Tapping on Heaven's Fern!

**Luthier Vandross** · Feb-08-2004, 6:18am

I can say with certainty, after admiring Mr. Wood's artistry for many years, that he has outdone himself, completely.

I saw the last of his F5 Supreme models, nearing completion, and it's next itteration, 'The Fern' being built right along side it's elder brother, and I can hardly hold my mouth closed, as I find myself ranting to people at gas stations about it!

Needless to say, with the name on the headstock, the asthetics are impeccable, but the most astounding thing is #the incredible tone Randy has achieved.

Hold on to your hats, and tie the tents down tight! The Fern is going to be remembered as the finest F mandolin ever built! I've been tapping on wood for over 30 years (yep, my right arm is REAL tired) and I have got to tell you, it's just gonna be an unreal axe! Surreal! An F-style grand piano! How do they get all that sound in that little thing?!

I hope he never reads this, I feel like a hopped up school girl.

Anybody got a couple bucks a middle aged guy, in bobby socks, and pigtails can borrow? The price is *up*!

There are two kinds of feelings I get when looking at a real quality instrument, they either inspire me to become better, or just give up. I give up! Anyone need a fiddleback doorstop? Quilted boat paddles, 3 for $1...

As you can see, I have a great deal of respect for the man, anyone who has played his instruments, or chatted with him for any amount of time knows 'The Man'.

Sorry, my first post here.. I just can't think of a better way to break the ice.

If you are traveling I-95, and happen to be passing by Savannah, stop and take a look for yourself, and ask Randy if you can 'tap on Heaven' a little bit too.

M

**Robbie** · Feb-08-2004, 11:17am

Hard to tell from your post if you have played this thing or just tapped the wood, or what. #In any case, I look forward to playing one some day.

BTW, you're probably not #aware that Luther Vandross suffered from a debilitating stroke about a year ago. #Some of us are also musicians and music lovers and are saddened by Luther's loss of his ability to perform. #Your nickname is a clever lighthearted pun of the sort I usually enjoy, but in this case it prompted an emotion you surely didn't have in mind. #I'm not at all offended by it, just thought you might not be aware of the stroke, or the enormous respect Luther Vandross has earned throughout the music world.

**Luthier Vandross** · Feb-08-2004, 2:21pm

Hey. It's just a play on a name..

I'd better warn my buddy, I just told him about this place, and he was going to sign up as Martin Luthier King.

M

**Peakbagr** · Feb-08-2004, 10:55pm

You were already off to a bad start....

**Luthier Vandross** · Feb-09-2004, 6:11pm

Not really, plenty of happy people in the world to hang with..

M

**mandoJeremy** · Feb-09-2004, 8:03pm

Come on guys, get back to the Fern and mandolins! Not what someone chooses as their username! Man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

**Atlanta Mando Mike** · Feb-09-2004, 8:10pm

Everybody needs to stop being so pc. Bill Monroe died, so does that mean someones user name can't be Big Mon. Is the tune Monroe-bro(SP) by Rob Ikes and Aubrey Haney in poor taste. No. Luthier Vandros is a perfectly fine user name and in no way disrespects a world class musician. I'm not trying to make this come out like I'm angry, so don't read that into what I'm saying.

**diamond ace** · Feb-09-2004, 8:37pm

sounds like a really nice box. Randy has always done very good work. do you know when it might be complete?

**mandoJeremy** · Feb-09-2004, 10:11pm

Thanks Atlanta Mando Mike, that's what I am talking about! I honestly can see why the "old timers" stopped posting now. It is a shame that someone is so uptight that they get p&&#ssed over a person's username. Grow up! I think we left that sort of stuff in fifth grade! I think I will change my username to Mandelvis; how many people are offended by a dead Elvis? Or better yet, Mandel J. Fox! Does that offend? Whatever....let a new person enjoy the joy of learning from mando people and posting his questions without worrying about his username. I feel like a 2nd grader even reading that!

**Luthier Vandross** · Feb-10-2004, 1:12am

It'll be finished as soon as people stop calling him to ask questions about it! hah!

I'd say with the weather as it is, it'll be screaming in a couple weeks... maybe a month... (get off the phone!)

Have you seen his site?

F Models

I like classic styling, but I like 45 style binding, and that board.. oh my goo'ness.. it's lace B&S, I would love it to death (no offense to room temperature people intended) if someone were to buy it for me. (shameless internet begging)

He's got an unreal set of koa sisters (lin, ola, cello) about 1/2 done.. maybe a little less.. unreal beauty in those pieces too.. they're going to make somebody a very happy trio, that is for sure.

Be safe, ya'll.

M

**Robbie** · Feb-10-2004, 7:07pm

Wow... I just read through this thread. #I noticed some ranting and some personal attacks, but no sign of anybody being "offended" or "p&&#ssed" about a username. #I personally don't give a sh*t about a username, but I foolishly thought I was helping a first-time poster with foot precariously near mouth. #Seems it was my foot and my mouth. Sorry.

Anyway, I'm still curious about the new Wood:#How far along was it when you saw it? Did you manage to play it? #And... drumroll... do you know if it's spoken for?

thanks
Robbie

**spud** · Feb-10-2004, 8:36pm

I would love to meet Randy Wood...he IS the real deal if you wan't
that woody (Loar/Wood) sound in your box....
got one!....and wan't another one pretty bad right now!
can't hve one now,got a daughter in college that's kicking my ..
wishes.. want's..desire's...,actually I just need to have more $$.

hadn't seen his website for awhile ...mon he.s got some nice stuff in there....I'd love for him to get ahold of my mando and have him go over it.... then i'd have to call him .. and take him away from his art.. and then i'd have to spend the $$.doautt##*#

I am more of a lurker than a poster,and I am not offended by a user
name..as someone could take offense at my user name if'n they wanted,
But that is not what the board is about!.... and I should post more!
I've seen people get chomped on for somethings that they didn't deserve..(recently)...and some probably did deserve to get bite by
the dog..

life goes on within and without you!!!!....pick on..!!!

I really am wanting another Wood!!

thanks for this cafe Scott!
and to the mando community on this board!

boyd

**Luthier Vandross** · Feb-10-2004, 9:42pm

No biggie Robbie..

The first 2 Ferns are spoken for, the first is not finished, yet. They are Expen$ive! Around $15k, the Hummingbird is.. uhh.. $38k oUcH! He's got contracts on 3-4 more Supreme models, I think, that will be built 1-to-1 with Ferns, until those are done, after the last Supreme is done, there will be 6 F style mandolins built per year, period, total, done.

He still plans on building a few A styles, a few guitars, and has an ongoing repair business.

I am proud to say he thinks enough of my work to commission me to do scary repairs for him, so I want to make sure you guys know that.. I don't have anything to gain on his sales, and he's hardly hurting for work.. I've just known alot of builders, he's just really great... damnit that's good!!

You all be safe, always..

Where is the tone wood porn on this site?

M