fitzy - Posted - 12/05/2013:  13:01:04

Just want to get some opinions.if a fella was planning in getting a top end f5. The end if next year and was thinkin if spending about 4000 dollars would he be wise to look fir a Gibson or get one built?there is a few top class Luther's in Ireland but not f5 builders as far as I know. Just like to get other musicians opinions!

UsuallyPickin - Posted - 12/06/2013:  06:14:13

Well ..... for large is a significant investment. Buying an instrument that you havn't played , whether used or new, will always be a gamble. Even when you approach a trusted luthier, what he makes will be like, but not exactly like, his other work. There are differences , some significant, in tonal properiies from instrument to instrument due to materials all other tings being equal. Purchase of a known quantity , even used, may be preferable. I do expect that there is some magic to be had in an instrument that you personally order. I havn't ... but I can't say I wouldn't if my financial picture changed.... Luck/ R

ErikForGod - Posted - 12/07/2013:  03:23:24

Wow $4000 dollars is a great budget that offers you the ability to consider a good range of some great mandolins, not only Gibson but also builders as well. I took a gamble with my Eddie Blevins F5 mandolin and was very pleased. Having a mandolin custom built for me per my specs was exciting and a great experience. While Gibson is great, try researching some smaller builders and giving them a shot, their are really some very fine mandolins being built out there by some great builders

fitzy - Posted - 12/07/2013:  03:27:35

I was looking at Eddie s mandolins they are cracking! Have mailed him budget prob be down to 3000! Didn't take customs into account! But Eddie'. Are great value!

Phoenix - Posted - 12/08/2013:  06:47:45

Ken Ratcliff of Silverangel mandolins builds a wonderful, "woody" toned f5 distressed in that price range. I have no financial interest here, but with playing my SA with/against a Collings MT2V and Weber Fern, the Silverangel can very easily compete with either.

ErikForGod - Posted - 12/10/2013:  08:42:24

quote:

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Originally posted by fitzy



I was looking at Eddie s mandolins they are cracking! Have mailed him budget prob be down to 3000! Didn't take customs into account! But Eddie'. Are great value!

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Eddies mandolins are not only a great value but he has superb customer service as well. Keep an eye out for some videos and photos of my new mandolin to come soon....I just got back from vacation with it and still putting things in order here getting back to work but when I can, I'll post some vids. I'm not sure what his prices will be up to now? I think around U$S2k...I know he's upcharging for material costs but working with him was a breeze. 

Also I had Eddie make the radiused mandolin fingerboard for this mandolin and I'm glad I did, boy are the pull-offs and hammer-ons smooth as butter with this mandolin and much better to play. The top on mine is Adirondack Red Spruce and Red Maple so the break-in time might take a bit longer as the mandolin is still sounding a bit tight but with time it's going to open up even more, however the work is pretty tight for a new builder and just keeps getting better and better and better. If you can pull the trigger on one of his builds you won't be dissapointed. Feel free to reach out to me if you want any more specifics.

Another point I need to mention is that it seems, at least to me, I haven't asked Eddie but the string break angle on the bridge and neck angle on Eddies mandolins is a tad bit higher than maybe on other mandolins, like per say, a Gibson. I think this is better for picking and makes it smoother as well as adds a bit to volume. The one on the Loar mandolin was very flat with a very low neck angle and I didnt really care for it.

Edited by - ErikForGod on 12/10/2013 08:58:48

fitzy - Posted - 12/10/2013:  09:22:48

Ya have been emailing EDDie and we are sorting it out. Thanks alot for your update Goodman.

pickn pete - Posted - 12/10/2013:  15:36:45

In the U.K check out Andy Manson..

ErikForGod - Posted - 12/11/2013:  07:15:43

quote:

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Originally posted by fitzy



Ya have been emailing EDDie and we are sorting it out. Thanks alot for your update Goodman.

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That's great, you'll enjoy working with him..

ErikForGod - Posted - 12/11/2013:  18:30:04

Hope I'm not hijacking the thread but here is a clip of my new mandolin..

VIDEO: Eddie Blevins F5 (click to view)

fitzy - Posted - 12/13/2013:  13:55:03

oh wat a cracker/ lovely instrument well done, have mailed eddie and he is one sound man, goin get one of him next year sometime, the spec is drawn up and cant wait for it.his prices are excellent ,there is other guys looking twice the price,?yep eddie is the man for sure,

ErikForGod - Posted - 12/16/2013:  05:45:37

quote:

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Originally posted by fitzy

 

oh wat a cracker/ lovely instrument well done, have mailed eddie and he is one sound man, goin get one of him next year sometime, the spec is drawn up and cant wait for it.his prices are excellent ,there is other guys looking twice the price,?yep eddie is the man for sure,

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Yeah you can't beat his pricing.........but by 2014 the prices will go up, so you caught him just in time. I'll be looking forward to seeing and hearing about it once you get it.