Brian dean!

[MikeB]

Check out the OM our Mr. Dean is unveiling....

[steve V. johnson]

OK, I'm thick (like you folks didn't know that already... <GG&gt....

What is the dark thing on his fingers in the second picture?

duuuhstv

[acumando]

the picture is titled "dampener.jpg", if that helps fuel speculation.

[otterly2k]

my guess is that it's a dampener for sympathetic vibrations behind the tailpiece... like the grommets or the thingy that Weber makes.

But Stv... before acumando posted his clue, I was as clueless as you.
And still, it's only a guess.

[MikeB]

Heck, first thing I did after looking at those pics was to write Brian and ask him what that thing was. I knew it resembled Weber's Woodnymph, but it had not occurred to me that he would be making such a thing before the sides and back are even on! I love this OM shape....I can't wait to see the rest as it develops. This kid (he's only 29) amazes me!

[steve V. johnson]

Of course! Thanks!

cluelessstvwholikesovertones

[Rob Zamites]

By the way, Brian will soon be starting on my OM. I'm not letting the cat out of the bag, let's just say it's going to be....well...different

[Soupy1957]

BrewingBard: And just think......only $5,000.00 eh?!
-Soupy1957

[Rob Zamites]

Well, I'm still a believer in the old adage:

You get what you pay for

[steve V. johnson]

I think that perhaps, in the case of Brian Dean, one can get more than one pays for.

Those are pretty wonderful instruments...

stv

[Rob Zamites]

Agreed, Steve. And to boot, Brian is an absolute joy to work with; I feel honored to have him be the one bringing my vision of an OM to life for me.
I'll tell you all this much: We've decided on marbled walnut back/sides and Sitka spruce top Brian thinks this will bring the tone and volume that I desire (I want to drown out my friends b**j*)

[MandoSquirrel]

Sounds great, and just from looking at his website, I expect his instruments ain't cheap, & are probably undervalued. They're some of the most beautiful I've seen

[otterly2k]

I want to say that Brian's prices are not unreasonable. No they're not cheap-- no custom build is cheap -- but neither are they exhorbitant. They are in keeping with the prices on other similar quality work, and better priced than some because he is still a young builder.

If you are thinking of a custom order, don't let the flashy details of his artwork let you jump to the conclusion that you can't afford one of his instruments. Do yourself a favor and talk to him. He'll let you know which details are time consuming and expensive, and which are not.

[JEStanek]

Soupy,
I've seen Karen's Dean OM, it was worth whatever she paid for it. It's more than paid for itself in terms of the joy and comfort she gets from and gets out of it. It is a work of art and a fine sounding instrument to boot.

It was money well spent if you ask me. She has some nice instruments and can play them too. If it wasn't up to snuff it would be out.

He's making a flat top now... that may really interest me. Brian's aesthetic is really up my alley. Plus he's a Virginia Tech Alumni if I recall correctly...

Jamie