David, what are your impressions of the Giocomel? I met David Grisman last year and introduced him to my Monteleone too! He had'nt seen one (outside his home) in awhile, but he said If I loved the Monty, I would love the Giocomel too, and let me pick on it awhile. It was one of only three on the continent at that time. I thought it was good, but we were pretty rushed.

i played the Giacomel at Mandolin Bros a while back. the cosmetics are pretty rough. the sound is good, but playing it next to the MF5v deluxe, well, let's just say there was no contest.

Hey Kerry, Mary
The Giacomel is absolutely incredible. The range and clarity are perfect. The sustain is long and the tone is sweet. I have come to describe the sound as invisible, music seems to be in the room rather than coming from inside the box. The sound has a life of it's own.
This is actually my 2nd J5, with Waverly tuners. My 1st suffered a soundboard crack within two weeks of delivery. Corrado graciously and promptly built a new one, with my setup specs. I use J75 strings which bring more bass.
I do notice that when perfectly tuned to A=440 there is more volume and complexity. Something to do with the plate tuning he does?
I am very happy with my mandolin.

David,
I have a friend with a Giacomel. I sounds great in his hands. When I played it I found the tailpiece pretty awkward--my friend actually plays it in a more upright position.

Did you find the tp easy to get used to?

Sorry, I haven't logged in for a while.
The tailpiece is rather large, yes. But I don't find it cumbersome or inhibiting-no. Changing strings is another story.
I try not to touch the top or bridge while playing, better technique being the goal. Tailpiece design can affect the overall sound, altering string tension, volume, sustain, overtones. Notice that the after length (bridge to tail) is shorter on the bass strings, counter to traditional design.
Feedback from players to luthiers helps them improve. My first J5 cracked, on the soundboard. Corrado graciously built a new one, with Waverly's I provided and my setup preferences. He uses Waverly's now, and maybe gives more thought to setup. Most builders could improve their setup.
We know that Collings is way ahead in this regard. It's really amazing how consistent they are.