Jade photos

[K3NTUCKI8oy]

this distressing fad is ridiculous to me even gibson mandolins with it look
far worse than most loars i've seen and it does nothing for the sound

[Bob McRee]

The distressing fad is not only in the mandolin world. Look at the high priced violins that are "distressed" to look old. As for me if I want to buy a new pickup, I want to drive it off the lot shiny and I will get my fair share of scratches and dings driving it through the mesquites and cedars. I will distress it fine myself. That being said, if you were in the business of selling pickups and the trend or fad was buy and new "distressed" pickup. What would you do?

[testore]

when it's poorly done it looks cheap. When it's done by people who know what old instruments look like it can be quite incredible.

[Jim MacDaniel]

Originally Posted by (bobmctx @ Mar. 31 2008, 06:23)

As for me if I want to buy a new pickup, I want to drive it off the lot shiny and I will get my fair share of scratches and dings driving it through the mesquites and cedars. I will distress it fine myself...

Bingo -- when buying a new mandolin, I would prefer it to look new -- and I will add "character marks" to it just fine all on my own. (Although I suppose one major plus to buying a distressed model is, I wouldn't as likely freak out as much when I put my first ding or scratch in the finish. # )

[Jim MacDaniel]

BTW Bob, I like your A-models a lot, and particularly like the headstock. By any chance have you been considering getting rid of the fretboard extensions, at least on the A-models? If so, if you terminate the fretboard with a similar scallop as you have on the top of the A's headstock, that might look really sharp on the A-model.

[Desert Rose]

The distressed RELIC style instruments are HUGE

The Fender Custom Shop has a seperate area and team doing nothing but these
Like it or not its extremely poplar in many instruments

Bob

Do I assume correctly, thats domestic Chinese maple sure looks like it , fantastic

Scott

[Brad Kozak]

Bob:

I exhibited at the Dallas Guitar Show and got to see Ed Dye's booth and the Jade mandos. They looked great! I say "looked" rather than "heard" or "played" because the way they had the show set up made it virtually impossible to hear anything, especially regarding tone. I was particularly taken with the the distressed ones - not because they were distressed (although I've got no problem with the "old" look) but because I've never been a big fan of sunburst finishes. It's hard to find a Loar-style f-hole/scroll mando in anything BUT sunburst.

One thing though, and this is going to be incredibly anal and picky. I'm a graphic designer by trade, and I think that your "Jade" inlaid logo on the headstock takes away from the overall look of the instrument. If you look at the original Gibson logo and new brands like "The Loar" and "Kentucky" mandos, the logos all share the same vintage look and feel. I know this is kind of a small thing, but it was the only thing that didn't impress me about the instrument. I think if you did a little more work on the logo and how it is rendered on the instrument, it would turn a minor black eye into a finishing touch. Just my two cents.

[viv]

weeelllll.....i'm lovin' the antique finish, personamally. looks very warm and rich, like good whiskey, i'm thinkin.........yum.

[Tracy Tucker]

Originally Posted by Brad Kozak

Bob:

I exhibited at the Dallas Guitar Show and got to see Ed Dye's booth and the Jade mandos. They looked great! I say "looked" rather than "heard" or "played" because the way they had the show set up made it virtually impossible to hear anything, especially regarding tone. I was particularly taken with the the distressed ones - not because they were distressed (although I've got no problem with the "old" look) but because I've never been a big fan of sunburst finishes. It's hard to find a Loar-style f-hole/scroll mando in anything BUT sunburst.

OOOH, you got to see my new baby! I'm getting this one in the classifieds listing (no burst - I agree with you!). It will be a week or two before it will arrive - can't wait!

[hdismal]

Hello,
Saw some Jade mandos on e-bay a few months ago. Loved the non-sunburst finish, and really wanted the 1 3/16 nut width, but I have to say the Jade logo on the peghead really turned me off.
If I want try to play at night after 10/12 life force sucking hours a day in a cubicle, I need any instrument to actually call to me when I look at it on the stand. It needs to say, "I'm beautiful,...let's play" not, "...even though I'm ugly pick me up and play anyway." Not a snob, can't afford to be. My favorite mando ever was a $65 dollar Kay that looked like somebody had refinished it in duct tape, and then ripped it off (taking most of the original finish with it). It had a neck like a baseball bat that was SO comfortable. I think the point I am trying to make is that the grace of the instrument/finish clashes with the awkward logo. Actually hoping to own a Jade in the near future, so please keep'em coming. fare well, h

[Tracy Tucker]

It's not ornate, but I think it's simple and elegant. I've seen some headstock inlays and logos on very expensive instruments that I reeeeeally dislike! But that's what makes the mandolin world go 'round... individual tastes and preferences.

