A note from Neil Dean to the mandolin community

**Scott Tichenor** · May-03-2008, 2:41pm

Luthier Neil Dean from Vermont has asked me to post the following note he's composed to his clients and customers, and to link to it from the Mandolin Cafe home page. Let me be the first to wish him well on a journey of recovery he's been on for some time.

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To my friends in the mandolin world.

I feel the need to explain my lack of communication to my clients and for my absence from the general mandolin community.

For the past three or four years I have been battling what turned out to be a quite serious mental illness. Not to divulge too much information but I ended up being admitted to a psychiatric ward of a hospital for a considerable period of time.

Thankfully, through lots of hard work, therapy and proper medication I am pleased to tell you folks that I am back on track. I spent most of the winter building a new shop which is about to start bearing its first fruit. Some of my finest work to date.

I fully realize that I am not unique in my life's trials and tribulations and I am by no means looking for this to be a therapy session on the Cafe. I am merely trying to clear the air and set some things straight.

I'd like to extend the proverbial olive branch to all of my past and present clients and ask that if you feel the need, please call me and we can talk shop. My number is 1-802-585-9646. Leave a message with a good time to call back. Cowtown Vermont has terrible cell reception.

My current plans are to complete the remaining instruments for my loyal and extremely patient clients. Then I will cease taking custom orders all together.

In the future I will be building instruments on spec i.e. F-5s, A-5s, two points and whatever else I feel passionate to build. These future instruments will be brokered through Peter Mix of New Millennium Acoustic Design.

In conclusion, I would like to offer my sincerest apologies to all this may concern. And I can't express to folks how good it feels to be back in my shop creating, designing and completing fine mandolins again.

Again this is just a statement I need to make for my self and my clients. I really don't expect a response.

Thanks again gang.

Best.

Neil

**trevor** · May-03-2008, 3:38pm

Neil,
All the best with your recovery and continued good health.

**Dale Ludewig** · May-03-2008, 4:11pm

Neil,
My best to you. Life can bring very hard things. Sounds like you're on the mend, big time. Build!

Dale

**Stephanie Reiser** · May-03-2008, 4:12pm

Neil,I hope for the best in your future.

**Glassweb** · May-03-2008, 4:20pm

Although I don't know you, my hat is off to you. Welcome back! Here's to your continued good health and future success. Bon courage...

**Doug Hoople** · May-03-2008, 4:39pm

Neil,

Welcome back! #If your new mandolins are anything like your old ones, then there's a big place for you in the firmament of luthiers. #Best of luck!

You'll note that I've just changed my avatar to the website photo of the mando you built for Jonathan Pratt, and that I'm expecting to receive in the mail next Thursday. I'm thrilled to be the owner of one of your mandolins.

**Spruce** · May-03-2008, 4:48pm

All the best, Neil....

**mandolirius** · May-03-2008, 4:52pm

Hi Neil. We don't kow each other but I wanted to tell you that, here on this site that sometimes feels like wretched excess, your mandolins have always stood out to me. I haven't had the pleasure of playing one but, from a purely visual perspective, you have really done a great job of capturing the beauty of the classic designs while contributing something unique of your own. The nicest-looking two-points I can think of. I wish you well, and I love that blackface that's currently listed on the classifieds. It's been my screensaver for quite a while.

**Baron Collins-Hill** · May-03-2008, 4:52pm

hey neil, this is baron. i was the kid down at greyfox last year hanging out with jeff lewis. i cant wait to hear jeffs axe, and i may even go with him and his dad if they end up heading down to pick it up.

glad to see you are back at it and hopefully ill see you again soon. you going to be at greyfox again?

baron

**Gavin Baird** · May-03-2008, 4:56pm

My very best wishes Neil..Gavin

**flairbzzt** · May-03-2008, 5:28pm

Bravo Mr. Dean.

**Brad Weiss** · May-03-2008, 5:34pm

Every good wish your way!

**Will Kimble** · May-03-2008, 7:05pm

Best wishes Neil, hope to see you soon.

Will Kimble

**Don Christy** · May-03-2008, 7:15pm

Best wishes Neil, love your work.
Take care,
Don

**mandoplyr70** · May-03-2008, 7:43pm

from someone else who has lived that book to Hell & Back Its great to see you back on top the hill.God Bless You

**Chad Thorne** · May-03-2008, 8:14pm

God's blessing and continued healing to you, Neil. As one who has struggled with mental/emotional issues himself (though not as severely), I feel you. I'm sure you have the respect and admiration of everyone here for pursuing health.

**devilstone_the_bard** · May-03-2008, 8:20pm

Best of luck to you man, thoughts and prayers are headed your way!

**otterly2k** · May-03-2008, 8:23pm

Neil, we don't know each other, but I admire your work and also your integrity and courage. Congratulations on the recovery you have been able to achieve, I know it is no small feat...and all the best to you for the continued journey.

KE

**bennyb** · May-03-2008, 8:37pm

Although I only know work as visuals on the internet, please allow me to extend my best wishes for your continued recovery and success.

My best bennyb

**Chip Booth** · May-03-2008, 8:43pm

We met only briefly at a festival but I admired your work. #Best of luck, and I look forward to seeing more of your instruments.

Chip

**Treetopper** · May-03-2008, 8:56pm

You got guts, enough said. Good Health

**red7flag** · May-03-2008, 9:01pm

Congratulations on a tough but successful trip back and welcome back to the Cafe.
Tony

**mandomick** · May-03-2008, 9:50pm

Continued good health to you!

**Keith Newell** · May-04-2008, 12:44am

Best wishes Neil, maybe some of the best therapy is out in the shop and creating what you want.
Keith Newell

**atetone** · May-04-2008, 2:38am

Welcome back Neil. So glad to hear that things are coming around for you.
Good stuff!
Looking forward to seeing some of your work pop up around here again once you get back in the saddle.