Ludewig's the man

[Kevin Briggs]

Hey, folks,

Just chiming in to let you know my experience with this nice fellow.

I called the inquire about mandolins and what he can make for me, and he spent a lot time discussing options, sound, action, etc. I ended up not making a purchase, but I'm 99% sure I will go Ludewig when I do (hopefully in a year or so). The last piece of the puzzle is playing one of his mandolins, but I plan on being pretty happy whenever I get the chance.

Anyway, give Dale a call. He's a player's builder, so to speak. He's concerned with getting his work into our hands, so we can sound great, and so he make a living doing what he loves.

Take Care: www.ludewigmandolins.com

[Mark Walker]

Congrats on finding the 'right' builder for you. #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

I had the same experience with Ken Ratcliff - on BOTH my Silver Angel mandolins. # #I suspect there are more than a few comparable luthiers who give you a great product, what you want, at a fair price, are great to work with, and match all that into one great package! #
Go for it, and best of luck and full acceleration! #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[sunburst]

How did you get Dale to say anything?
I've never heard him speak more than a few words in my life!

Kidding, of coarse. I've had many loooonnngg conversations with Dale.
He'll listen to what you say, and do his best to build you what you want.

[Mark Walker]

Is that a trait in mandolin luthiers? Ken Ratcliff was sort of the same way until I got to know him better. His father - who builds and repair fiddles (he re-graduated the top on mine and re-finished it at like age 90 or something like that) is pretty talkative, and told me, "Kenny don't say much!" http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[Kevin Briggs]

Hey, Dale is a plentiful talker. I think he put it best when he emailed me something to the effect of: that's what we do when it comes to things we love.

My next mission is finding a Ludewig owner near Lancaster, PA (Harrisburg, Philly, Baltimore area).

Anyone know anyone? Kind of a funny phrase when you think about it. Does anyone?

[sunburst]

I'm only kidding about Dale not saying much. He's very talkative! (especially if there's a fruit jar in the vesinety)

I've only had one conversation with Ken Ratcliff. I guess his dad ought to know, and it seemed to me like he "don't say much". http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Kevin Briggs]

sunburst,

I was pickin' up what you were puttin' down from the get-go.

[J. Mark Lane]

Dale is gracious and thoughtful and will talk to anyone who is interested in mandolins. (How does he find time to build them?)

Once you place an order with Dale, you will find yourself involved in a creative process the likes of which you will rarely see in your life. I've ordered a handful of custom instruments over the last decade or so, and the experiences run the gamut. Dale is in that class of luthiers who are passionate about what they do, and thrilled with the idea of being creative, breaking out of the "molds."

I think I've risen to the level of being next on the list -- and folks, buckle your seat belts, because this is not going to be just another mandolin. <g> I'm not saying anything else at this time. But I do have a very big grin on my ugly mug.....

[Big Joe]

I've never found Dale to have a shortage of words http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif . Dale is a good friend and a great luthier. You will love his work. Anyone from Dekalb, Ill can't be all bad....or can they?http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif?? .

[bluegrassjack2]

Does Dale have a web site?

[Kevin Briggs]

I posted the link in the first post of this thread.