Does anyone know who currently owns this DMM prototype? [Archive]

Jake Hobbs

Nov-06-2015, 4:27pm

Hey guys, in my search for the best looking and sounding MM I can find, I came across this beauty on the MM registry page on Facebook. The admin. for the page tried to help me locate it, but I still haven't been able to, and wondered if one of you guys knew! I know it was for sale at Lark street music a few years ago for the sum of $25,000, but would like to know where it currently resides, and if it will ever be for sale again!

I know, I know...wishful thinking. :grin: :mandosmiley:

Signed by Derrington in June of 1999.

Jake Hobbs

Nov-06-2015, 4:33pm

Edit - I'm looking for the one on the right, I think the pic on the left is a different mando. Not 100%, but the pics on the mm registry page are not clear.

Jake Hobbs

Nov-06-2015, 6:21pm

OR if anyone knows anyone that has something similar for sale that isn't already in the classifieds, I may be interested. I do have a very nice 2015 Goldrush I could do a partial trade with. Sounds killer. The back on the GR looks nicely figured compared to every other GR I've seen online.

MikeEdgerton

Nov-06-2015, 7:14pm

You do understand why someone might be reluctant to tell you where that mandolin is right?

Hendrik Ahrend

Nov-07-2015, 5:53am

I may be mistaken, this mandolin looks like the one (MC-member) Demetrius Becrelis once owned.

Hendrik Ahrend

Nov-07-2015, 10:56am

Jake Hobbs

Nov-07-2015, 12:39pm

Mike Edgerton - Now that you mention it, yeah I can see why someone would be hesitant to tell me. I have no bad intentions. I just want to ask the current owner if they would ever consider selling it. If not, I'll just go for a new MM.

Henry Eagle - That isn't it. Looks like that one is a prototype too, but doesn't have labels inside. The one I'm looking for is signed and dated.

According to carleshicks, Demetrius was the last known owner. He's also been kind enough to give me his number, so we'll see how that plays out.

Timbofood

Nov-07-2015, 12:52pm

I was gong to say PM Carles, "he da man!"

OldGus

Nov-07-2015, 2:50pm

It'd be a little weird if I saw a thread asking about my things whereabouts but then again it sounds like a payday. Come on up to the house...I don't own this mandolin but can replicate it. Let me check my drawer...

Hendrik Ahrend

Nov-07-2015, 3:19pm

Henry Eagle - That isn't it. Looks like that one is a prototype too, but doesn't have labels inside. The one I'm looking for is signed and dated.

According to carleshicks, Demetrius was the last known owner. He's also been kind enough to give me his number, so we'll see how that plays out.

Oh, now I see! Jake, I believe the mando on your pictures is, indeed, the Becrelis Proto DMM. The "June 1999" "D Prototype" is a different one:
140627, more pics on the MM-Registry:http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152302298780117.932600.457824645116&type=3

The instrument was available at Gruhns' until recently for about 4 years, I believe for 18.500,- $. Gruhn should know who bought it; don't know if they give out names, though.

Hendrik Ahrend

Nov-07-2015, 3:41pm

While we're at it, Jake, here would be your alternative: The beautiful very early side-bound DMM from Gibson's press release web site. One of the pics reveals ....2, 2003 and the Derrington signature. I wonder where that one went.
http://archive.gibson.com/Press/oai/pr/f5distressed.html

Denny Gies

Nov-07-2015, 4:03pm

Give up the search and buy a Randy Wood. You will not be disappointed.

MikeEdgerton

Nov-07-2015, 4:19pm

Or, you could get yourself a ham sandwich!

Timbofood

Nov-07-2015, 4:20pm

Or see if you can get a Bill Halsey, that's what I'd do!
Not sure if he's building these days though.
Oh, and get the ham sandwich! :grin:
NFI, just have a warm spot for his "touch", they have the right "look" for me, at least.
And ham sandwiches ;)

OldGus

Nov-07-2015, 5:46pm

2nd the Halsey, I haven't played one but I was very impressed with the pictures. Charles Hicks tried one so you might ask him about it.

f5joe

Nov-07-2015, 7:40pm

Good luck on getting a Halsey. Well worth it but I don't think he's building currently (mandolins that is).

Jake Hobbs

Nov-07-2015, 7:50pm

Henry Eagle - Like I had said before, it's hard to tell which mando is which scrolling through the pictures on the fb page, but it hadn't dawned upon me that each MM has it's own picture album on the page! You're right, the mando in the picture I posted is not the June 1999 prototype. All in all, preferring the Becrelis to the June '99 finish wise. That 2003 DMM looks killer. Wish she were mine!

Guys, to be honest, I really have my heart set on a Gibson. Thanks for the recommendations though! Much appreciated!

