Ondrej Holoubek mandolin - should I buy?

Subject: Ondrej Holoubek mandolin - should I buy?
From: SharonA
Date: 30 May 06 - 06:04 PM

Hi, all:

Someone in my area has a used mandolin for sale. It's made by the Czech luthier Ondrej Holoubek (I've also seen his first name spelled "Ondra"). It's an F model, and is described as having been "built based on Chris Thile's mandolin". I've only seen photos of it so far, and it looks like Holoubek's F-5 Fern model which can be seen here and also here.

But this instrument has a darker finish and "several upgrades" (again from the description provided). Among the upgrades, it was set up by Holoubek "for someone with a lighter touch" -- which describes my playing style perfectly! With my arthritic symptoms, I need an instrument that doesn't require a lot of brute strength.

I plan to go take a look at this instrument, but even the "used" price is quite hefty for my budget. I'm wondering if it would be a wise investment, so if anyone out there is familiar with Holoubek's workmanship and can give me some input and guidance, I would really appreciate it!

Thanks,
SharonA

Subject: RE: Ondrej Holoubek mandolin - should I buy?
From: mandotim
Date: 31 May 06 - 03:17 AM

Holoubek is one of the very best Czech luthiers, and has a reputation for really excellent instruments. Fit and finish are very good, and the two I've played have been absolute tone monsters. Chris Thiele's mandolin is a US made Dudenbostel F5, priced at $30,000 plus. Even a Holoubek copy should be a fine instrument. You need to go and play the mandolin, to make sure it suits you. I would always consider factors in this order;
1. Tone . Does it suit the music you want to play? Choice of strings and picks can change this to some extent, but all mandolins have their own in-built 'voice'.
2. Volume. Is it loud enough to 'cut through' in the settings where you play? Always err on the side of 'loud'. It's easy to play softer, but hard to 'overdrive' a quiet acoustic instrument.
3. Action and playability. This can often be improved by a good setup, but it sounds as if this has been done.
4. Looks, fit and finish. Mandolins can be very beautiful, but when it comes down to it, a mandolin is a tool, not an ornament.

Hope this helps, and good luck!
Tim

Subject: RE: Ondrej Holoubek mandolin - should I buy?
From: redsnapper
Date: 31 May 06 - 04:21 AM

All Holoubek mandolins I've seen have been excellent instruments. As Tim said, he is considered one of the best Czech luthiers. Definitely worth a try out. But only buy if it is the right instrument for you personally after trying it out... there are many other good mandolins out there.

RS

Subject: RE: Ondrej Holoubek mandolin - should I buy?
From: SharonA
Date: 01 Jun 06 - 06:51 PM

Thank you, Tim and Redsnapper. I'm in the US, so we don't run into a lot of Czech instruments around here. I looked up some info on Holoubek on the internet, but it's nice to have some independent confirmation that the glowing descriptions I'd read weren't just hype.

I'm a novice mandolin player, so there's a part of me that feels I don't "deserve" a really fine instrument yet. But I've played guitar for 30 years, long enough to have learned that a high-quality instrument can not only enhance one's performance but facilitate one's playing and also inspire one to improve (in order to try to give the instrument what it "deserves").

Right now I'm using a Musician's Friend "Rogue" A-style that someone gave me -- scraping the bottom of the barrel in quality -- and every time I touch it I want to smash it, it's so bad. I'd get a better tone if I were playing my cat. So it's time to upgrade... perhaps not so high "up" as a Holoubek but I'm not sure I can afford to pass up such a rare opportunity.

As you've both said, I will have to try it out to see if it's a match for me, and I for it. (... and to see whether it has the volume of which Tim speaks -- it would need to "cut through" the banjo and guitar in the trio in which I play.)

They want $3400 (US dollars) for it, and as I said it's used. What do you think -- does it seem reasonable?

Sharon

Subject: RE: Ondrej Holoubek mandolin - should I buy?
From: redsnapper
Date: 02 Jun 06 - 11:08 AM

Sharon,

I would say that's a tad high in price for a second hand although they do fetch a good price generally..

Take a look at Mandolin Cafe's classified ads for a wide range of different mandolins at different prices. There may be someone near you. There is a new Holoubek F5 there for $3750.

