Coming in April to JBovier dealer showrooms, three exciting new models of acoustic mandolins. We raved last year about the addition of some outstanding electric mandolins, and founder and head designer, Jeff Cowherd has been back on the drawing board working some tweaks on two Florentine models, and a welcome return to the past in an intriguing affordable Army/Navy flat top. We mentioned seeing these at Winter NAMM, but with them being so new, details were a little sparse.

Jeff weighs in, "My intention for 2011 was to offer a line of JBovier mandolin models that will appeal to a wider group of players... both in affordability and quality. To begin with I designed (3) new mandolins for 2011 starting with the "AN" (Army-Navy) model for under $300, the "F5-Studio" for under $650., and the fine quality "F5-Special" as the new top-of-the-line. Also, the familiar "A4", "A5X", "F5-Tradition", & "F5Z" models will have lower prices for 2011, to help players like me who are "financially challenged".

We raved about his affordably priced profesional model Zebrawood F5Z in a 2009 review, and are eager to see these new additions hit the floor this spring.

Click images for close up

Army/Navy
Solid Sitka Spruce top, Mahogany neck, back and sides
Tone bar bracing
Inlaid headstock logo
Acrylic position dots
Single ply binding, synthetic bone nut
Wilkinson Jinho tuners
Flat Ebony fretboard & bridge
Chrome endpin & hardware
Two-way adjustable trussrod, Dowel rod neck joint
.080 frets
Available in Natural Gloss (NG)
Builders note: The "A/N" will have a traditional 2-piece adjustable bridge & saddle... NOT fixed w/ saddle insert as shown.
$379 List price, $299 Street price

F5 Studio
Solid Sitka Spruce top, flamed Maple neck, back and sides
Tone-bar bracing
Inlaid headstock logo & decor
Three line binding, synthetic bone nut
Wilkinson J-105-C tuners
Flat Ebony fretboard & bridge, Ebony endpin
Nickel hardware
Two-way adjustable trussrod, dovetail neck joint
.080 frets
Available in Aged Oil Brown (ABO)
$849 List price, $699 Street price
Builders note: The "F5-Studio" will have a normal (abbreviated) JBovier fretboard extender... NOT have the long fretboard extender as shown.



F5 Special
Solid Carved European Spruce top, highly-flamed Maple neck, back and sides
Vintage profile tone-bar bracing
Inlaid headstock logo & special decor
Mother of pearl position dots
Three-ply binding, bone corners
Tusq nut
Gotoh/Vintage Design tuners
Radiused Ebony fretboard & bridge, Ebony endpin
Nickel hardware
Adjustable trussrod, dovetail neck joint
.080 frets
Available in Nitrocellulose Gloss Sunburst (SB)
$2199 List price, $1699 Street price
Builders note: The "F5-Special" will include a Hiscox "Pro II" Case

Manufacturer Website: JBovier Mandolins
Custom Shop Website: JBovier Custom Shop

Posted by Ted at February 14, 2011 5:56 AM