Good or Great Mandolins: What Makes the Difference?

[Jim Garber]

NOTE: that this is an 11 year old thread you are replying to. Of course, no reason not to continue the discussion.

[red7flag]

11 years and still interesting. I have four instruments that were made for me by top builders, Ellis, Hester, Mowry and Nyberg. I spent time both playing examples of each builder and getting opinions of each builder, mostly from the Cafe. Each of these builders spent a lot of time talking and emailing with me to make sure they understood what I wanted and that they felt comfortable providing that. Once they started each sent me pictures during the build to help keep me In process. After receiving the instrument, the builder requested my feedback and made it clear that if not, they were willing to make it right. In all four cases, the instrument was a keeper and something special to me. In my opinion, each reaches that "great" designation. Unless a catastrophe occurs, I will never sell. All these were commissioned after a personal history of mixed results in buying and selling mandolins. Bought some that I should not have and sold some that I wish I had not. Between those experiences and a lot of great knowledge gleaned here at the Cafe, my choices have gotten much better.