Hi, Rich: It's not a matter of "restricting" myself. The seller of the Holoubek mandolin lives in my area (much closer than Mandolin Brothers!), and when I was told that it was for sale, I posted this thread because I knew nothing about the instrument or the luthier. Little did I know at the time that the seller did not have the mandolin at his home to look at and try out. Apparently Lewin bought it before it made its way back, so I never saw it... so I still don't know what a Holoubek mandolin sounds like, or whether it would be the "right" mando for me.

I would indeed consider purchasing a mando from Mandolin Brothers (despite the high sales tax rate), or anywhere else for that matter. I'll be doing some more research before I plunk my money down on anything, though.


Ray, thanks for the advice and the tip about "Gallery of Strings". If I ever do go to London, I'll have to start a thread asking for advice on where to go hear the best folk music and who might welcome a visitor from America to their Circle. I would hope to meet a bunch of UK 'Catters!


Mr. Holoubek, thank you so much for posting to the Mudcat Forum and telling us about your website. Please let us know when it is up and running. I look forward to seeing it!

All the best,
Sharon