Also consider what you will use the mandolin for. "F" styles and "F-hole" A models are usually chosen for bluegrass whereas "celtic" and classical players usually opt for a round or oval hole "A" style. There is a definite difference in the tone and even more so between an archtop (like the Holoubek) and a flattop. The latter are generally a little cheaper.

RS

Subject: RE: Ondrej Holoubek mandolin - should I buy?
From: SharonA
Date: 05 Jun 06 - 08:43 PM

Thank you for the feedback, RS. Don't know if the guy's asking price is negotiable, but perhaps the info you gave me might convince him to lower it. He says he needs the money for room and board to send his son to a big mandolin conference, so I might get a sob-story about that. The son's a 15-year-old child prodigy (I've seen him and heard him play -- he's phenomenal!) and the mando is his, but he never plays it anymore since he upgraded. I'd love to know what he upgraded to!! Anyway, the seller says his son put "thousands of hours" of playing time into the Holoubek so there are scratches and such in it.

I am indeed looking for an F model or an F-hole A model.

Sharon

Subject: RE: Ondrej Holoubek mandolin - should I buy?
From: Wesley S
Date: 06 Jun 06 - 02:12 PM

Sharon - Yes you deserve a really fine mandolin. Thank goodness we aren't forced to buy instruments that are equal to our abilities. If that were true I wouldn't have any of the instruments I own now. Go for if you think it's an instrument you will love and enjoy.

Do check out the classified ads at the Mandolin Cafe. If you think the price they are asking is a little high for the Holoubek it might be because they feel it was owned by a "star" and it's worth more because of it. I'm not sure I go along with that thinking myself. Good luck and let us know what you end up with.

Subject: RE: Ondrej Holoubek mandolin - should I buy?
From: SharonA
Date: 08 Jun 06 - 01:21 PM

Thanks, Wesley. Heck, every parent's child is a "star", isn't he? (or she) *grin*

From what I've heard, the seller has taken his child-prodigy son to various fests over the years, introduced him to the best players he could find, convinced them to humor the kid by letting him play for them, and watched them be blown away by the kid's prowess. He's only been playing for 6 years, and already he's appeared on many stages and has some very impressive credentials in his bio. Of course, he has a website, which is here: BryceMilano.com

(I guess it all keeps him off the streets and out of trouble, but I hope he also has some friends his own age!)

Strangely, Holoubek isn't listed on Bryce's "Links" page under luthiers, though the makers of his new mandolins are. Wonder why?

Anyway, I will let you know what I end up purchasing... but it may be a while!

Sharon

Subject: RE: Ondrej Holoubek mandolin - should I buy?
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Jun 06 - 10:40 AM

Hi Sharon, don't know whether I can post on this board - I'm not a member. I'm a Holoubek owner so if you want to discuss stick a thread on the "Cafe"

Ray (UK)

Subject: RE: Ondrej Holoubek mandolin - should I buy?
From: GUEST,Lewin Barringer
Date: 20 Jun 06 - 10:35 AM

Hee hee hee....

Wel Sharon, I was the guy who ended up buying the Holoubek. I have played literally thousands of other Mandolins in the same price range and I have to say that this Holoubek is quite special. I hate to rub it in, but god am I happy that you didn't get this mando!
I am a professional musician and have shared the stage with everyone from Randy Travis to G. Love and Special Sauce.

The reason that I am writing this to you now is to let you know that I will be selling my Breedlove Cascade mandolin which the Holoubek has replaced. I seriously hate to let it go but the Holoubek wasn't cheap "as you know" and I hate to see the Breedlove collecting dust.

If you are interested in it you can contact me through the "Contact" Link at
http://www.brokentrophy.com

If you are looking for a used high end mandolin you will NOT be dissapointed with this Breedlove.

LB

Subject: RE: Ondrej Holoubek mandolin - should I buy?
From: GUEST,Wesley S
Date: 27 Jun 06 - 08:51 PM

Sharon - Here's another one that was just put on sale. Good luck.

http://www.mandolincafe.com/cgi-bin/classifieds/classifieds.cgi?search_and_display_db_button=on&db_id=19295&query=retrieval

Subject: RE: Ondrej Holoubek mandolin - should I buy?
From: GUEST,Wesley S
Date: 30 Jun 06 - 07:17 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Ondrej Holoubek mandolin - should I buy?
From: SharonA
Date: 30 Jun 06 - 08:54 PM

Hey, thanks, guys!

