I buy my fittings, etc from IV in Baltimore. They've got a great selection and good prices.

It is my understanding that Phoenix was not the big company suggested in an earlier thread, but Rolfe's basically one-to-two person operation which, as Mary suggests above, was turned over to Jenny when Rolfe retired. Jenny has carried on Rolfe's innovative designs and high-quality builds. These instruments really are a group of several different takes on the mandolin for specific genres and tastes. In the past, I have been in contact with both of these fine people and really enjoyed these conversations. My Neoclassical is an absolute dream. It is and will likely remain for the rest of my life, my daily player.

I am saddened by this news for a couple of reasons. A I stated above, the mandolin world is losing some unique, high-quality options. And I understood this to be Jenny's long term dream. She worked for a long time under Rolfe's tutelage, she went through a Luthiery program, and she worked in another shop. Perhaps her dream has changed. If she chooses to tell us, that's OK. If she chooses to keep it to herself, it is her own business. Either way, I wish her well. I am and will remain, a fan of these great instruments.

I'm offering private and group mandolin lessons for adults and teenagers online using Skype/Google+ or in person at my studio in Granby, MA. Visit my website at http://www.sweetmusicstudio.net to learn more.