On a positive note

**J. Mark Lane** · Jul-13-2005, 9:37am

Ah, I'm having fun!

Don Paine is about to start my F4, and we've been corresponding about wood types, neck designs, bracing, the sounds that come out of an F4...and fun things like...what color do I want? #

At the same time, I'm corresponding with Dale Ludewig about the details of my F5, which he will start shortly. #Similar discussions, different tonal objectives, different issues. #

I'm also looking at possibly getting one of Chris Stanley's instruments, and speaking with him about that.

As the old song says, "s'wonderful"! #These guys (and I'm sure many others like them) are tremendous. #Having someone talk with you about the tightness of the grain on a piece of spruce, and how that might effect the sound you are going for...or the many other fine details of an instrument being made just for you...it's a really great feeling, and a lot of fun.

These instruments are certainly not cheap. #But when you think about what you have to pay to get a really good mandolin from one of the two or three "big name" companies that make good mandolins, these custom instruments from really good, "up and coming" small shop builders are a great deal. #I'm paying less, in each case, than I would pay for a new...uh, mandolin from a certain famous maker. #And based on what I've seen (and heard) so far, I suspect I'll have a better instrument, in each case. #

Cool!

**Kbone** · Jul-13-2005, 10:34am

ahh ! to be a Lawyer..

**otterly2k** · Jul-13-2005, 11:01am

Hey Mark... you know if you ever decide that this work is just too much for you, I'm available for a sub-contract...:p

**JD Cowles** · Jul-13-2005, 11:13am

cheers j mark. #now more than ever we all need to support our local luthier/farmer/mechanic/grocer/tradesman etc. #i think as soon as don whips through that f4 of yours, he can get started on my a2.

the cool part is that i live about 4 hours away from don so i get to meet him and pick a few when i pick it up. when is yours supposed to be ready?

**Daniel Nestlerode** · Jul-13-2005, 11:47am

Mark is going for a MASters degree from Mando U. to go along with his law degree. #

Yeah, I'm just a wee bit envious.

Daniel

**J. Mark Lane** · Jul-13-2005, 1:08pm

I guess I should have been more sensitive to the notion that my post would seem ostentatious. As those who know me and have visited me know, I am not a wealthy man. I am a partner in a small suburban law firm (I used to be with a big Wall Street firm but gave that up years ago, trading money for lifestyle). We get by. I don't have any other expensive "hobbies," and I make some sacrifices to indulge my musical pursuits (humble though they be).

The point I was trying to make was that "big name" mandolins, of any reasonably good quality, are expensive...and for the same money or less, you can work with (and support) excellent small shops, and get personalized attention and an instrument of equal or better quality, made just the way you want it. And it's a lot more fun that way....

**J. Mark Lane** · Jul-13-2005, 1:09pm

Oh, JD...not sure exactly when. I would guess September. But it's ready when it's ready. That will be up to Don.

**gnelson651** · Jul-13-2005, 1:19pm

OK Mark,

Tell us your secret-how did you get your wife to agree to allow you to own so many mandolins in such a short time? Or did you get a divorce and are now in the throws of the middle-age crazy stage.

Most men in this position would go out a buy a Corvette.

Yes, I'm envious too.

**otterly2k** · Jul-13-2005, 1:33pm

Mark has already hinted that his MAS represents a secret double life that his wife doesn't know about....

**om21ed** · Jul-13-2005, 1:38pm

Mark, i don't know you but nothing ostentatious about your post at all. More power to you ! the more anyone can keep those guys working and in business the better for everybody.

**Eric F.** · Jul-13-2005, 2:21pm

Mark, I enjoy your posts. I don't care if you're rich or poor. Where I live, a lot of people have nice bass boats and nobody's rich. I figure I could get some sweet mandolins for the price of a new boat. Probably some boat owners would be aghast at how much the mandolins cost, but it's all a matter of how we choose to spend our money. Enjoy your growing herd o' mandos, keep telling us about them, and play them in good health.

**pickinNgrinnin** · Jul-13-2005, 2:29pm

Great story here J. Mark! I applaud the stand you took with the big G.

There's a lot of small shop builders out there to choose from. I suspect you will end up with a better instument(s).

Support the small shop builders. I admire the work they do and the sacrifices they make to pursue their dreams.

**kyblue** · Jul-13-2005, 2:53pm

I'm not an attorney, and I've been able to afford an F5 from Darby Boofer and I'm on Chris Baird's list for an Octave. #I do believe I'm getting a better value for my $ than with the big builders, and I enjoy helping to support what guys like Darby and Chris do. #In addition, I believe you get something special with a custom that you just don't get off the shelf, and it's worth the wait.

**LKN2MYIS** · Jul-13-2005, 3:07pm

Mark -

Not ostentatious in the least. I found it joyful.

Good for you! Enjoy this wonderful time.

And PLEASE keep us posted as to woods, photos, etc. Being a Pomeroy F4 owner, I'm curious as to your comparisons when you greet "The Brown Santa" with your toys!

Savor every minute - this is some of the stuff life is made of!

**flairbzzt** · Jul-13-2005, 3:58pm

Bravo buddy.

