Weber f's why y [Archive] - Mandolin Cafe Forum

shadco

Mar-01-2008, 9:47am

has anyone noticed that Weber F's have a Y shaped detail where the scroll resolves into the top?

Is there a reason beyond just being a little different?

http://www.pbase.com/shadco/image/93604701.jpg

Chris Biorkman

Mar-01-2008, 9:57am

I would think it's just an attempt to be different. But I have no idea what I'm talking about. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

JEStanek

Mar-01-2008, 10:12am

The snake tounge, as I call it, seems to be like a trademark or signature of the Weber scrolls. I, particularly, like them. Very crisp, very clean.

Jamie

edit: Some searching found snake/forked tongues discussed thread 1 (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=15;t=43322;hl=weber+and+sna ke+and+tongue) and thread 2 (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=15;t=34825;hl=weber+and+sna ke+and+tongue) where Hoovetone indicates this is a Bruce Weber design element.

David Newton

Mar-01-2008, 1:09pm

Someone's going to ask, so I might as well...

Could someone compare (A-B) the tone differences between a mandolin with the "snake-tongue" high-point scroll ending, and the regular single point? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

I love the snake-tongue, very elegant.

red7flag

Mar-01-2008, 1:20pm

Dave, Not trying to be difficult, but to do that you would need pretty much a Weber build for each instrument, one with the snake tongue and one with the single line, using the same type of wood, same appointments, strings, etc, to try to eliminate as many other issues that could account for differences in sound. Personally, I have always liked the snake tongue (love that description), but doubt it is anything more than a cool looking change that helps create a signature look for Weber, but I sure could be wrong.
Tony

fwoompf

Mar-01-2008, 1:35pm

Holy cow I never even noticed until this thread. Bwahahaha. I'll never not see it now. Cool stuff!

pjlama

Mar-01-2008, 1:38pm

Me no likey.

JEStanek

Mar-01-2008, 5:45pm

Dave and Tony. I think that test was done in 04 and the results indicated a bifurcation of the quaternary dM mode resulting in increased amplitude of the beta node and decreased frequencies in the sigma node.

Ok. I made all of that up. Dave, you get the Mandolin Café Pot Stirrer of the Day award.

Jamie

MikeEdgerton

Mar-01-2008, 6:19pm

If it effects the sound perhaps they should add a few more....

By the way, I love it when builders add their own little details to traditional looking instruments. If I recall Red Diamonds flair out at the points.

red7flag

Mar-01-2008, 6:28pm

Jamie, you had me going for minute, I was thinking, WHAT?http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif, I got that dog with the head turned look. Nice one.
Tony

Philphool

Mar-02-2008, 9:20am

I don"t know whether the Y of the scroll ridge is a snake tongue or a fish tail.

Maybe a year ago there was a discussion of Weber design. I was surprised to hear descriptions of a heart & fish in the celtic knot design on the headstock, and later noticed a fish emblem on the label, apparently an indicator of the faith of the maker. So maybe the fork is another variation on the fish design.
Anybody know for sure?

Phil

jim simpson

Mar-02-2008, 9:48am

On a similar note, Barry Kratzer's mandolin when made with his old partner (K&M?) had the Georgia chicken foot detail. Perhaps someone could post this detail (Barry?)

JEStanek

Mar-02-2008, 11:32am

Phil,
Given the details of Bruce's Celtic heart knot and fish incorporated into it, you may be onto something. Maybe Rick B. will provide us with an answer...

Jamie

fredfrank

Mar-02-2008, 12:11pm

Here's a particularly nice view of it . . . makes a great desktop background!

Ken Olmstead

Mar-02-2008, 1:27pm

That's true Phil. Might be. I don't want to say anything on that topic as I started that thread on the knot and had no idea what box I had opened. Anyway, I like the "snake tounge!" http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

Ken Olmstead

Mar-02-2008, 1:31pm

Jamie,

Maybe you could integrate it somehow into that "pretzel" design you had going. What a howl!!! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Ken

JEStanek

Mar-02-2008, 2:58pm

Yikes, lets not open another can o worms on that... I remember that thread! I'll stick to... I like the way it looks, clean and crisp and let others agree or not peacefully.

Jamie

JeffD

Mar-02-2008, 10:07pm

I think its real cool looking, and I doubt very much if there is any measurable difference in tone.

There are some makers whose scroll lacks a center ridge alltogether. I think that looks kind of lame.

MikeEdgerton

Mar-03-2008, 6:57am

I don't think anybody seriously thinks it alters the tone, they are simply pushing your leg.

Rick Banuelos

Mar-03-2008, 1:19pm

The forked volute in our scroll ridge has no relationship to any fish or snake, nor any metaphorical symbolism implicit in these non-relationships. Any similarity to any persons, living or dead, is unintentional and purely coincidental.

It is, however, cool. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blues.gif

Nobody else does it, and we enjoy doing it here; the process is very fun.

MikeEdgerton

Mar-03-2008, 1:41pm

I hate it when the conspiracy theories die. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blues.gif

Thanks Rick.

Timbofood

Mar-03-2008, 1:50pm

It just has to be said...
"Y Not" Or in the multiple case..."Y knot".
Sorry,
I will go see what I can tie up for dinner. (Again, sorry)

Wesley

Mar-03-2008, 2:22pm

Fred - You're right. Your photo makes an excellent desktop background. Thanks.

David Newton

Mar-03-2008, 2:57pm

I suppose I should apologize for "stirring the pot" and I will, with a small amount of reserve. It isn't this forum so much as the guitar forums that go on and on about every minute detail and how or if it affects tone, and which one is "best".

I listened to a couple of really good guys this weekend play guitar and mandolin, and on just third-rate instruments. It's the player, not the playee that makes the biggest difference.

That photo up there is yummy.

Chris Biorkman

Mar-03-2008, 3:09pm

I like when people say the fingerboard extension gives the e string more pop. I'm don't buy it.

Ken Olmstead

Mar-03-2008, 5:33pm

I hate it when the conspiracy theories die. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blues.gif

Thanks Rick.
Sorry Mike, but Rick may just be part of this conspiracy! I won't be satisfied without hearing it from Bruce himself. OR, I would accept Paula-Jean's statement as fact but she seems to have mysteriously left the company... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

Disclaimer: The writer of this post is indeed making jest because he has nothing better to do while on a study break! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

JEStanek

Mar-03-2008, 8:10pm

How many copies of Catcher in the Rye are you studying at once, tenorbanjoguy? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

I will continue to call them snake tongues and I will continue to call them cool. But now I'll know when I tell someone if asked, that's just how Weber does it.

Jamie

Tom F

Mar-07-2008, 12:47pm

Rick, you could have strung them along with...

"Weber's policy has determined that design features integrated into our instruments may or may not have symbolic representations. #Based on patent protocol, all structural and sonic engineering elements are kept strictly confidential." #

Then as a disclaimer, just to throw them...

"No Pituophis catenifer sayi or Oncorhynchus clarki were harmed in the design or construction of our instruments."

What do you mean I have too much time on my hands....?

Rick Banuelos

Mar-07-2008, 2:24pm