The Lady wants a Dragon...

**Keith Newell** · Jun-13-2004, 4:15pm

This ones getting picked up today so I dont have much time to get good pictures. The sun isnt out but only for a few seconds each hour so I tried to get some shots.
The top is Red spruce, back sides and neck is Western big leaf maple. Carbon Fiber truss rod and Carbon fiber insert in center of bridge. Black mother of Pearl Dragon and gold MoP breath/flames. Varnish finish with shellac seal coat. The stain is in the wood, no air brushing. Schaller tuners and one of my custom tailpieces. Everything was made by me except the Schallers. Oh yeah, 12" radius fret board also.
Keith Newell
http://www.newellmandolins.com

**Keith Newell** · Jun-13-2004, 4:17pm

more

**Keith Newell** · Jun-13-2004, 4:17pm

more..

**Keith Newell** · Jun-13-2004, 4:18pm

more...

**Keith Newell** · Jun-13-2004, 4:19pm

more....

**Keith Newell** · Jun-13-2004, 4:20pm

more even....

**Keith Newell** · Jun-13-2004, 4:21pm

more.....

**Keith Newell** · Jun-13-2004, 4:25pm

last pic for now

**Keith Newell** · Jun-13-2004, 4:30pm

I lied...two more

**Keith Newell** · Jun-13-2004, 4:30pm

now the last....

**Yellowmandolin** · Jun-13-2004, 6:04pm

Wow! That looks really nice. I like the inlay down the finger board and the shape of the headstock. It really flows together nicely. One word for the wood: amazing.

**ira** · Jun-13-2004, 6:13pm

gorgeous as always!

**ShaneJ** · Jun-13-2004, 6:13pm

Sweet

**evanreilly** · Jun-13-2004, 6:32pm

That back is rather spectacular striping.
I want to put out a good word for Keith's ingenuity in using carbon fiber in his saddles; he made me a pair & I finally installed both & they are pretty good upgrades to both instruments. Thanks!!!
He also is using it in place of an adjustable truss-rod, I believe. A good idea gaining wider acceptance.

**Keith Newell** · Jun-14-2004, 12:08am

I just had to come back and post. I just got back from a jam tonight and the new owner of the Dragon Mandolin just loved it. In two hours of music I could noticably hear the tone/volume increase on this instrument and side by side with my player (which is also Red spruce/Western big leaf maple from the same tree as the Dragon) the two sounded like brother and sister. In fact I think the new one has caught up to my older player already. That makes me feel like I actually do learn something when I make em hehe. This one was special because I will get to see it from time to time and see the big grin on the new owners face.
Keith

**Keith Newell** · Jun-14-2004, 10:29pm

I was asked as to what the lines were made of for the "wings" of the peghead. It is crushed garnet. It kind of sparkles (faintly) when you look close and move it.
Keith