Five Commissioned Mandolins

**Lee** · Aug-02-2005, 2:06pm

I can't afford the JML project, many others can't either. #But we can pretend.
I'm wondering which builder(s) I'd nominate, though not necessarily F5's, or in the "official" price bracket. #My personal curiosity would be towards two groups of builders; up & comers, and established but little talked about builders. In the first group "our own" Chris Baird and Keith Newell come to mind but they already get considerable air time (and they're both darn good photographers too.) Mr. HoGo's first couple mandolins were scrumptious looking and Mr. Gary Vessel would be interesting to put a spotlight on too. #(Could we bear another Brunkella?)
Along the established builders, I'd really like to see a Paul Newson and a Bruce Taggart; mostly because I have older examples of both.
Actually, a Newson, Taggart, Vessel, and Brunkella would be an interesting bunch because they're all violin builders.

**Adam Tracksler** · Aug-02-2005, 2:33pm

John Hamlett

**Lee** · Aug-02-2005, 3:09pm

Good choice! (Another fine photographer too.)
Graham McDonald posted a looker today too.
And the guy building those Driftwoods needs some investigating too.
Two established builders that don't get enough mention are Lou Stiver and the fellow who makes Red Diamond. Elderly always has adds for Stiver but they're rarely stocked.

**fatt-dad** · Aug-02-2005, 3:29pm

I rarely hear of Ward Elliott (other than the one that appeared briefly on the classifieds today). I bet his mandoilns are just fine!

**man doh** · Aug-03-2005, 7:24am

I second the Stiver remark. I camped next to a Stiver at grey fox with an ambitious owner. I fell asleep to the stiver and woke to the stiver. Nice feeling.

Also curious about June mandolins by Walter Johnson. And don't see much or hear much about those. The mandolin player from James King endorses them and his A style be not traditional have a nice twist to them.

**jjboone101** · Aug-03-2005, 7:45am

Jamie Wiens!

**PhilGE** · Aug-03-2005, 8:16am

Brian Dean, David Cohen, Bill Bussmann, Dale Ludewig, and Peter Coombe.

**Karen Kay** · Aug-03-2005, 10:10am

Bill Davis

**Tom C** · Aug-03-2005, 10:15am

What? no BRW? I want my pretend money back.

**fatt-dad** · Aug-03-2005, 10:56am

I'd get an Elliott, Pomeroy, Red Diamond, Old Wave and Schofield (his waiting list would kill me though, it's like 2 to 3 years). I'm already buying a Muth, so I can't add him to my fantisy list, eh (another long waiting list)? Maybe I'd also look at Neil Dean (the young guy in Vermont).

f-d

**jasona** · Aug-03-2005, 11:00am

I vote for an "All Cafe Controversy" list: BRW, MK/Eastman, Moonbeam, Brunkala, and of course, Gibson.

**Moose** · Aug-03-2005, 12:17pm

Now quit stir'n up trouble, Jason!!

**LKN2MYIS** · Aug-03-2005, 12:48pm

Pomeroy. Old Wave. BRW.

**Lee** · Aug-03-2005, 12:49pm

If we really wanted to stir up trouble, five identical Gibsons should do just fine.

**Mandoe** · Aug-03-2005, 1:07pm

I'd have to go with some mandos I've always wanted to play but can never get my hands on:

Heiden
Hilburn
Paganoni
Stanley
Bill Davis
Brentrup
Monteleone
Smart
Woodley
Schneider
Rose
Coombe

Take your Pick!

**Coy Wylie** · Aug-03-2005, 5:55pm

I second the motion on Chris Stanley.

I want more people to play his mandos so mine will go up in value

Seriously, Chris' work is outstanding and sure to have a great future.

**Scotti Adams** · Aug-03-2005, 7:21pm

...only one mention of a Rose...come on guys.....you wont be sorry...

**JimRichter** · Aug-04-2005, 2:12am

Dang Scotti, at least the Rose got one mention. #I'm still looking for someone to say Kimble.

Which I will: #Kimble
I would then add: #Jim Hilburn (man I love that most recent one with tortise binding)
Jamie Wiens
Ben Wilcox
Hans Bentrup (an F4 model with the wire/MOP decked out headstock inlay)
and one by an up and coming luthier, Roal Dyoll

(please excuse my late night/finished a gig/one too many/drove 75 miles/goofyness)

Jim

**man doh** · Aug-04-2005, 7:35am

Oh, I miss understood the thread. I thought it meant 5 mandolins from builders we didn't hear about ALL the time. oops

**mandoJeremy** · Aug-04-2005, 11:01pm

**otterly2k** · Aug-05-2005, 11:02am

Brian Dean
Will Kimble
Chris Baird
Bill Bussman
Smart
Newell

There are so many talented luthiers to choose from!

**HarmonyRexy** · Jun-09-2012, 6:51pm

Stiver and Poe, please. I'd like all five from them especially Lou Stiver!

**Jim Garber** · Jun-09-2012, 10:46pm

HarmonyRexy: do you realize that you are posting on an almost 7 year old thread? I can't even remember what the JML project was. Does Brunkella still build mandolins? I haven't heard that name in years.