Vanden or Sobell?

[Ptarmigan]

I'm thinking of getting myself a better Mandolin.

At the moment, I'm quite taken by Stefan Sobell's 10 String, large bodied instrument

& also by Mike Vanden's 'Stretto Mandolin'

Does anyone here have any experience, playing or listening, of both & if so, any thoughts, given that this instrument would be mostly for sessions?

I'm also wondering how long I would have to actually wait for either of these instruments?

Cheers
Dick

[jesalbond]

The Vanden instruments are equally impressive, though I have no idea about ordering and delivery times for those hand made ones. Mandolinist Gary in Edinburgh has a gorgeous F5 from Vanden, superb workmanship, and, of course the Martin Taylor guitar series is really something in every way.
A Sobell could be worth waiting for. It will cost you, but that's quality for you. There are other UK makers worth considering. Several Scottish players and tutors play instruments by Kai Tönjes - nearly bought one myself about a year ago. I also saw last year some nice instruments by Phil Davidson, including one he had made for Tim O'Brien.

[Ptarmigan]

(09-03-2010 09:30 AM)jesalbond Wrote:  The Vanden instruments are equally impressive, though I have no idea about ordering and delivery times for those hand made ones. Mandolinist Gary in Edinburgh has a gorgeous F5 from Vanden, superb workmanship, and, of course the Martin Taylor guitar series is really something in every way.
A Sobell could be worth waiting for. It will cost you, but that's quality for you. There are other UK makers worth considering. Several Scottish players and tutors play instruments by Kai Tönjes - nearly bought one myself about a year ago. I also saw last year some nice instruments by Phil Davidson, including one he had made for Tim O'Brien.

Well the long wait is nearly over!

I just bought myself a Sobell Mandolin today!

Take a look at ..... My New Mandolin

Now tell me, was I in the right place at the right time, or what?

Cheers
Dick

[nigelgatherer]

Congratulations, Ptarmigan - I hope you get oodles of pleasure with it.

[Ptarmigan]

(27-04-2010 08:46 PM)nigelgatherer Wrote:  Congratulations, Ptarmigan - I hope you get oodles of pleasure with it.

Thanks Nigel.

... Oh & keep an eye on YouTube, cause you can bet I'll want to show it off!

Cheers
Dick

[Ptarmigan]

As promised, here are a couple of YouTubes, to demonstrate my wee Sobell!

1 Jig

2 Reels

All Irish I'm afraid .... must post a couple of Scottish sets!

Cheers
Dick

P.S. I did try a Vanden while down in Brighton recently, at Trevor's emporium, so I had a chance to try both & I must say, I'm very happy with my Sobell.

[Jack Campin]

Nice - now tell us how the Related links come to include "The Universe - Created Out of Nothing?" and "Monty Python and the Holy Grail part 2"?

[Scanbran]

The Sobell looks stunning, Dick, sounds great on those Youtube clips - excellent playing too!

I haven't played Stefan's mandolins, but I have played his guitars, and they really are wonderfully responsive instruments.