Lewin Barringer, congratulations on your purchase. Bryce's dad had emailed me saying that the mando was being used at a recording session and that he would contact me when it was returned, but I never heard from him again. Guess ya gotta have the right contacts... (and I don't have any -- I wear glasses! *grin*) Anyway, it sounds like the Holoubek found the home it really deserves. Enjoy!

Don't know about getting a Breedlove... maybe I'm setting my sights too high (or too high-end).

By the way, you have a lovely website but, in the introductory sequence, you misspelled the word "rhythm". :^)

GUEST, Ray (UK): Of course you may post to the Forum as a guest. Not sure what you mean by "stick a thread on the 'Cafe'. I thought this was a thread... If you register as a member of Mudcat (it's free!), people can contact you personally via PM (Private Message).

Wesley, thanks for the tips! I still need to give you an updated response to your PM, don't I?

Subject: RE: Ondrej Holoubek mandolin - should I buy?
From: GUEST,Wesley S
Date: 30 Jun 06 - 11:27 PM

I'm out of the office until next Wednesday, But I'll check this tread from time to time.

The spelling of the word "rhythm" was a pet peeve of my Jr High band director. It would show up as a bonus question on most of his tests.

Subject: RE: Ondrej Holoubek mandolin - should I buy?
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 10 Jul 06 - 12:43 PM

Hi Sharon - sorry if I confused you. Came across this site by accident whilst looking for Holoubek references. I meant stick a thread on Mandolin Cafe but sent the post before I realised that this was the Mudcat Cafe. Trouble is that I'm a member of several sites and any more would mean that keeping up to date would take more time than I spend playing.

I picked up the Holoubek (the gold plated F5 Fern - No.117) just over 3 years ago from TAMCO in Brighton. Trevor had its sister, the A style, in stock for quite some time after this but its no longer on the wewbsite so I guess he's sold it. Are you in the UK? if so TAMCO is a great place to look for mandolins. Its probably as welll that I live at the opposite end of the country!   

Cheers Ray

Subject: RE: Ondrej Holoubek mandolin - should I buy?
From: SharonA
Date: 12 Jul 06 - 11:23 PM

Hi, Ray:
I live in the US, not the UK, so we're at opposite ends of The Pond! Around here, the place to look for mandos (as well as other fine instruments) is a shop called Mandolin Brothers in Staten Island, New York. I went there in May but saw no Holoubeks.

I did an internet search for TAMCO (The Acoustic Music Company) in Brighton, and came across some pictures at this guy's site -- looks like the shop is set up similarly to our "Mandolin Bros." Crowded rooms with instruments on the walls and all over the place. Must be a great place to spend a day! (...and a lot of money, I'm guessing...)

Sharon

Subject: RE: Ondrej Holoubek mandolin - should I buy?
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Jul 06 - 10:17 AM

Hi Sharon,
Yes, theres a link from that site to TAMCO and I imagine that its much the same as Mandolin Bros. but a great deal smaller. I go to Mand. Bros. regularly but only through their web site. Its on my list of places to visit if I ever get as far as NY. If you're ever in London, you can get a train down to Brighton but I'd give Trevor, the owner, a call first to make sure he'll be there. He hangs out on the Mandolin Cafe. I don't think you'll find any Holoubeks so far as I know apart from mine, he's only ever had one other in stock.

The main distribution for them in the states seems to be a chain which goes under the name "Gallery of Strings"

Ray

Subject: RE: Ondrej Holoubek mandolin - should I buy?
From: GUEST,Ondrej Holoubek
Date: 19 Jul 06 - 08:08 AM

Subject: RE: Ondrej Holoubek mandolin - should I buy?
From: GUEST,Ondrej Holoubek
Date: 19 Jul 06 - 08:45 AM

Hi everybody,

By chance I saw your discussion.
Unfortunately, my web is still in building, so you can´t see it.
I hope that it will work in two months.
But, if you want to see pictures of my last mandolins, please contact me, and I will send you few pictures of them.
Congratulations LB, I think that this mandolin from Bryce is a good instrument for good price.
Nice summer days for all of you,
Best regards,

Ondøej Holoubek
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Ondrej Holoubek mandolin - should I buy?
From: RichM
Date: 19 Jul 06 - 10:34 AM

Why restrict yourself to purchasing this particular mandolin? You are near mandolin bros, you could consider buying a mandolin from them?

