Thornton Caldwell mandolins

[Bookman]

It's about that time to upgrade my mandolin, and I've been looking around at various makers. I'm quite intrigued by Thornton Caldwell's designs. Does anyone out there have one? Anyone played one? What did you think? Grateful for any info.

[Jim Garber]

Interesting... you can see it here (http://thesitefactory.co.uk/thorntoncaldwell/mandolin.html).

http://thesitefactory.co.uk/thorntoncaldwell/assets/mandolin_front.jpg

Strange that he says that it is "based on a 'Gibson A Model'". It looks nothing like a Gibson, but intriguing nonetheless.

You could contact him to see one in person if you are near to him. Otherwise, unless there are folks on the Cafe who have had diorect experience, contact the builder and see if he can put you in contact with some of his customers.

JIm

[nigelgatherer]

I have played some. Too briefly to make an informed judgement, but there's no doubt they LOOK impressive. Last time I played one was at least three years ago, and it was definitely a marked improvement; he's getting better as time goes on. There's no substitute for playing one, so if you get the chance, that's the best test. Good luck.

[Bookman]

Just an update on my recent query...I did contact Thornton (very helpful chap), and arranged to try one of his mandolins. It looked really impressive (very much like the pictures on the website), but the sound really won me over. It had a really powerful bass response (a sort of 'feel it reverb in your chest' kind of sound), as well as a lovely bell-like top end. So I bought it then and there, and have been playing it since (I have stopped to eat and sleep...). In really love it, and wouldn't hesitate to recommend his work.

[steve V. johnson]

Congrats on your new mandolin!

Very cool instruments! 'Scottish Romantic' style? I had not heard of Thornton Caldwell, so this is very welcome information, thanks!

I like that he'll go out to 385mm wide on the neck! Almost 1.5"! Are the dark stripes on the back of the neck structural, that is, are those separate pieces of wood?

And can you tell us his range of prices?

Congrats again and many thanks!

stv

[Michael Wolf]

Bookman,

my congrats. It's nice that you were able to make such a fast decision. Is it a carved top and is it comparable to a oval hole Gibson sound? Or is it more of a flattop sound?

Cheers
Michael

[Bookman]

I'll just tear myself away from my new mandolin long enough to respond here (still working on the c part triplet run of Belfast Hornpipe). The dark wood (Wenge)pattern on the neck is indeed structural - Thornton has innovated a number of features in the structure and bracing. The sound is definitely not a 'flat top' sound - I know, as I've mostly played flat tops before this. It much more along the lines of a Gibson, although different in its own way. As to pricing, I think each one is different based on the spec. I recommend that you email Thornton - he's quite responsive to emails. He politely answered about a dozen from me when I was first investigating my upgrade.

[Bookman]

I'll just add a couple of pictures...

[Bookman]

And the back...

[Bookman]

And the side (although with the light background in the photo, you can't really see how deep the carved body is)...

[steve V. johnson]

Don't let me interrupt that hornpipe... <GGG>

Thanks for the pictures! This is great stuff!!! I'm really glad to learn about this builder!

Congrats again, and enjoy (like I have to tell you... <GGG>)

stv