View Full Version : 2020 X-Series -- The new Sorensen SX
Steve Sorensen
Jul-01-2019, 10:11pm
This past year, as I have been refining my check list for updates to the Sorensen X-Series mandolins, I knew that I wanted to do a build for an instrument which featured the traits of the original SXS (currently played by Randy Torno) and the Stratus build that I did last year (played by Eli Wildman).
I knew I wanted to maintain the open scroll and further refine the "aero" feeling of the curves. I also knew that I wanted to build another mandolin with a sound port in the bass side near or on the scroll. Based on feedback from Randy, and some discussions with Andy Statman after he played Eli's Stratus last year, the new SX design emerged.
Here are some shots to give a bunch of views of the result of the first SX build --
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Steve
JeromeLCSW
Jul-01-2019, 10:32pm
Looks incredible!!
BeachMando
Jul-01-2019, 10:51pm
That’s... for lack of any other words... damn sexy.
CWRoyds
Jul-01-2019, 11:49pm
That is a very cool design.
Your attention to detail is incredible.
Steve Sorensen
Aug-02-2019, 11:54am
Here's a bit of video from FloydFest with Liam Purcell (Cane Mill Road) on his Sorensen Sprite Two-Point and Eli Wildman (The Wildmans) on his Sorensen SX "Stratus" prototype --
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxjNMZbL7nk&feature=youtu.be
Steve
Steve Sorensen
Oct-17-2019, 10:31am
Here's a great quality video of a really terrific performance by The Wildmans recorded by Beehive Productions at FloydFest 2019 with very tasteful mandolin work by Eli Wildman on that SX prototype throughout --
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQmhRjjyt3s
Steve
Steve Sorensen
Oct-25-2019, 1:57am
https://www.facebook.com/The.Andy.Statman.Trio/videos/519626528783429/
Steve Sorensen
Dec-02-2019, 11:52am
Here's a bit of video from Eli Wildman, picking on his Sorensen SX, that he posted to Facebook for Siminoff's Straight Up Strings --
https://www.facebook.com/eli.wildman/videos/2665556116835892/
Steve
Joey Anchors
Dec-14-2019, 9:43am
https://www.facebook.com/The.Andy.Statman.Trio/videos/519626528783429/
So good!!
Steve Sorensen
Feb-18-2020, 1:42pm
The Wildmans - "Monster Ride"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCRo1a72yzE
Steve
Steve Sorensen
Mar-03-2021, 10:30am
The next Sorensen SX just had its first French Polishing session . . . and I think we're headed in the right direction!
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Steve
Steve Sorensen
Apr-21-2022, 8:24am
Cool to see Andy Statman with his Sorensen SX with the Breakfast Special reunion --
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Steve
Steve Sorensen
Apr-21-2022, 9:36am
I asked my son, who is an engineering student at Cal Poly Pomona, to help me with the CAD design of a sound port cover for the next Sorensen SX build.
We went with a 3D printed solid, polished brass for the first one --
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Steve
Steve Sorensen
Apr-22-2022, 1:43am
The Player Sound Port in the bigger picture --
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Steve
Glassweb
Apr-22-2022, 1:45am
Kinda looks like the derelict spaceship in the original Alien movie...
Steve Sorensen
Apr-26-2022, 9:58am
I'm impressed that you noticed the design influences. I was looking at a combination of HR Giger and modern movie twists on art deco while I was working on this body style. I've always believed that the Gibson F-style design was at the pinnacle of late Victorian style ... and that modern variations on that idea need to be grounded in new post- post modern design.
Giger's design aesthetic was so consistent, as are the "future/alien" art deco design elements used in movies like Star Wars and Lord of the Rings. My goal with these designs is to use the successful Gibson+Loar body structure in a more fresh way which still clearly respects the design roots but also is clearly not Victorian.
200814
Steve
Skip Kelley
Apr-26-2022, 5:08pm
Steve, that one is one cool looking mandolin design. Nice work brother!
Glassweb
Apr-26-2022, 5:56pm
I'm impressed that you noticed the design influences. I was looking at a combination of HR Giger and modern movie twists on art deco while I was working on this body style. I've always believed that the Gibson F-style design was at the pinnacle of late Victorian style ... and that modern variations on that idea need to be grounded in new post- post modern design.
Giger's design aesthetic was so consistent, as are the "future/alien" art deco design elements used in movies like Star Wars and Lord of the Rings. My goal with these designs is to use the successful Gibson+Loar body structure in a more fresh way which still clearly respects the design roots but also is clearly not Victorian.
200814
Steve
The structural perfection of this mandolin is matched only by its playability... ;)
Rush Burkhardt
Apr-27-2022, 6:57am
Can you speak to the effect/affect of the sound hole, Steve?
Thanks!
:popcorn:
Steve Sorensen
Apr-27-2022, 10:24am
Rush,
As far as I can hear, the side sound port has no noticeable impact on forward sound projection. Players with great ears say that they can hear themselves better.
I, personally, need to put my ear near the port to hear any directional sound from the opening up towards me. All in all, the side sound port is a cool fun addition which fits the style of this design, may help players hear themselves and has no discernible impact on forward tone and power.
Steve
Steve Sorensen
May-06-2022, 3:01am
Just felt compelled to add this shot to the discussion. I remain in love with stuff made from trees.
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Steve