Subject: RE: Ondrej Holoubek mandolin - should I buy?
From: SharonA
Date: 19 Jul 06 - 12:50 PM

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

Subject: RE: Ondrej Holoubek mandolin - should I buy?
From: GUEST,Ondrej Holoubek
Date: 20 Jul 06 - 11:16 AM

Hi Sharon,
Try to contact Mr August Watters from Gallery of Strings, it is in Boston, the website is www.galleryofstrings.com.
August did distribution of the instruments for some czech luthiers, but he stoped it last year. Maybe he still has one of my F5 mandolin, so you can try to see it there.
Ondra

Subject: RE: Ondrej Holoubek mandolin - should I buy?
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 21 Jul 06 - 03:16 PM

Hi Sharon, as Ondra has pointed out Gallery of Strings is a US operation and London is, in fact, a separate country from the UK - not a place I go to regularly although people from that part of the world think its somewhere important. All you can do with any mandolin - Holoubek or otherwise - is play it to see if you like the feel and sound. For me, the Holoubek sounded better than any of the others in the shop and the workmanship was as near perfect as I've seen. In the years I've had it, its just sounded better.

Ondra, we meet at last (well almost) I have the F5 No.117 you sent to TAMCO in the UK. Great to hear that you're at last putting together a web site, I'm sure it will help your sales. How many mandolins have you made so far? ... and apart from the "A" which was made at around the same time as my "F" are there any others in the UK?

Cheers

Ray

Subject: RE: Ondrej Holoubek mandolin - should I buy?
From: GUEST,Ondrej Holoubek
Date: 02 Aug 06 - 09:50 AM

Hy Ray,
Thanks for your nice words about my work.
I am building my own instruments since 1995, but the first mandolin I built in 1998.
The number of the instruments what I built is 152, number of the mandolins is 47.
I dont know where in the UK are some A style, because it is long time when I sold last instrument there.
I focused to building carved instruments last years, and I hope that the new instruments what I am building now, are still better.
If you want to see some pictures of my new A mandolins, please contact me and I will send it to you.
My mail is height.
Ondra

Subject: RE: Ondrej Holoubek mandolin - should I buy?
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 10 Aug 06 - 02:27 PM

Hi Ondra,

That explains things. I've noticed that some of your mandolins are advertised with two numbers but mine only has one (an "F" No.117). I assume the higher number is the total number of instruments you have made and the lower number the total number of mandolins. You haven't made as many mandolins as I thought.

I have only seen two of your instruments in the UK. Mine and an "A" both of which you supplied to the Acoustic Music Co in Brighton.

I would like to see some pictures and will get in touch when your new web site is complete. Perhaps you could post here to let us know when.

Sharon - sorry to hijack the thread!

Ray

Subject: RE: Ondrej Holoubek mandolins
From: SharonA
Date: 10 Aug 06 - 06:45 PM

'Sokay, Ray. I'm glad that Ondra found this thread and is posting to it! His information is very helpful!!

Subject: RE: Ondrej Holoubek mandolin - should I buy?
From: GUEST,August Watters
Date: 21 Aug 06 - 04:37 PM

"The main distribution for them in the states seems to be a chain which goes under the name "Gallery of Strings"

Thanks for the mention, but Gallery of Strings is hardly a "chain" -- it's a part-time project I started in 2001 after meeting Ondra and a couple of other builders while touring the Czech Republic. I'm a performer and teacher here in Boston (teaching at Berklee), and also director of the New England Mandolin Ensemble and the Cape Cod Mandolin Camp:
http://www.nemandolins.com

I started the GoS after realizing that several of the best Czech luthiers, including Ondra, were not yet represented in the US. I still have some inventory, but am buying less actively now that the dollar is so weak against the Euro (and I'm way busier than ever with teaching and performing!). I still believe Ondra's instruments are outstanding in their price range, and quite a bit less expensive than US-based builders of his level.

BTW, Ondra told me about a year ago that he redesigned the carving of the tops, and is very happy with the results. I am too -- the last mandolin I got from Ondra was among the first of the new ones, and it was even better than my favorite, #124, which has been my main instrument for several years.

Subject: RE: Ondrej Holoubek mandolin - should I buy?
From: GUEST,Contact
Date: 20 Jun 08 - 08:45 PM

Ondrej if you see this. How can I contact you? I need to get the mando set up. I was thinking of coming to see your shop. I am in Italy.