BluegrassWarehouse - Posted - 08/24/2011:  16:05:44

Has anybody heard a new Stelling mandolin? How do they compare to a Gibson, Weber, Lloyd LaPlant, or other make? I am in the market for an F-5 style mandolin in the $5,000 to $10,000 price range. I *really* like the looks of the Stelling mandolin on their website, but I have never heard one. I have heard about some of the makers that are no longer working at Stelling. If they sound anything like their banjos, I know it will be great. I also have a Stelling banjo and love it. I just don't want to make a several thousand dollars mistake.



So I guess I have two questions.



1) How do Stelling mandolins sound?

2) What other makes do you recommend in this price range?



Thanks!



Lance

Texasbanjo - Posted - 08/25/2011:  05:45:48

I have a good friend that has a Stelling mandolin and it sounds great!  I  have played it and it plays easily, easy to fret, easy to pick.

I have also played the Gibson and a Weber -- and to me, personal preference, I like the Stelling better.  Again, personal preference.  What sounds great to me might not sound that great to you.  If you can pick one -- do so and that'll let you know whether you like the sound and feel.

Pjones3 - Posted - 08/25/2011:  13:05:49

I've had a Stelling S-5 mandolin for about six years now.  I bought it from Janet Davis for around $4500.  Before purchasing I corresponded with Geoff Stelling about the particular mando I was looking at and everything he told me about it was accurate.  I really like it.  It has plenty of sound, a good punch, and very delicate tones.  It is not as loud as many mandolins I've played, but it is good enough for most jams I've been in.  The craftsmanship is superb and the finish is perfect.  The radiused neck is a perhaps a bit more narrow than you may be accustomed to but it is not not bad and I have big old hands.  I would certainly encourage you to get your hands on one and play it along with the others you are looking at in that price range.  A $5000 mandolin is a mandolin for life in my opinion so get the one that's right for you.  I've played it virtually every day since I got it and have never had a single issue with it.

Best luck!!!

BluegrassWarehouse - Posted - 08/25/2011:  18:34:49

Thanks for the replies!

Pjones3, is that your Stelling in your avatar?  That is beautiful!  Do you have some other pictures you could post?  If I get one I have an idea on what I want the finish to look like, and I would like to see pictures of yours if you don't mind.  Thanks!

Lance

OTbanjopicker - Posted - 08/26/2011:  23:05:16

one thing i would like to say. If your going to put that kinda money into an instrument you should play it first. remember just because a few people on this website say they like it doesn't necessarily mean you will like it. i would try getting ahold of geoff stelling and see if he would maybe let you test one out. its a long shot but then again you never know.

well thats my two cents. Donny.