Timbofood

Nov-07-2015, 8:40pm

Yeah Joe, I was a lucky guy to have the opportunity to play his prototype for about six months and it was really nice, the subsequent ones were really something! I've known Bill since the mid seventies, played lots of his projects, always fun! I know he's been working on violin bows (his "regular" projects) and learning some Irish fiddle. So, mandolins are indeed back burner but, if I had the chance, I would commission one in a heartbeat! I don't live to far from him and might try camping out until I could.... Well, you get it.
I get it Jake the heart wants what it wants! No worries. Good luck.

Ron McMillan

Nov-07-2015, 10:52pm

... or Alex Becrelis for that matter. Are we possibly talking about this one? http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/showthread.php?74959-Derrington-Distressed-MM-1

Is it possible that Alan Perdue owns it these days?

By pure coincidence, yesterday I was in communication with the owner of the Derrington Distressed MM #1. Don't bother asking, because I won't tell. :)

Jake Hobbs

Nov-07-2015, 11:10pm

You're killing me McMillan! Are you planning on purchasing it?

goose 2

Nov-08-2015, 12:19am

I am pretty sure the mandolin on the right lying on the table is my mandolin. I'm not sure when that picture was taken as I have owned it for 10 years. I understand your desire, it's one of the best mandolins that Gibson has ever produced from any era. Mine was one of the original three mandolins that were the initial prototypes than John Cooper did the finish/distressing.

Jake Hobbs

Nov-08-2015, 12:23am

Yes, the desire is very real! If you'd ever consider selling it, let me know. It will be in my thoughts until then.

Well, that just about puts this thread to rest I'd say.

Jake Hobbs

Nov-08-2015, 12:24am

AND if you have any current pictures, I'd love to do a side by side.

Ivan Kelsall

Nov-08-2015, 2:58am

From Jake - "..I really have my heart set on a Gibson.". A Dave Harvey signed 'Goldrush' would fit the bill. From what i've read they're totally top drawer & there's not a 'poor one' out there,
Ivan

Jake Hobbs

Nov-08-2015, 4:46am

It's a fine mandolin to be sure, but would really like an MM at some point. The tone of the GR is very good, but different. It doesn't have the bone dry pop and chop of a good MM. It doesn't bark. It's sweeter; warm and woody. Still sounds good for bluegrass or anything really, but being a huge Thile fan I'd like to get a bit closer to his tone.

OldGus

Nov-08-2015, 5:00am

I found another Derrington MM for sale, http://boston.craigslist.org/bmw/msg/5252692481.html.

Ron McMillan

Nov-08-2015, 9:35am

You're killing me McMillan! Are you planning on purchasing it?

I wish had the kind of funds required to do that, but I certainly do not. On an unconnected matter I am in email contact with the owner of DMM #1 and he showed me a photo. So far as I know, it is not for sale.

Jake Hobbs

Nov-08-2015, 1:45pm

Ron McMillan - That's okay, I assumed it probably wasn't! A nice piece of mando history there!

Old Gus - I've seen that one, but got some PM response for a few other DMM's owned by cafe members that may be interested in selling. Thanks though!

lenf12

Nov-09-2015, 11:40am

I have no funds for a DMM, MM or even a varnished Fern but oh how I so want a varnish finished f-hole Gibson of some sort. Don't tell my lacquer finished F-12. ;)

Len B.
Clearwater, FL

Jeff Mando

Nov-09-2015, 1:19pm

Whenever I see the virtues of varnish mentioned, I think of a 3-hour Catholic wedding I attended in an old NON-air conditioned church, of yeah, it was in August and must have been 100 degrees in there.....

Well, a combination of the weather plus my body heat reactivated the varnish on the pew gluing my polyester suit to the bench....when it was time to get up, I couldn't move! No way to be graceful at that point, just had to lean into it, as my suit fabric was pulled loose from the pew....of course, it was a light gray suit, now with brown patches on the back on the coat, seat of my pants and backs on my legs. What'dya gonna do?

NO MANDOLIN CONTENT

Jake Hobbs

Nov-09-2015, 4:13pm

The point?

FLATROCK HILL

Nov-09-2015, 4:23pm

The point?

Obvious isn't it?....If your mandolin is varnished, don't sit on it in church!

Dave Greenspoon

Nov-09-2015, 5:32pm

The point?

Don't wear polyester. ��

Demetrius

Mar-30-2019, 6:05pm

Boy do I miss that one..... :crying:

Jim Garber

Mar-30-2019, 10:18pm

So, what did Jake Hobbs buy?

Br1ck

Mar-31-2019, 12:50pm

I would imagine a half million dollar offer would get you any mandolin on the planet. Alas, I will never test my theory.

Big Joe

Apr-01-2019, 3:24pm

There were no DMM’s made in 1999. It is possible someone had it distressed later, but the model was first introduced in 2004.

Demetrius

Apr-03-2019, 3:47am