A33 Mandolin

[Johnny M]

I've had this mandolin for a week now and I'm learning leaps and bounds faster than I did when I first started playing guitar.  You can tell that its hardly been played and it loves to be played hard and fast.  I don't know why, but things are flying out of my fingers faster that I know what I'm doing.  I've been using a heavy pick on it can get downright dirty and still ask for more.  I'm SURE that this is going to be a killer mandolin in a couple of years of daily playing.  Been working a couple of fairly easy bluegrass tunes while waiting between bus runs down at the dock.  I've been getting a solid half hour in and the case slips perfectly right behind the drivers seat.

I was also playing my son's Breedlove this past weekend and must say that its also a pretty nice mandolin.  Different tone and feel to it, but nice to play.  I think it was a steal for the price I paid.  The Larrivee I would imagine is in a higher realm.

My first real guitar was a Larrivee and I probably went through about 15 guitars to get where I am today.  I could have easily been satisfied with the first guitar, so that is why I bought a Larrivee mandolin.  I don't want to get caught up in MAS, so go with something that I trust.  A Larrivee.

Some pictures taken up in the shop this evening.  More can be seen on my blog (linked in the sig)

[L05HD28]

 
Glad to see my mandolin found a worthy home.Seriously it is a very special instrument that I had to part with.
Congradulations.
PS
Good move on the case switch.

[scdreger]

I am really liking the sound of mandolin these days. It's all because of the sone "rise" from the Into the Wild soundtrack. Amazing song.

[exdmd]

Heads up, Galaxy Music has another A33 for sale on Ebay. Opening bid $1280. Once the word gets out how good these A33's play and sound I expect prices will go up. I bought mine for $1260 last month. Where else can you find a fully bound A style with a varnish finish for that price:) The cast Allen tailpiece alone goes for $100. Yes, the case could be improved. I picked up a shaped Goldengate case for $60 shipped.

[Johnny M]

Glad to see my mandolin found a worthy home.Seriously it is a very special instrument that I had to part with.
Congradulations.
PS
Good move on the case switch.

Yep, special indeed.  I've played it everyday since I got it and it's developing into a very fine instrument!  Thank you very much for taking such good care of it when you had it.  I honestly couldn't find a mark on it anywhere (as you know) and it has really started to open up.  It sounded a little tight when I got it, but I've been beating on it like a rented mule and it's coming along nicely.

exdmd ~ I saw that one on ebay, but noticed that it didn't have the binding on the headstock either.  I wonder where they get them.  I'm assuming that they were some of the very early ones made before they became more standardized with the bindings.  With or without headstock binding, they are great sounding and playing instruments!  Glad you're still digging yours as well!!!

John

[L05HD28]

Yep, special indeed.  I've played it everyday since I got it and it's developing into a very fine instrument!  Thank you very much for taking such good care of it when you had it.  I honestly couldn't find a mark on it anywhere (as you know) and it has really started to open up.  It sounded a little tight when I got it, but I've been beating on it like a rented mule and it's coming along nicely.

John
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Johnny M

FYI  Mathew Larrivee told me (Via e-mail) that this particular Mandolin took them 14 months to build .Without a doubt you have a treasure of an instrument .ENJOY