New Silverangel with angel Michael

**Kentuckyken** · Jul-06-2012, 5:18pm

hi, here's one just finished.

**Skip Kelley** · Jul-06-2012, 7:28pm

Ken, That is one beautiful mandolin! I love the vintage style burst; it's perfect! The carving is great and the painting of Michael is a perfect work of art! I'd love to see that one in person!!

**wildpikr** · Jul-09-2012, 1:20pm

It should be here Wednesday. Come on over and check it out...

**almeriastrings** · Jul-09-2012, 3:03pm

These are great mandolins.... something a bit different than the 'usual'.... and they certainly have a very unique sound. They sound kind of "old" even when new. That is a fine looking example!

**wildpikr** · Jul-13-2012, 11:48pm

I accepted delivery of this mandolin this past Wednesday. It came to me at work right before lunch; need I say how my lunch hour was spent? After a couple of days please indulge me for a review.

The fit and finish is beautiful. The tone is clear and balanced from lows to highs. It frets easily and the action suits me well. I know that may sound vague, but it’s not so low that it buzzes when played aggressively and not so high that it requires a gorilla grip. Ken listens and tries to set it up with your input on what and how you play. The varnish finish is deep and lustrous, a good accent and protection for the carving and painting on the back. I have seen carvings and paintings done by Ken on some of his mandolins and wanted something similar. I left the design of the carving up to him as I trusted him for this and sent a copy of the angel I hoped he could paint. I was elated to get his reply that it was a doable painting. Aesthetic? Yes. It also feeds my appreciation for art; it’s what I wanted. As I asked, the back of the neck is not varnished, with the feel of a well-played fiddle neck. It is stained; not bare and silky smooth. I expect it to open up as it is played, but initially it projects well and has a really sweet tone.

What I really enjoy is the ability to compare this mandolin side-by-side to my Silverangel distressed model built in 2007. As expected, tone and projection are somewhat different. Each has its own unique voice. I expect this to continue to be interesting.

I didn’t care much for the case it came in, but to me it was a moot point. I have a Hoffee on the way.

Overall the building experience again was good. When I had questions, I was provided answers promptly. I wanted a pictorial record of the build and was not disappointed. If you’re looking for a builder, I would recommend Ken Ratcliff.

As you can tell, I’m thrilled!

**Kevin K** · Jul-14-2012, 6:56am

Excellent report and congrats.

**Skip Kelley** · Jul-14-2012, 8:00am

Mike, congratulations! You have real work of art not to only enjoy visually but, you can pick it! How awesome is that?!!! Ken, is a great guy and an incredible builder!