Gibson Master vs. "distressed" model

[troika]

I have been intrigued by the Gibson "distressed" Master model. I know that it has been painstakingly antiqued by the folks building the regular Master Models and I wonder if there is an appreciable difference in tone as a result of the distressing. Are any of the specs (ie; fingerboard width, carving of the plates etc.) different than the regular Master Models? Is it purely a cosmetic thing or are there advantages to either one? I heard that certain inherent "cracks" are purposely added to distress the mandolins. Does this have any effect on the long-term structural integrity of the mandolin? Finally, are the distressed models among the best-sounding mando's that Gibson makes? I'd love to hear from Charlie or Big Joe as well as anyone who has played the distressed model.
Thanks everyone. ( Ilove this site).

[Charlie Derrington]

Hi Ray....

I'd be glad to address your questions.


We start with a regular Master (except the head veneer) and finish it all the way to completion. We then "back up" and do the wear process. The cracks are fake, so they will not affect structural integrity.

Now here's the weird part. They sound different from a regular Master Model. Don't ask me why, because I have no idea why the distressing process should change the sound. They have a slightly "drier" tone.

Yes, the Distressed Master and the Master Model are (in my opinion) the best sounding mandolins we make.

Charlie

[Big Joe]

The Distressed Master does have a markedly different tone. It is drier and older sounding. Not only do they look old, smell old, and feel old, but they also sound old. I have a couple of theories, but that is all they are. It is the next best thing to having the real thing and even better than some of them! Try it, you'll like it!

[evanreilly]

I've played a couple of Master Models and, I believe, the prototype, of the Distressed MM. The Distressed MM is closer in sound/tone/resonance to a 1923 Gibson F-5 mandolin than the 'regular' flavor MM. The Distressed MM was a real treat to play, in addition to being a very pleasant surprise to inspect and handle.

[troika]

Hey, I got all three. #Thanks guys. #Charlie: #Now that I have your attention, I wanted to express my appreciation for the great high-end mandolins you've been building as of late. #Do you personally build them? #Do you have a particular
builder who does most of the work? #Do you recommend anyone in particular for the discerning and inquisitive customer to contact with specifics about all the MM's & DMM's out there?
Thanks.

[Big Joe]

Hey Troika...I think I can answer this for you. Charlie is the General Manager. He oversees everything in our division and does hands on when and where needed. We have experts working on these at each stage. The idea is not to build up the reputation of any one individual...including Charlie...but rather the end product. While it is a result of the direction and knowledge of Charlie Derrington and his insistence on the right people for the right job and no exceptions to the quality of the sound, he would prefer the instrument to be the star.

You can contact me anytime about any questions you may have concering our instruments. He would likely refer you to me anyway. We are happy to answer questions as fully as possible. We believe when you play a Master Model or distressed Master Model you are playing the finest new mandolin on the market. Thank you.

[John S]

Sometimes when I'm playing my Derrington-signed MM I have to stop and say to myself "mmm... now THAT is the sound". And I'm not referring to my playing ability, let me assure you. It just has the bluegrass tone I want. I've played it at a few festivals since I acquired it a few months ago, and mando-familiar folks will come up and look at it and shake their heads, saying they never heard a better one. Now I don't know about that -- there are a lot of superb mandos out there. But this one sounds far better than my fingers can justify, that's for sure. I've not heard a distressed MM yet though.

After I bought it, I had the fingerboard extension scooped and then real frets put back in, so it looks original. Also had the pickguard lowered to give me more room to pick without hitting it with the pick, and now it's just how I like it. #Life is good http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[gibby24]

I compared my MM with a distressed MM when I was at Gibson's showcase last month. My question is "does gibson put these distressed MMs in an oven or kiln at a low temperature to crack the finish?" If they do then that might dry out the wood a little, thereby affecting the tone. Just curious.

[garryh]

John,

Who made the mods to your MM. I also own a 1 year old MM and have been thinking about having it worked on.

[John S]

John,

Who made the mods to your MM. #I also own a 1 year old MM and have been thinking about having it worked on.
I took it to a local store, Guitar Works in Evanston, IL. That's the music store that Jethro taught at for a long time before he passed away. I personally never got to meet him, having moved here too late. Anyhow, Terry Straker owns the place and does good repair work. He originally put in those maple strips instead of the frets, but it didn't look quite right. So he went ahead and just put frets back in. It's scooped out deep enough that the frets don't interfere at all, and you'd never know it's scooped unless you're a foot away.

[Scotti Adams]

...Garry there is a great repairman in Franklin Ohio..right down the road from you...Mark Keiser..the place is called the Fret Shop...I highly recommend him....he has done all my work..including putting a radius on the fret board of my Gil I used to own...He is a authorized my CF Martin too. He only keeps weekend hours...as far as dropping things off. Let me know if I could be of any help...

[Flatpick]

Hey guys:
It's been a couple of years but I have had the pleasure of playing a few MM's at different shops. Elderly Instruments being one of them. They are sweet players and I have lusted after one since. I've been chasing some other brands to see what's available because there are so many good builders in today's market. On the other hand, Gibson is a tried and true builder of many instruments not just Mandolins. In the end I'll more than likely wind up with a Gibson MM or distressed MM. I want to go and see the factory and store, play some Mandolins and shake some hands. What a treat that would be. Any body wanna road trip to Gibson? I live in the Detroit area. Let me know, maybe we can set up a date and ride together.
Thank you Charlie and Big Joe. Keep up the great work over there at Gibson. Maybe we'll see you soon.

Flatpick

[garryh]

Thanks for the info guys...Scotti...I'm gonna have to look into going to see Mark since he's so close. How do I get in touch with him?

[Scotti Adams]

Here ya go Garry Fret Repair By Mark Kaiser ( 937) 743-7991. 402 S Main St. Franklin, OH

[garryh]

Thanks Scotti http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Scotti Adams]

..sure thing Garry..if and when you decide to go let me know..I will meet you there and bring along #35..I would like to see it...

[troika]

I recently spoke with a couple people who have played DMM's and they said they thought the trebles were more pronounced than the regular MM's. I know that the bass response tends to deepen over time as the instrument gets played. I wasn't aware of the increase in the treble. Does anyone else have any experience with this?