View Full Version : Adam steffey gibson mandolin
shiloh
Dec-05-2007, 2:48pm
Hi everyone,
Just curious about the Adam Steffey Gibson mandolin (which of course is a retired model for obvious reasons...).
What is unique about it? Is it modeled after the Loars? Curious the width of the neck at the nut, and stuff like that. I heard one on youtube the other day and it was marvelous (as was the mandolinist, or course :-)
Jill
Tony Sz
Dec-05-2007, 4:32pm
Josh Williams plays one, I believe Sierra Hull does also. I have lucky #13. It's the same as the Fern in most respects (wood and construction) The differences are that the Steffey board has a radius, and no extension, has a Steffey "burst" finish, a Steffey signature on a pearl truss rod cover, and Steffey signature on the tailpiece cover, and has reverse binding. I think that's it as far as I know.
Brian Baker
Dec-05-2007, 4:37pm
Shiloh:
I've got Steffey #20, and am very pleased with it.
The Steffey models features include: radiused fretboard, dark burst, shortened fingerboard (no "florida" extension), side bound, fleur-de-lis headstock inlay.
Other than that, I'd say it is equivalent to most newer Gibson F5s. It has the "narrow" neck width at the nut, unlike the Bush and F5G custom models.
Mine has a great sound, even with low action. Other folks that have Steffey models include Sierra Hull, Josh Williams, and I suppose Adam Steffey (maybe he uses it as his beater when not playing the Daley! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif )
You can see some pics of mine here:
http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin....steffey (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=15;t=39242;hl=steffey)
Brian
shiloh
Dec-05-2007, 7:53pm
Hey Tony and Brian,
Thanks! Brian, gorgeous pics! So, you've had the Steffey about a year? I noticed it was signed on my birthday! I'm a huge fan of Adam's and just wondered what the 'choices' were that defined 'his' signature Gibson.
I had some work done on my Doyle Lawson when I bought it. Sent it to Gibson and,while it was there, had them add a radius. It already has the 'shortened' fingerboard and the pearl truss rod cover, so I almost have a Steffey without knowing it! 'Cept it says Doyle Lawson on it! #My D. Lawson has binding around the F holes which, I understand, changes the tone to be a bit more 'woofy' but I like that.
So, final question. The nut is about 1" then? It has taken me a little time to get used to mine (which is a 1" nut). I have small hands, and I wonder how folks with large, fat fingers can fret cleanly. I know, practice, practice, practice!
Thanks!
Jill
f5loar
Dec-05-2007, 9:15pm
Well I know who doesn't play one....Adam Steffey.
Go figure!
sean808080
Dec-06-2007, 10:06am
dumb question.....why was it discontinued? not so obvious to me. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
Givson
Dec-06-2007, 12:53pm
I've got the previous Adam Steffey model - an Apitius Classic F5. Also not currently played by Adam.
f5loar
Dec-06-2007, 1:58pm
Why continue to carry a model the artist the mandolin is signature for no longer plays? Same goes for the Bibey, Lawson and Benson models. When is the last time you saw them playing their own models? Pitful, just plain pitful I tell you. So sad to see this happen in the corporate world. I see it as a slap in the face to Gibson. Name a mandolin after me to give me the recoganition I deserve and I'll be sure to not play it! Bush still plays his original Bush model and it's not a limited edition model. At least Donald Trump wears his own signature shirts,drinks his own signature wine and carries his money in his own signature wallet.
Why continue to carry a model the artist the mandolin is signature for no longer plays? Same goes for the Bibey, Lawson and Benson models. When is the last time you saw them playing their own models? Pitful, just plain pitful I tell you. So sad to see this happen in the corporate world. I see it as a slap in the face to Gibson. Name a mandolin after me to give me the recoganition I deserve and I'll be sure to not play it! # Bush still plays his original Bush model and it's not a limited edition model. At least Donald Trump wears his own signature shirts,drinks his own signature wine and carries his money in his own signature wallet.
Good point.
I did ask Steffey about his Gibson and he said he does still play it. It might be more around the house kinda playing though.
Oh yeah , last time I saw Wayne Benson he was playing a new gibson but it was a DMM that looked identical to his signature model. Does that count?
f5loar
Dec-06-2007, 9:10pm
Last time I saw Lawson he was playing a DMM too. That don't count when you gots your own signature model! I think Benson is back to his '20's Fern.
Big Joe
Dec-06-2007, 10:11pm
Wayne has a cutom mandolin that looks much like his Fern and he will play that and his signature model. Doyle still plays his signature model at times and his DMM. Alan Bibey still plays his signature model as well as his Loar. Like many of us, they own more than one mandolin and use each for different things.
shiloh
Dec-07-2007, 9:43am
Hey Big Joe,
Thanks for the insights. Well, one thing I know, my Doyle Lawson is just a beauty to behold and sounds fantastic. Everyone that plays it can't believe it is still a 'young' mandolin.
Merry Christmas to all!
Jill
Danny Clark
Dec-07-2007, 11:00am
Last time i saw Doyle playing his signature model was this past Sat. night DEC 1 07, Bristol TN.
Brian Baker
Dec-07-2007, 4:11pm
Shiloh:
Sorry I haven't replied, but it has been a busy week!
I'm glad you like your Lawson model. I like the bound f-holes, pretty neat. This past January, I went to SPBGMA, and played a Lawson model at the Gibson outlet... It was a good one, nice tone. Sounds like you have about everything the Steffey has, on your Lawson. I was looking for a dark burst, no extension, fully bound, so the Steffey really fit the bill!
Incidentally, Steffey #10 just sold on eBay last week. It was the first Steffey I'd seen for sale anywhere on the web since I got mine last year.
Can you post any pics of your DL model?
Brian
shiloh
Dec-07-2007, 8:34pm
Hey Brian,
The Steffeys sure are beautiful. I hope to play one someday, for sure. Would love to hear one. Maybe Sierra's upcoming new CD will be recorded with her Steffey (I hope).
I am very techno challenged, but I'll try to post a pic or two of the D.Lawson. It warmed my heart to know that Doyle is playing is in public now and again. BTW, I had the lacquer/stain taken off the back of the neck. Not everyone's choice, but I love it. Sort of goes back to my violin days I guess (has nothing to do with increasing my speed of playing, believe me!).
Merry Christmas,
Jill
shiloh
Dec-07-2007, 8:41pm
Brian,
p.s. what did the Steffey sell for on ebay?
Jill
Brian Baker
Dec-08-2007, 4:18pm
Shiloh:
I think it sold for $4700!!! That's a good price: I paid over a grand more for mine. But, I'm absolutely satisfied with mine, and plan on keeping it as my main mando "forever", so I suppose it's a moot point.
BTW, what method did you use to take the finish off the neck? I've thought about doing so on mine...
Brian
shiloh
Dec-09-2007, 12:16am
Hey Brian,
Wow, great price on the ebay Steffey! I'm actually quite surprised.
I had some nut work done by the Gibson folks shortly after I bought my mandolin (and it was warranty work) so while it was there they did the lacquer/stain removal. I had them do everything I thought I might ever possibly want done - figured as long as I sent it to them, why not just go for it. Danny Roberts was overseeing it all. I would not have attempted to do that myself - firstly #because I have no clue how (!) but equally as important, I wanted it to be done right, and by the folks who built (and warranteed) the mandolin. I honestly do not remember how much it cost, but I'm sure Danny could give you a quote over the phone if that is of any interest (or I could find my receipt and let ya know). Not cheap as I recall, but I love it and at least I can say that Gibson did it should I ever consider selling the mandolin (not that ever would!)It looks as if it was originally made that way.
Jill