Designed for the special bluegrass sound with medium-heavy strings. Professionals describe this model as having a "cutting chop and superb bass," "great playability," "doesn’t seem stiff or hard to play," "perfect balance between strings," and they remark on the added volume and clarity on the E-string, especially in the studio for recordings. Some players use the increased playability to make chop chords on the 12th-14th frets. Hear it on the CD "James Bailey & Company".
Retails:
Includes a custom hardshell case.
Optional equipment:
Solid ebony suspended finger-rest - .
Fishman transducer mandolin pickup in ebony bridge with end-pin jack -.
Nut Width: 30mm or 1.2"
Check out our series of video samplers of the Phoenix Bluegrass Model!
Phoenix Bluegrass Model #1 Flatpicking
Phoenix Bluegrass Model #2 Flatpicking
Phoenix Bluegrass Model #3 Flatpicking
Phoenix Bluegrass Model #4 Flatpicking
Phoenix Bluegrass Model #5 Fingerstyle
Phoenix Bluegrass Model #6 Fingerstyle
Phoenix Bluegrass Model #7 Fingerstyle
Check out the official Phoenix Mandolin Website
Mickey's Review:
Aesthetics: You know, at first, I was a little skeptical. Sure, I've heard the accolades from over zealous Phoenix owners...of whom, I would expect to exaggerate.
Now, when the Phoenix Bluegrass model first arrived, I opened up the case...and, I was taken aback by the impeccable craftsmanship (no shoddy workmanship here!). This mandolin is perfectly carved with accurate symmetry. It's a two-point ala Jethro Burns style and has a perfectly carved top and back. I'm not sure how the lower concaves on the back are achieved...but they sure add a unique appeal to the instrument. The finish is a tobacco sunburst with literally no reds. The gradation from lighter brown to the black edges is even without a quick jump from light to dark. The two-piece back also has a nice even gradation. The finish is gloss...but does not look necessarily too shiny. It has somewhat of an vintage look to it. The binding is ivoroid throughout which also adds to its antique/vintage look.
I'm impressed with the attention to detail...even the neck has a pronounced radius which is normally an up-charge with other manufacturers...on top of this, the bridge matches the fingerboard in that it has a pronounced radius. Choice woods are used throughout with highly figured maple back and sides along with a matching highly figured neck. In fact, the neck harmonizes very well with the rest of the instrument so that you get the feel it's integral to the instrument. As you know, on select mandolins of other brands, some necks look like they were separately attached as if it was an afterthought.
And, talk about attention to detail, even the position markers on the edge of the neck are MOP...which I personally love to see. As you look down at the position markers, you truly feel like you're playing a jewel. I also like the fact that the Phoenix logo is on the headstock, a beautifully inlaid bird, as opposed to a brand name screaming product awareness (which most everyone else uses). No lettering, just a subtle logo that whispers "exquisitely made".
Playability: Wow! This mandolin arrived with a perfect action. At least, for my taste, the action was fast and low. Now, Jethro Burns himself stated emphatically that an action does not have to be high to achieve better volume. This mandolin proves his theory; it's loud, Loud, LOUD...in spite of its extremely low action. The action, in combination with the radius fingerboard, allows for playing with true ease...you can truly concentrate on tuning into the song at hand without the feeling of having to fight with the instrument to eke out a melodic phrase.
Sound: One word: LOUD. It's most definitely a bluegrass cannon! A powerful mandolin with a punch that will knock you back. I'm not sure about it being good for a wide variety of styles, although, considering its model name, it's not intended to be a versatile mandolin. It most definitely has an amazing bark. I attempted to play a few percussive chords comped in a Bluegrass rhythm...and found it to easily slice through a tidal wave of banjos and fiddles.
That's my opinion...and, since this is my first Phoenix, I cannot say that every Phoenix Bluegrass model is consistent; however, this particular instrument holds true to my above overview.
Signed: Mickey Cochran
These are custom handmade mandolins and usually require scheduled orders. Please and delivery time.
Subject: Phoenix follow up
Date: Fri, 26 Dec 2003 11:57:41 -0600
Hi MIckey, James, Trad
The Phoenix "Bluegrass" is a keeper. Thanks for your patience. Thats the short end of the story. The long rambling version is below.
Thanks,
Larry
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I spend a fair bit of quality time with the mando Christmas day and came to understand that the Phoenix is a bird of a different feather.
The past 10 years I've spent playing "other high-end models".
However the Phoenix IS a more refined instrument than "these other high-end models". The refinements come across in the fretwork, the clarity, the "in tuneness", the evenness up and down the neck, and the togetherness of the composite sound. Good job Rolfe!
It has a voice of authority while maintaining a rich warm sweet tone. It feels like the whole instrument is working together toward a common cause. The response can be delicate, and yet it CAN move some air with thick "woof".
Extended play time on the Phoenix definitely opened up the instrument, especially the low end. My initial problem with a dull G string was simply the way I was holding the mando and tucking it against my body.
It was a surprise to discover how much sound comes off the back. The Phoenix back contrubutes hugely to the resonance of the top. More so than any mando I've ever played.
By holding it in such a way to leave the back free to vibrate, the G string sprang to life and the lowend became airy and articulate. Why didn't I think of that sooner?
I foresee a long happy relationship with this versatile instrument.
Thanks again. Great new year to you all.
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