Here is what a previous owner posted to the Cafe about this mandolin:
"Chris made an A5 for me in 2012 with very plain and elegant features, including a radiused board and ebony binding on top and fret board with EVO frets. It took some 3 years to break in but was well worth it. Yes, it has the trademark Loar midrange in spades, with great highs and just enough bass, which is what I wanted. The G and D string have that "rattle" tone that I hear in the Monroe batch Loars. Mandolins that came and went while i've had the Stanley: a good 1924 Gibson A snakehead, C.E. Ward A5, a Smart A5, and a really good Girouard mandola. All very good instruments, but they came and went because the Stanley has that something extra in tone. While the Stanley is a well made mandolin, Chris' priority is more about getting the Loar tone (he's owned 3) than obsessing over perfect looks. His mandolins have been very consistent since about #30. Mine is #62. It took some 3 years for the bottom 4 notes on the G strings to come into their own, and now they're just right with not too much low to get lost with other instruments. I've played some good sounding Ellis, Red Diamond, and Heiden mandolins, and I am more than satisfied with this Stanley. In the looks department, Chris is exceptionally gifted with getting a 3-D stain. You can look into the wood thru the varnish and see beautiful things. Once you see it you'll be spoiled. Few do it as well, and no one, and I do mean no one, does stain better. Education is expensive, and I've learned that a good Stanley leaves me wanting for nothing. I hope you take time enough to find what will stand the test of time."