**Daniel Nestlerode** · Jul-13-2005, 4:07pm

Originally Posted by (J. Mark Lane @ July 13 2005, 11:08)

I guess I should have been more sensitive to the notion that my post would seem ostentatious.

Mark,
Your post did not seem ostentatious. If I had the cash I'd be doing exactly what you're doing. It's just fun to get to tease someone who is living one of my minor fantasies.

But you are on the hook for feeding our collective MAS now.

So keep those updates coming, and when you get the mandolins don't forget to post a review or two!

Daniel

**tiltman** · Jul-14-2005, 2:06pm

Good for you Mark - I always enjoy your posts though I often Lurk.
And I too want to know how you handle the Mrs....
Kirk
Whose wife has no expensive hobbies

**J. Mark Lane** · Jul-14-2005, 4:08pm

Originally Posted by (tiltman @ July 14 2005, 15:06)

And I too want to know how you handle the Mrs....

Verrrrrry carefully.

To give you an idea, my daughter just turned three. She can talk pretty well, but still puts all kinds of strange word combinations together to try to get her point across. My wife said something to her the other day, and she responded by saying, "Yes, dear. Anything you say, dear." I nearly fell out of my chair.

Also, it helps that I married a blonde.

**flairbzzt** · Jul-14-2005, 4:23pm

I just fell out of my chair reading that!

**ab4usa** · Jul-14-2005, 4:32pm

Mark,
I couldn't agree more with your position. Being a lefty buying off the shelf has never been an option. My dealings with Bill Busman were very enjoyable and entertaining and the A5 he built me met every expectation I had and is better than I play. Now I'm on Jim Hilburn's list and I just hope I'm a great deal better at playing when my number comes up. These guys make great instruments and make buying them (not saving for them) fun. Why would you buy from a "corporation" when you can get the equal or better from an artist.

**jim_n_virginia** · Jul-16-2005, 11:31pm

Originally Posted by (ab4usa @ July 14 2005, 17:32)

Why would you buy from a "corporation" when you can get the equal or better from an artist.

While I applaud the efforts of all small builders and you can get some great deals, the sad fact is that if you are a serious musician (or even a semi serious musician) you are kinda validated by what you play.

I don't agree with this thinking but thats the way it is. Nuff said!

Mark I am another one who enjoys reading your posts and watching you in the throes of MAS. Your like a kid in a candy shop with a weeks worth of allowance in his pocket.

Life is short, have all the fun you can WHILE you can and if that means trying out a bunch of mando then its great.

I personally think you like the planning, designing and building stage best!

**LKN2MYIS** · Jul-17-2005, 5:36am

Better tell Thile.

**J. Mark Lane** · Jul-17-2005, 7:14am

Actually, Jim, I enjoy playing the instruments more than anything else. But that doesn't, and shouldn't, detract from the pleasure of the planning, designing, etc.

I'm not sure I accept your suggestion that "serious musicians" are judged by what they play. In fact, I think the opposite is true -- serious musicians are judged by how well they play. If they play well, the brand of instrument they play will be accepted without question. (Indeed, some now-very-well-known brands were totally unknown before certain famous musicians played them.)

**elenbrandt-redux** · Jul-17-2005, 5:42pm

J. Mark -- on the flip side to being a lawyer, no one realizes that little things like trials keep us from really being able to play our instruments sometimes for months on end. I wholeheartdly agree with your ethic of working with a small and special luthier, it makes a thrilling thing even more satisfying.

While on my soapbox -- y'all don't forget to support your local merchants. Yes, there are a lot of cheaper internet things to be had -- but those people won't be repairing your instrument and taking care of your day-to-day musical needs the way some caring and small brick-and-mortar shop will. I would just cry if "Amazing Grace" went out of business....

**Joe Parker** · Jul-17-2005, 8:33pm

Great point,Elen. While custom built instruments are enjoying alot of attention thanks to the internet and forums such as this one, the local retailer tends to suffer for the same reason. It's ironic that we would buy sight unseen, and at full price, an expensive instrument,yet purchase strings and accessories from a large internet outfit that has the ability to sell wholesale. It is possible that one reason some of these retailers can no longer afford to stock the large inventories needed to keep major brands on display is because the walk in traffic is now ordering online. It takes profit to be able to afford good merchandise,knowlegeable staff,and proffesional repair departments.Even before the internet I owned and operated a small shop and offered all these things plus open jams on Thurs. nites and all day on Saturdays. We gave outstanding service with a smile and free coffee. What I discovered was that even after all that I still lost business to the wholesale market. To this day I still have to bite my tongue when someone says they miss my music store. J.Mark Lane-while I have no interest in changing your point of view about a certain large music company-consider this-I purchased a Master Model in '04 and was a part of the process of its construction from day 1. Not only was I given the oppurtunity to request the appointments I desired but was able to speak personally to the craftsmen as well as the guy in charge. When I stopped by to see it before the final finishing process I realized I was not happy with one part of the mandolin. With out hesitation another instrument was offerd to be built for me to my satisfaction. I never felt I was not #a valued customer or that I was being unreasonable. It felt like someone just built a custom mandolin for me. It is too easy sometimes to overlook the good of a few because of the larger group. To ostracize the few who care can only do harm. My soap box is now complete. I appreciate this opportunity to have my say. #JPP