Lewis' Wingfeather mandos

[Rich Michaud]

I just visited Michael Lewis' website. Beautiful instruments. I am giving very serious thought to a Ritz Series-Wingfeather. Does anyone have, seen, or played one? If so please email me or post your thoughts. Rich

[Ted Eschliman]

Rich, it's on the list of my "long term" acquisitions...
Most are familiar with my Lewis "Django," and there just aren't enough hours in the day to play this jewel.
That said, the only thing I'm missing is the little more compressed "punch" or focus the F holes of the Wingfeather Series might offer.
Though 80% of the kind of music I play is handled perfectly on the warm but present tone of the Oval-holed "Django," there are times when I might want to abandon the gushing "intimacy" of it's timbre, and add a little "crispness." What a great combination to have both, and now's the time to take advantage of his work, before the rest of the mandolin world finally grasps the Lewis genius, and we have to start paying "Dude" prices for it. (That day is coming!...)
I still need to get the first one paid off, but when I do, I'll start saving up for the next.

[Rich Michaud]

Mandohack, Thanks for the feedback on the Lewis instrument. I have emailed Mr. Lewis and expect to order one. One of these days I am sure our paths will cross. I would be delighted if a real jazz player such as yourself would play it for me so that I could get a good "listen". I will make sure that I have it with me if I am in your area. Where do you play? Rich

[Ted Eschliman]

Rich, you're too kind. "Real Player" is kind of relative; perhaps "Real Student" is more descriptive...
I've only recently begun looking for public performance (outside of the church playing I've done mainly); it's been to my advantage to keep the mystique of my abilities obscure. I'm afraid if too many hear me, it will spoil the "sham."
Seriously, I'm dying to try one of these, too. If the instrument I've been blessed with is any indication of the tremendous impact Michael will have on the mandolin world in this generation, we're ALL in for a treat!

[Rich Michaud]

Ted, well, its done. Mr. Lewis is a pleasure to deal with. He will do a Wingfeather for me with Brazilian rosewood and redwood top (first choice but spruce may be considered). What tone wood is on your soundboard? What made you choose what you have and if you rejected the choice of redwood, would you be so kind as to share your thoughts as to your choice? I have plenty of time to give careful consideration to the choice given an 18-24 month lead time. Rich

[TonyP.]

Rich, as a long time admirer of Michael's work I can say in my book you scored. I believe he makes some of the most beautiful instruments I've ever played. As a matter of fact his early R & D model is what made me decide I had to have a handmade instrument. I wanted that one but by the time I got the funds together he'd sold it the day before! Over the years I've gotten to play his many different mando's and all of them have charmed me. I borrowed one for a month while he did the frets on mine and that was the hardest thing I ever had to do was give him back that mando. I was also in his booth when he was "mapping" the top and backs of many Loars and any other good mando's he could get his hands on. He went after that sound, with a vengeance I might add. This last fall I bumped into him at a fest and he had three of his latest creations. The first was already sold, but the second he'd loaned to another picker. So we hunted it up and I played that for at least an hour and it truly was wonderful. But as Michael does he saved the best for last. This one was different from the other two in that it had the redwood top and walnut back, the other two had maple and spruce. I might mention the R&D had walnut back and sides and spruce top, so I know and love his walnut mando's. In a word, I could not put the last one down, it was perfect in every way. The design, the inlays, the workmanship, and most of all the sound. It was awesome, period. Michael is truly a master and I'm sure you will love this mandolin. Congratulations.

[Ted Eschliman]

What you listed is exactly what I would choose on a Wingfeather, albeit for the wrong reasons--more cosmetic than function. (Now I'm going to have to struggle to make mine different than yours...) The other thing is I would want to contrast the softer Spruce I already have on my Django. Michael's expert rigid top bracing still manages to give the sonic articulation some "edge" despite the inherent warm of the wood, though, so it really is a nice combination for all around playing. The rosewood back would also lure me like a siren, again just because of the very striking looks.
How I came upon this is quite coincidental, more a matter of chance and fate. We met each other by accident at a NAMM show. Though he wasn't displaying at the convention, he and some of his top notch peers were showing their craft at a nearby hotel. Once I got my hands on this one, I was quite smitten.
Either he's a marketing genius too, or it was a strong hunch that I'd end up with it; he sent it to me to show some friends at some seminars and festivals. Of course I couldn't return it. Heck I could have sold it six times over, but this is my soulmate. One of those creatures you'll only add to, but never give up in the collection.
I'm thrilled to hear you'll be part of an elite club, too. You will not regret it!

[Rich Michaud]

Thanks guys for the wonderful feedback on Mr. Lewis. Now, the wait will be tough-but a wonderful thing to look forward to. I will keep you posted on the Wingfeather's progress. Mr. Lewis' workmanship looks superb. This should be fun. Rich

[gibby24]

I saw that Django at the mandofest. I did not get to play it or even listen to it so all I can comment on is the workmanship. The man does startlingly precise work. Kind of reminded me of Zeidler and brother that is a compliment.

[Michael Lewis]

You guys are making it hard to live up to expectations. My work is not perfect, but I try.

Regarding F holes v oval hole, yes F holes provide much more punch. The rosewood v walnut or maple, rosewood provides an almost echo and clarity of tone, where the walnut and maple are more warm in tone and slightly less clear. These are just generalities, and each instrument will have it's own unique flavor of tone.