Tim Saxton
Oct-05-2005, 9:58am
I received my new A5 mandolin about two weeks ago. I have not been able to put it down since. My 3 other mandos have not seen any light since it came. It is just amazing.
Keith set out to build me a custom mandolin about 4 months ago. What he delivered is nothing like what I expected. It is far greater than that. This mandolin surpassed all my expectations in tone, fit and finish, quality, playability and craftsmanship. I was a little scared to spend this much on an instrument that I have never played. WOW was I a fool to think that #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
I wanted a black top with burgundy wine colored sides and back. I wanted it bound with tortoise/white/black top and back also on the sides. Keith delivered with a great look. I also wanted a different headstock and inlay than what he had been using. We went to work collaborating a design that would make us both happy. Keith nailed the look I was after. Somewhat traditional and contemporary at the same time. Again it surpassed any of my expectations.
I'll try to describe the tone as best I can. I let a Friend play it and he said that it was the best A5 he has ever played. This man has been playing mandolin for 30 years and also is a builder. Others have all said, along equal terms, that "This is a REAL GOOD mandolin" As for me, well I love it and could not agree more. Keith took it to his local jam where several of his mandolins play. He reported back that everyone thought that is was a real keeper and that he should not sell it. He emailed me and offered me quite a bit more than I paid. I gladly refused his offer.
The tone has evened out since I pulled it out of the case. When I first got it I thought that if the tone never changed I'd be happy. I now understand when people say that it should have "IT" from the first note you play. It seems to have a very round sound that projects very well. It is very loud with allot of complex over tones. The bass is nice and woody with a real good bark. The trebles are clear and crisp. More than I expected. It chops well and cuts through a loud jam. It mics very well. I had to back off from my normal position http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
I'd like to publicly thank Keith Newell for single handedly curing my MAS. He did a great job!! He delivered more than I was hoping for in a custom made instrument. This mandolin is worth more than I paid for it hands down. I almost feel bad. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Tim Saxton
Keith set out to build me a custom mandolin about 4 months ago. What he delivered is nothing like what I expected. It is far greater than that. This mandolin surpassed all my expectations in tone, fit and finish, quality, playability and craftsmanship. I was a little scared to spend this much on an instrument that I have never played. WOW was I a fool to think that #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
I wanted a black top with burgundy wine colored sides and back. I wanted it bound with tortoise/white/black top and back also on the sides. Keith delivered with a great look. I also wanted a different headstock and inlay than what he had been using. We went to work collaborating a design that would make us both happy. Keith nailed the look I was after. Somewhat traditional and contemporary at the same time. Again it surpassed any of my expectations.
I'll try to describe the tone as best I can. I let a Friend play it and he said that it was the best A5 he has ever played. This man has been playing mandolin for 30 years and also is a builder. Others have all said, along equal terms, that "This is a REAL GOOD mandolin" As for me, well I love it and could not agree more. Keith took it to his local jam where several of his mandolins play. He reported back that everyone thought that is was a real keeper and that he should not sell it. He emailed me and offered me quite a bit more than I paid. I gladly refused his offer.
The tone has evened out since I pulled it out of the case. When I first got it I thought that if the tone never changed I'd be happy. I now understand when people say that it should have "IT" from the first note you play. It seems to have a very round sound that projects very well. It is very loud with allot of complex over tones. The bass is nice and woody with a real good bark. The trebles are clear and crisp. More than I expected. It chops well and cuts through a loud jam. It mics very well. I had to back off from my normal position http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
I'd like to publicly thank Keith Newell for single handedly curing my MAS. He did a great job!! He delivered more than I was hoping for in a custom made instrument. This mandolin is worth more than I paid for it hands down. I almost feel bad. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Tim Saxton