Ordering Information

When to buy a Ratliff mandolin

Any time you're ready. Keep in mind, every RATLIFF mandolin is hand made, one at a time. So...lead times will vary, depending on the backlog of orders. Call or e-mail to get info on current lead times and find out how long it will take to get a mandolin built for you.

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Where to buy a Ratliff mandolin

Ratliff mandolins are available at any of our authorized dealers or directly from Ratliff Mandolins. Below is contact information for ordering directly from Ratliff.

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Prices

Prices do not include shipping or custom add-ons.

Prices are held firm from the receipt of your deposit until delivery.

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Payment

We accept cashier's checks, money orders, bank transfers, personal and company checks in U.S. dollars.

A deposit of $500 USD is required to place your order. The remainder is due when the instrument is complete and funds must clear before shipment.

You may call or write to determine the current waiting time for delivery, and/or any other information relative to ordering an instrument.

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Shipping

Shipping is via UPS, FedEx or, occasionally USPS. Your cost is freight and related charges only. We always insure.

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Warranty

Ratliff mandolins are warranted for life to the original owner against defective materials and workmanship. Normal wear to the instrument is not covered under this warranty. All instruments returned for warranty repair must be shipped pre-paid and will be returned collect postage.

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Ratliff Mandolins
P.0 Box 914
440 W. Main Blvd.
Church Hill, TN 37642
(423)-357-4381

Notes on buying a Ratliff mandolin

First of all, thank you for your interest in Ratliff mandolins.

Any standard model can be purchased either directly from RATLIFF or through any of our dealers listed in the dealers directory under the "Where to buy a RATLIFF" tab at the top of this page.

Only standard models are available from our dealers. Custom options are only available on mandolins ordered directly from RATLIFF.

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F-holes vs. Oval holes

The scale length is the same for both styles of mandolins. However, due to the soundhole placement and internal bracing, the bridge placement on the body of an oval hole mandolin is different than on a f-style mandolin.

As a result, the fingerboard (although still a 13 7/8" scale) has to be moved. Moving the fingerboard "closer" to the body keeps the correct distance between the fingerboard and the bridge.

So........now the total neck length is slightly shorter. And it makes a difference.

You'll hear the oval hole mandolins refered to as "short necks". which is exactly what they are. Unfortunatly, this results in less access to the higher frets. The mandolin body itself gets in the way.

Oval hole mandolins have a unique sound, but the price to pay is playing "up the neck" is not as easy as on a f-style.

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Ratliff Mandolins
P.0 Box 914
440 W. Main Blvd.
Church Hill, TN 37642
(423)-357-4381