Rose Mandolins

Darby Boofer began his journey into mandolin building in 2000. With the support of master craftsman Buddy Davis, who provided him with the necessary space, tools, and materials, Darby built his first mandolin. He quickly progressed to his second and third instruments, refining his skills and mastering the nuances of the craft.

Darby's regularly attended festivals in the Virginia region, often bringing one of his instruments with him. It wasn't long before his work caught the attention of  Mike Andes (Nothin' Fancy) and Jimmy Gaudreau (JD Crowe & the New South, Tony Rice), who were among the first owners of Rose mandolins. 

In 2023, bluegrass veteran Doug Bartlett acquired one of Darby's mandolins and was so impressed that he commissioned a custom build. Recognizing the potential of Darby's work. Doug joined as a partner and sales representative in 2024 and quickly brought together a team of top-tier mandolinists, including Chris Davis, Jesse Brock, and Dale Reno, who enthusiastically endorsed Darby's instruments.

Today, mandolin players nationwide are placing orders for these expertly crafted instruments, each a labor of love in honor of Darby's daughter, Rose.