[Capt. E]

I know Clay the owner of Fiddlers Green Music Shop in Austin is interested in carrying Jade Mandolins and perhaps the violins as well. I'd love to try one out, but just can't seem to get up to Abilene. Think you might ship Clay a couple? I also like the antique, but the sunburst is pretty nice as well.

[Hans_k]

I own a Jade F-style mandolin and it sounds great. I can't say I agree with Brad Kozak as far as the logo is concerned. I like the simplicity of the Jade logo. Brad stated that logos of brands like The Loar and Kentucky all share the same vintage look and feel. Fortunately Jade doesn't, it's unique!
My mandolin: http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=50179

[300win]

The old look I like. I never was one to like a too fancy instrument. Long as they soind and play good, thats what counts.

[Ivan Kelsall]

I like 'em all !, I think your Mandolins look wonderful & i personally do like the 'distressed antique' look very much indeed. We've watched the Jade Mandolins develop over quite a while & i think you have a very good instrument indeed - i hope they sell by the shed load,
Saska

[Rob Powell]

I'd love to try one...especially a "Sam" model.

[Road Kill Boy]

I recently purchased a Jade "Sam" model and I was wondering if those have a lacquer finish? It is a great mandolin for the money!
I like the new sunburst finish in your first photos, looks somewhat like my "Sam" model.

[Caleb]

Different strokes... I happen to think the Jade logo is very classy and well done. The fact that it doesn't look like all the other script logos makes me like it even more.

I'm really sorry I missed the Dallas Guitar Show. If I would have known there were going to be some Jades there I would have went for sure.

[hdismal]

Hello,
Whether one or another of us likes the logo or not, I think a common thread here is that just about everybody wants to try one, and I am guessing most of us do not live in Texas. Can anyone fill us in on any other dealers and recent updates on supply and demand? Thank you. db

[Tracy Tucker]

Did a search and came up with some at Gianna's, and The Mandolin Store has a Sam Wide Neck, complete with a sound clip. Also Bob's McRee's blog and two happy customers. Can't get to this one's update after he received it, though.

Also found a YouTube video.

[Tracy Tucker]

I think this one is a Jade, too. He has 'Jade' in his tags.

[hdismal]

Hello,
Has anyone ever seen (or heard tell of) a Jade A with the 1 1/4" nut? Thank you. db

[woodwizard]

Hey Bob ... I almost got one of your F oval models from Ed but it sold before I had the chance. Probably shouldn't have took the extra time having Ed email me pics. It sold during the time I was getting the pics. Are you building any F 4-1/2's at this time? I really liked that vintage 20's looking burst on that one Ed had.

[texasmandolion]

Yes that youtube video is a Jade. It is number 11 prototype. In the year or so I have had it, it has really opened up nicely!
I like the Jade so well, I am having Bob custom build me another...
Now the "full production" mandolins that I have seen and played (at Ed Dye's shop in Abilene, TX) have been even better than my #11. You can go to my cafe homepage and see some pics of it in the "white".
As soon as I receive it, I will post some pics and possibly do a youtube video on it as well.

If you are considering the Jade Mandolin for your next player, I would recommend it!!!
Do yourself a favor, listen or play one and I guarantee you, you will be reaching for your greenbacks and going home with it.

I recently played a Daley, I thought it was a great mandolin, however, the difference in price was great and the sound was BETTER but not much better. Both mandolins had a lot of the same "feel" to them.

[texasmandolion]

If anyone is going to Pearl, TX this Saturday, I will be there with my Jade. Don't hesitate to ask if you would like to play it.

BTW, I don't have any interest in Jade Mandolin. I am just a guy that doesn't mind passing along my thought on the subject.