I have been looking at a high-end Weber mandolin and was wondering how it compares to a Joe Foley instrument...does anyone have any thoughts on this...
Weber and Foley instruments are two completely different types of mandolins although some of the Webers might come closer to the Foley sound (the old wood carved top oval hole "X" braced Webers with the wider "A" style body or the Aspen #2.)
Both are quality mandolins but they reflect the design philosophy of the makers. Foley mandolins are basically of one design with wood choices while the Weber can be anything from a hard core F style bluegrass instrument to a more experimental (for Weber) style.
You can get Weber to make up an mandolin to suit your needs within their design limits of a carved top instrument. They are less inclined to do so with their flat topped instruments, but if you appeal to them, they seem to be capable of doing any tye of one off. If you go to the site you can see all the variables that they will incorporate into each model.
The main difference is that Webers are usually carved and Joe Foley mandolins are flat topped (at least the ones I have seen, which are not that many) whach makes a difference in tonal qualities. Both are quality instruments but you will have to play each and decide what you want in a sound. This becomes a matter of taste and each side will have its advocates.
Foley mandolins are harder to get because they are made by one person in relatively small amounts. Weber mandolins are much more available and there is a wide choice in styles, woods, and features such as a radiused fingerboard.
For someone just getting into playing mandolin it may not be an easy choice. If you have a specific idea of what you want, it my be a little easier to decide. You best bet will be to talk or email each maker and see what they can offer you. And, of course, you should play the instruments before you decide if you can.
The Weber mandolin that closest emulates the Foley is the Aspen #2. The Aspen #2 only comes with a spruce top and maple sides although you can get a different peghead, etc. It is considerably cheaper than a Foley but will have a smaller body and a different sound. As I mentioned above, you may be able to get Weber to make an Aspen #2 with other woods. They are selling custom instruments all the time on various web sites (check out this one: http://gregboyd.com/instrument_detail.html?instrument_key=298)
I have an Aspen #2 and it has quite a nice ring to it, great volume and excellent playability - that said it's not getting much attention right now as I recently got a lovely, luthier made, carved top A and the Weber is a bit "tight" sounding compared to it.
I've heard good things about Weber's Bridger A, but have yet to play one meself. They're considerably pricier than the Aspen #2 though.
Thanks a million guys well explained, I'm living in teh Lowlands and can't get anywhere near Clare for another 6 months at least..I have been looing at Webers and they sound excellent to me, but I remember playing Joe's mandolins and loving them!
Just wanted to know what others thought about them.
Weber gives good dependable quality in their mandolins. And they don't cost the moon. Look at older Flatirons 1990 and before if you can find one. Bozeman Gibsons from this period are excellent also. Flatops are sweeter archtops are louder and more " rounded" in tone. If you love the flattops check out a Martin mandolin. I think they quit making them in the early 70's or late 60's. R/
Your thoughts on Weber mandolins
Your thoughts on Weber mandolins
I have been looking at a high-end Weber mandolin and was wondering how it compares to a Joe Foley instrument...does anyone have any thoughts on this...
Thanks
Shylock
# Posted on August 23rd 2009 by Shylock
Re: Your thoughts on Weber mandolins
Weber and Foley instruments are two completely different types of mandolins although some of the Webers might come closer to the Foley sound (the old wood carved top oval hole "X" braced Webers with the wider "A" style body or the Aspen #2.)
Both are quality mandolins but they reflect the design philosophy of the makers. Foley mandolins are basically of one design with wood choices while the Weber can be anything from a hard core F style bluegrass instrument to a more experimental (for Weber) style.
You can get Weber to make up an mandolin to suit your needs within their design limits of a carved top instrument. They are less inclined to do so with their flat topped instruments, but if you appeal to them, they seem to be capable of doing any tye of one off. If you go to the site you can see all the variables that they will incorporate into each model.
The main difference is that Webers are usually carved and Joe Foley mandolins are flat topped (at least the ones I have seen, which are not that many) whach makes a difference in tonal qualities. Both are quality instruments but you will have to play each and decide what you want in a sound. This becomes a matter of taste and each side will have its advocates.
Foley mandolins are harder to get because they are made by one person in relatively small amounts. Weber mandolins are much more available and there is a wide choice in styles, woods, and features such as a radiused fingerboard.
For someone just getting into playing mandolin it may not be an easy choice. If you have a specific idea of what you want, it my be a little easier to decide. You best bet will be to talk or email each maker and see what they can offer you. And, of course, you should play the instruments before you decide if you can.
http://www.soundtoearth.com/instruments.php is the Weber page. (Note that Weber does make four flat topped instruments.)
http://www.patbroaders.com/photo/4446
http://larkinthemorning.com/Irish+Style+Mandolin,+Joe+Foley/p/MAN014/ for pictures of Joe Foley instruments
The Weber mandolin that closest emulates the Foley is the Aspen #2. The Aspen #2 only comes with a spruce top and maple sides although you can get a different peghead, etc. It is considerably cheaper than a Foley but will have a smaller body and a different sound. As I mentioned above, you may be able to get Weber to make an Aspen #2 with other woods. They are selling custom instruments all the time on various web sites (check out this one: http://gregboyd.com/instrument_detail.html?instrument_key=298)
Hope that helps,
Mike Keyes
http:\\www.mikekeyes.com
# Posted on August 23rd 2009 by mikeyes
Re: Your thoughts on Weber mandolins
What about going for a Crump?
# Posted on August 23rd 2009 by concertinaplayer
Re: Your thoughts on Weber mandolins
Hi Shylock,
Where do you live? I know of one for sale in Co.Clare....
# Posted on August 23rd 2009 by seaniemcg
Re: Your thoughts on Weber mandolins
A Weber mandolin that is....
# Posted on August 23rd 2009 by seaniemcg
Re: Your thoughts on Weber mandolins
Seanie,What type is it? If Shylock isn't interested I might be
# Posted on August 23rd 2009 by concertinaplayer
Re: Your thoughts on Weber mandolins
I have an Aspen #2 and it has quite a nice ring to it, great volume and excellent playability - that said it's not getting much attention right now as I recently got a lovely, luthier made, carved top A and the Weber is a bit "tight" sounding compared to it.
I've heard good things about Weber's Bridger A, but have yet to play one meself. They're considerably pricier than the Aspen #2 though.
# Posted on August 23rd 2009 by triplet upstairs
Re: Your thoughts on Weber mandolins
Thanks a million guys well explained, I'm living in teh Lowlands and can't get anywhere near Clare for another 6 months at least..I have been looing at Webers and they sound excellent to me, but I remember playing Joe's mandolins and loving them!
Just wanted to know what others thought about them.
# Posted on August 23rd 2009 by Shylock
Re: Your thoughts on Weber mandolins
Cplayer- I will get onto the lad that has it, a get better details on it and a price asap.
# Posted on August 24th 2009 by seaniemcg
Re: Your thoughts on Weber mandolins
I have just posted an ad on- Done Deal- selling a Weber vintage A oval hole, if you want to check it out,thanks Gerry Barry.
# Posted on August 26th 2009 by gabarry
Re: Your thoughts on Weber mandolins
Weber gives good dependable quality in their mandolins. And they don't cost the moon. Look at older Flatirons 1990 and before if you can find one. Bozeman Gibsons from this period are excellent also. Flatops are sweeter archtops are louder and more " rounded" in tone. If you love the flattops check out a Martin mandolin. I think they quit making them in the early 70's or late 60's. R/
# Posted on August 27th 2009 by usuallypickin