A Magic Nava Twinpoint

[piper5johnny]

I am fairly new to the cafe as I have been a fiddler/flute/Irish piper most of my life...
but I have learned so much from these forums that I wanted to share some photos of my new Gary Nava Twinpoint mandolin that was finished and delivered to me just a month ago.
My brother visited me from Oklahoma a week ago. He plays with the Celtic band "Coldwaterdog" in Fort Smith Arkansas and he loved this instrument!
Sitting in front of him as he played it I could hear the amazing power and range of this shining gem.
Gary Nava and his charming wife Amanda had come to London to hand over this hand-made mandolin and what a delight it was to meet up with them.
It is a magic road you travel down when you order an instrument from a luthier who gives you the choice of woods/decorations/etc.
Perhaps I went over the top with my Abalone tuners, but I think they really set off Gary's Tree inlay on the headstock and the Celtic Knot rest from King Brown of Australia.
I ordered a Glenn Cronkhite leather gigbag which fits like a beautiful glove as Gary and Amanda had carefully traced and measured the finished instrument.
Bill Bailey made me one of his brilliant leather-braided straps. Perfect!
I can't believe I am only now seeing the beauty and variety of the amazing Mandolin family. What a joyful instrument!
Thanks for all your input on this site. A fan forever!
John Wood

[Samuel David Britton]

Welcome to the cafe

[jso]

That looks nice!
If you'll excuse a dumb question from newbie addressed to someeone who's just taken delivery of a superior hand-made mandolin, what's with the black bead-like things between bridge and tailpiece? Are these the grommets I've read about which stop buzz (the position of which I've not so far understood) or something else?

[billhay4]

Gary is one of the best mandolin luthiers out there IMHO.
Bill

[Shelagh Moore]

Gary is one of the best mandolin luthiers out there IMHO.

I'd second that!

Lovely instrument John and I hope you get as much pleasure out of your Nava as I do mine!

jso: those are rubber grommets which suppress unwanted harmonics from between the bridge and tailpiece. As these mandolins sustain for so long I also find them useful on mine.

[Charles E.]

That totally rocks, have fun!

[Chip Booth]

That's a beautiful instrument, enjoy!

[JEStanek]

Way to leap in! Lovely mandolin. Welcome!

Jamie

[Marty Jacobson]

Stunning work from Gary, as usual. Wear those frets out!

[piper5johnny]

Many thanks to all for the kind and supportive comments!
I really feel welcome here.

[Hany Hayek]

Beautiful mandolin. Welcome to the cafe

[Pete Jenner]

I'm a big fan of Gary's work. I didn't realise that he had used the tree inlay on more than one instrument.

[GarY Nava]

I'm a big fan of Gary's work. I didn't realise that he had used the tree inlay on more than one instrument.

Peter,
You’re absolutely correct I have only used the tree once!
Cheers Gary

[GarY Nava]

Many thanks to John for starting this thread- I’m so pleased that you are enjoying your new mandolin. Sounds like you’re buying it lots of treats! It was a pleasure to work with you too.
Also many thanks to everyone else for all those positive comments- all greatly appreciated!
Cheers Gary

[Pete Jenner]

Peter,
You’re absolutely correct I have only used the tree once!
Cheers Gary

Thanks Gary - I was thrown looking for the tree inlaid armrest.

[piper5johnny]

Thought I would add 2 photos showing the great Glenn Cronkhite case.
Apologies for any confusion regarding the Tree Armrest.
It was made by Doug Edwards of Texas and is stunning on the Nava...
At present I am trying out the flatter Celtic Knot rest by King Brown as I have one on my old Guild guitar.
Now to read thru the forum and see what picks you players are recommending.
Again thanks for your positive comments!
John