I posted this at the Mandolin Cafe - but I thought some folks over here might find it of interest too. Just in case there are folks who don't visit the Cafe:

I was able to play both the A and F models of the new Larrivee mandolins at the Dallas Guitar Show on Saturday. Fit and finish were wonderful - kinda reminded me of some of the Collings I've seen. The necks were substantial. Beefier than my Weber Fern - but I liked that. I found it very comfortable to play. The tone? I wish I could give a better report but it was a guitar show after all and all of the Stevie Ray Hendrix clones were out in force. So it was a little difficult to hear - anything. What I did hear I liked. It looks like these will be an excellent buy for the money. The price on the F was under 4 grand. I can't wait to hear one of these in a store - or someplace where you can hear yourself think.