably making a decent profit! Don't be influenced by nay-sayers! Don't be intimidated by "policies" - "We don't let people do that here!" [If you need to, show them your seriousness...a glimpse at cash and commitment remedies a lot of old, cautious thinking!] Be respectful of the instruments you play and the people who help you!

    PPS: Take your own pick and blindfold! And have fun!
    Rush Burkhardt
    Towson, MD


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    Rush Burkhardt Rush Burkhardt's Avatar
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    Default Re: What are some best options for buying premium F - Style Mando

    Yes, quick-to-criticize MC trolls! I know the OP meant Gibson MM, Gilchrist, Kimble, Wood, Dudenbostle, McCrostie, Northfield, Duff, Heiden, Givens...and on-and-on!
    Rush Burkhardt
    Towson, MD


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  5. #5
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: What are some best options for buying premium F - Style Mando

    Quote Originally Posted by michaelsondavid81 View Post
    It should have elaborative design, 8 strings and gloss finish? Any Recommendations?
    Are you asking for the best places to buy from or to try out or what other available features do premium F-style mandolins have? You might want to clarify what exactly you are asking.

    BTW what exactly is an "elaborative design." Isn't that the definition of an F-style mandolin?
    Jim

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    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: What are some best options for buying premium F - Style Mando

    Lots of options on this side of the pond, not sure what might be available in Dublin.
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

  7. #7
    Teacher, repair person
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    Default Re: What are some best options for buying premium F - Style Mando

    This fellow makes wonderful mandolins: guitars.com/inventory/mf9301-new-newson-f-5
    And the store can handle international shipping.
    nfi.

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