Weber Absaroka (2002)

Description

Bruce Weber's long career as a mandolin luthier is on full display for this beautiful 2002 Absaroka, one of our favorites of his A-styles. As with some of his more experimental work at Flatiron, the Absaroka features modified X-bracing underneath the hood for a full-bodied sound and a longer sustain time than most mandolins with F holes. But apart from the bracing, the rest plays by the book, with a spruce top, flamed maple neck, back, and sides, as well as traditionalist aesthetics like the double-bound body, fingerboard, and dark cherry-red sunburst finish. It's indicative of why Bruce's mandolins are still so sought-after today.

This instrument has seen a typical to below-typical amount of playing wear for one of its age, and does have a moderate amount of light pick marks on the top. In addition, there are some minor finish imperfections on the back and a groove on the treble side of the neck at the sixth fret. The set up is, however, very good, with low, playable action and a clear sound that makes it a great tool for Celtic music and Americana. We consider it to be in very good condition. Included in the price is the original hard-shell case.