ENDORSEES
Josh Palmer
Tammy Rogers
Billy Panda
Nashville studio musician, Billy Panda plays guitar, resophonic guitar, pedal steel and mandolin. Billy has this to say about his Ratliff R-5……
“Heads turn and jaws drop every time I take it out of the case. The construction and playability are absoulutely first rate. The intonation is superb, the fret work is perfect, and the inlay and binding are as elegant and well-executed as any I’ve seen. My R-5 has that rare combination of volume and balance. A sweet top end and a rich woody bottom are present at all playing levels,from very soft to extremely- I mean extremely-loud. This thing sounds great. I will not describe my R-5 as a great mandolin for the money. It is a great mandolin. Period. I couldn’t be happier.
Buddy Woodward
Buddy is co-founder of THE DIXIE BEE-LINERS, who garnered praise for their ground-breaking 2008 album. RIPE, earning the band four #1’s on the bluegrass charts. Later that year, the Bee-Liners were named Roots Music Associations’s Bluegrass Artist of the Year. The band’s second full-length work, Susanville, brings to life 19 musical moments along America’s interstates and byways. Buddy says, “It’s getting harder to find photos of my ‘good side,’ but Ratliff mandolins look good from ANY side, regardless of age. Even more importantly, they sound great. ‘Buster’ has a warm, woody bark, superb tone and volume, and great note separation. In the studio, on the concert stage — or even the galley of a Southwest Airlines 767, where we were once enticed to perform — it always delivers. I just can’t put it down!”
Dino DiGiacomo
Dino DiGiacomo is a multi-instrumentalist from Italy. He is best known to bluegrass fans as a member of the famed Italian bluegrass band Red Wine. Well known in Italy and Europe, they have also completed several successful tours in the United States. Don’t miss the opportunity to see Dino when they’re in your area. You’ll be glad you did.
Dino’s mandolin is a Ratliff RA-5. He says, “Your mandolin is a real powerhouse!!”.
Jennifer Banks McClain
Stephen Cagle
James Shelton
Before his death in 2014, James’ position as lead guitarist for bluegrass great Dr. Ralph Stanley’s Clinch Mountain Boys made James well known to bluegrass fans the world over.
However, James was also known as a multi-instrumentalist, playing several instruments on his ten solo recordings. His CD release,”Where I’m Bound”,features not only his fine guitar work but also shows just how talented he was on his R-5 Ratliff mandolin.
Here at RATLIFF Mandolins we miss James …..as a wonderful musician and as our friend.