Mandolin News.

Happy new ear to everybody. And may your new ear thrive….

Mandolin News Only two new mandolins in since the last download. Weber’s wonderfully bassy and rich Bitteroot and Rosta Capek’s bluegrass cannon, the Sam. When I was setting Sam up in the playing room I played a G chop chord, a guy playing guitar at the other end of the shop turned round, this is a LOUD mandolin, a bluegrassers dream, fantastic clear cutting trebles, strong mids and very solid bass.

I went a bit mad just before Christmas building up the used/vintage mandolins. Contrary to my experience with most legends the Givens legend is not a myth. This is one of the finest sounding mandolins I have ever heard. If it was not for my recent personal serious bout of MAS (mandolin acquisition syndrome) I would be keeping it. If I can decide which of my beloveds to sacrifice I might change my mind so don’t be surprised if its suddenly not available.

And two more teens/twenties Gibsons on the wall… There’s a snakehead on the way, I hope, it was sent, so the seller says, by un-trackable mail, this is why I warn folk about the dangers of buying abroad, despite the clearest instructions they are not always followed, (that’s if it was sent!). I also have my eyes on a nice A4. That would give us twenty vintage Gibsons to choose from!!! See the new photo on the shop/contact page, and win yourself a free plectrum (my generosity knows no bounds!). Of course its just possible one or two might sell.. I think one might be off the Germany any day now..

Also a very nice used Weber Absaroka Octave Mandolin, a budget cello from Mr Suzuki and an Eastman 815 Mandola that was only out of the shop for a few weeks. Grab an 815 dola for the price of a 615! My project to get the same mandolin with back and sides in Mahogany, Rosewood, Walnut and Maple is progressing well. Bill (Bussman, Old Wave mandolins) emailed a picture of the tops, all from the same tree!!! Should be an interesting comparison, I am planning to invite a few well known folks (and better players than me) to offer their opinions on the sound qualities of the different woods.