View Full Version : Pomeroy #222
No Pomeroys seem to have been posted in quite some time. I just took possession of this one from Don Paine. It is a PA-2, number 222. I am smitten by this instrument in just 2 days. It is of a fairly simple design as mandolins go but beautiful construction, materials and execution. Had I had one built for me to my specs, I'm not sure I could have put into words what sort of sound I wanted out of an oval hole but this is close: Sweet, responsive, clear, resonant, accurate with power in reserve and perfect balance. It could not be better for what I want at this stage of my life when I no longer play out much. You can string together hammer-ons, slides and pull offs with never having touched the strings with a pick. I don't have any sound files yet but hopefully I can post a couple of pictures. This isn't a playing out mandolin for me, but one to compose tunes on, maybe record with and sooth my soul at home. Awesome. My fifth mandolin. Probably my last.
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outsidenote
Nov-12-2017, 7:09pm
Don Paine makes a delightful instrument. That one is a beauty for sure.
I think he is up to #240 or more by now. He has some that were not special orders which are on hand. He is making some nice looking and sounding fiddles too which I am tempted by greatly. I think his son is making the F-5 models now.
crisscross
Nov-15-2017, 8:30pm
What a coincidence! I'm the owner of a Pomeroy PA-2, but I have to admit, these days, I rarely use it. I seem to prefer my bowlbacks.
But recently, I remembered the Pomeroy when I recorded a set of 3 Scottish jigs arranged by Nigel Gatherer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riRXiPNCi10
I had it built in the summer of 2009 and it is # 147.
I chose natural color and an unbound back.
It is strung with Thomastik flatwound strings.
Those bowlbacks are too darn slippery for me! A friend used to have a Greek bouzouki and it was tricky to keep that thing in your lap. We used to play Patsy Geary's in front of Coleman's Cross but the other two I haven't heard. Thanks.
Markkunkel
Dec-05-2017, 2:02pm
Hi, fellow Pomeroy owner Furb (and other fans). I just gave grateful home to this one, (http://pomeroyinstruments.com/pomeroy-mandolin-a-2-239/) Don's #239, having been hunting an oval hole for a while. My word! I love everything about it, the violin construction (with overhanging plates), the emphasis on the wood (figured walnut and locally sourced Engelmann), and most of all the great playability and rich ringing tone. Don's work gets my highest recommendation.
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Thanks to all of you luthiers and your playable art!
Mark
Sure is pretty. I am working on a sound file but I am happier with the sound of the instrument than I am with my playing!
https://soundcloud.com/mike-furbee-308774662/cuckoo2
Did this work? Not sure how to upload a sound file. This was mostly just fooling around with microphone positioning as you can hear if you pay close attention. The mics were moved while playing.
thecelloronin
Dec-21-2017, 7:24pm
Future owner of Pomery 242 (or maybe 243?) chiming in. Don is very knowledgeable and easy to work with, and has been willing to humor an onslaught of my most esoteric (and at times, bordering on ridiculous) questions.
The custom build we've come up with also features the "v-style" overhangs in a 2-point configuration. Did I mention this'll be a 5-course mandocello with a Lyon & Healy inspired scroll headstock as well? Mama Mia!
Spring can't come fast enough.
thecelloronin
Dec-21-2017, 7:26pm
Hi, fellow Pomeroy owner Furb (and other fans). I just gave grateful home to this one, (http://pomeroyinstruments.com/pomeroy-mandolin-a-2-239/) Don's #239, having been hunting an oval hole for a while. My word! I love everything about it, the violin construction (with overhanging plates), the emphasis on the wood (figured walnut and locally sourced Engelmann), and most of all the great playability and rich ringing tone. Don's work gets my highest recommendation.
162848162849162850
162851
Thanks to all of you luthiers and your playable art!
Mark
What a beaut! That red maple is certainly gorgeous.
crisscross
Dec-22-2017, 10:47pm
The sound file works and the Pomeroy mandolin sounds fine!
As I already mentioned, I play mostly classical these days, but #147 works for this style as well...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7AvHjv471Y