Smokey moutain mandolin by

[Mish_mm]

http://www.smokeymountaindulcimer.com/mandolins.htm, Blaine Horlocker

He makes mandolin's and a few other instruments in the "mountain" tradition. The mountain fiddle looks interesting too.

Has anyone had any experience or knowledge of these instruments? Are the mandolin's good. I like the idea of a simple old fashioned instrument and the price is good.

Thanks.

[JEStanek]

Hi and Welcome to the Café. Those mandolins look like they are flat top and flat backed. They won't have a sound like a regular archtopped F5 style mandolin you often see in a bluegrass band. It will sound different, not better or worse just different. I would imagine it might not have the percussive chop bluegrassers are looking for.

You're not getting fancy inlay or binding, or a hand graduated arched top so you're not paying for it (explains the lower cost). That price seems reasonable for a hand made folk instrument. How they sound? I have no idea, I've never played one. Judging by the sound clip he has to a strumstick I bet it would have a similar sustain and tone to that but at the mandolin's pitch.

Jamie

[toddjoles]

About a month ago I was given one of Horlocker's strum sticks. It was built in 2006 with a Cedar top and poplar back and sides. Looks great, is very loud and very fun to play. There is a little top sunkage under the bridge though. Not bad for $85!

[Mish_mm]

Thanks for the replies.

[gkraushaar]

Why does he call them Smoky Mountain mandolins if he lives in Florida? I guess for the same reason Blue Ridge guitars are made in China.

[Mish_mm]

From his website:

"Blaine Horlocker learned the craft of making mountain instruments from his grandfather. As his grandfather taught him - his instruments are skillfully and lovingly crafted for quality sound and beauty.

Blaine was born and raised in Kentucky. This is where his inspiration as a craftsman and his love of music comes from.
He grew up as a kid listening to local musicians who would come over to their front room and bring their guitars, fiddles, mandolins - whatever they had that played a tune!"

[allenhopkins]

Why does he call them Smoky Mountain mandolins if he lives in Florida? I guess for the same reason Blue Ridge guitars are made in China.

I guess "Everglades Swamp Mandolins" didn't sell.