View Full Version : BRW Oval Hole Sneak Preview
Hi Everybody,
# # A lot of people have asked to see a BRW oval hole so I have been working on some. Here are some pictures of the first one "in-the-white". It is a hybrid instrument with a 15th fret neck configuration, a fully elevated fingerboard extension, and X bracing. This body style is a new model for me. It combines the asymmetrical point configuration of the Lyon and Healy's with the lower point of the F-Style, which I think makes a unique looking mandolin. #I will have an F4 style 15th fret hybrid coming up soon as well. I will string this one up and post another picture. Enjoy http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif ~Ben
Professor PT
Jul-16-2006, 11:12pm
That's one sweet mando. What color will it be? I picture a nice honey tone for some reason( no pun intended).
I haven't decided on the color yet. Given the grain on these pieces of wood I think I'm going to do something darker like a burst or a wine or brown color. We'll see what I feel like when I get in the booth! I think a blonde one is definitely going to happen soon though as it always suits these ovals so nicely.
amowry
Jul-16-2006, 11:38pm
Nice!
Eugene
Jul-17-2006, 12:07am
It's always good to see you 'round these parts, Ben, and good to see your latest endeavor. Is this a commission or personal whim with the intent to become a regular model?
Hey Eugene,
I am actually commisioned to do an F Style oval hole but I wanted to do some trials first. It took me a while to figure out whether I wanted to do a traditional style configuration or a hybrid but I finally decided on the hybrid with the x bracing and I went ahead and made a whole new mandolin model to go with the idea. I will be building this style as a regular model. I will be making them with f-holes as well. I think it actually looks better in person than it does in the pictures. The box really resonates too! I'll have to show it to you sometime.
Skip Kelley
Jul-17-2006, 6:20am
Ben, That is an awesome looking mandolin! Love that peghead shape!
Ben,
Is a 12 fret F4 anywhere in horizon? IMHO the tubbyness seems to decrease with the longer neck making it sound like a cross between f4-f5. BRW#27
Darryl Wolfe
Jul-17-2006, 8:07am
Very nice Ben
Lane Pryce
Jul-17-2006, 9:40am
Very nice ---- the neck has a comfy looking profile too. Lp
Bill Van Liere
Jul-17-2006, 10:47am
Nice start to a fine looking instrument Ben.
Thanks to your skills I had a great weekend with BRW#51.
Darryl Wolfe
Jul-17-2006, 11:32am
Soundhole rosettes and binding are nice, but there is an understated elegance to the shape and "lack of" on this
Scotti Adams
Jul-17-2006, 11:33am
I wouldnt expect anything less from Ben..hes one of the best. Nice stuff.
Here's a picture of it strung up. I agree with you Tom about the sound of the longer neck style. That is exactly my goal on this mandolin. I wanted to make a hybrid sound and it has come out very nicely. I don't have any plans to make a 12 fret model at this time but maybe someday. Darryl, I will be using rosettes around the sound hole on some instruments, but I do really like the simplicity of this and will surely do more with the plain hole. It sounds really great (IMO). Very loud and clear with a deep resonating bass. Poppy notes http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif I recorded a sound clip (rather clumsily), but I don't think my computer really quite captured the sound. The clip accentuates the high's and you can't hear the more f-ish character that it can have. Anyway here's a link to the #soundclip (http://www.brw-instruments.com/exsoundclips/BRWOvalHole.mp3)
Antlurz
Jul-17-2006, 11:45pm
Love the sound from it! Quite an instrument! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif
Ron
That does sound great. Looks classy too.
sgarrity
Jul-19-2006, 10:09pm
Thats gotta be one of the best mandolin designs I've seen. Ranks right up there with a Monteleone GA! I hope you do one with f-holes too. MAS just flared up big time.
Shaun
Thanks for the compliments Shaun. I will be making them with f-holes too. They will actually be slightly modified to be a crossover from F to S-holes. It Looks great with either the F or the Oval Hole.
Here's the back stained. It is a very unique color but is a little more subtle than it looks like in this picture. Enjoy.
Brian Ray
Jul-23-2006, 9:04pm
It's not orange... but it sure is purty! Nice Ben...
Sounds good, looks good. It's a winner. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Don Grieser
Aug-13-2006, 7:28pm
That's a beautiful design, Ben. I've got a Red Diamond with the longer neck that I love. It's good to see other builders exploring the oval, long neck combination. It's the best of both worlds. Keep up the good work.
jasona
Aug-13-2006, 11:31pm
Amazing mandolin!
Mark Walker
Aug-14-2006, 10:35am
Wow. Very impressive. Keep up the GREAT work! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
ethanopia
Aug-16-2006, 7:35pm
Wow that one is awesome, you know, I could see a whole mando family of those. dola, and cello...the extra-oblong oval hole really is very nicely designed bravo!!!
telepbrman
Aug-22-2006, 12:49am
Does anyone know if she's sold yet?
testore
Aug-22-2006, 10:00am
Great work!!Really love the color.
Gary
B. T. Walker
Aug-27-2006, 2:49pm
Gorgeous! I love the design, and the color is beautiful. Very nice work.
telepbrman
Sep-02-2006, 2:46am
Got her...I'll fill you in soon...dy.
Wonderful design, Bravo Ben!!
The sound clips is wonderful. There's a distinct difference from the others.
Doesn't say SOLD yet. Didja buy it, Doug?
telepbrman
Sep-06-2006, 11:20pm
Lee...good to hear from you bud, it's been awhile. Yes, I got it. I'll fill you in soon, later, dy.
Good grab, Doug! No waiting lists for you, eh?
I'm jealous. MAS was/is kicking in hard.
Jim Garber
Sep-07-2006, 6:52pm
Here is the finished product.
http://www.brw-instruments.com/Online%20Store%20Pictures/Online%20Store%20Galleries/LT-H4%20gallery/BRWLT04.JPG
Very nice, Ben.
Jim
Is that the "jgarber" model http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Jim Garber
Sep-07-2006, 7:52pm
Hmmmm... you make have something there. L&H are among my favorites and the tone does sound wonderful. I also like the understatedness. If I need to have a carved top...hmmmmm
Jim
telepbrman
Sep-07-2006, 11:24pm
I'll put a rewiew over on the other area: General discussion, dy.
Jim Garber
Sep-14-2006, 11:00am
I'll put a rewiew over on the other area: General discussion, dy.
telepbrman:
Did you post a review?
Jim
It's there.
But Doug has since disappeared. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif