It should have elaborative design, 8 strings and gloss finish? Any Recommendations?
It should have elaborative design, 8 strings and gloss finish? Any Recommendations?
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
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
Free opinions are worth exactly what you pay for them!
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
Free opinions are worth exactly what you pay for them!
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
My Stream on Soundcloud
19th Century Tunes
Playing lately:
1924 Gibson A4 - 2018 Campanella A-5 - 2007 Brentrup A4C - 1915 Frank Merwin Ashley violin - Huss & Dalton DS - 1923 Gibson A2 black snakehead - '83 Flatiron A5-2 - 1939 Gibson L-00 - 1936 Epiphone Deluxe - 1928 Gibson L-5 - ca. 1890s Fairbanks Senator Banjo - ca. 1923 Vega Style M tenor banjo - ca. 1920 Weymann Style 25 Mandolin-Banjo - National RM-1
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
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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