View Full Version : Just Put Together
labraid
Apr-16-2004, 10:50am
Hi guys, I'm new at the Cafe, but been toying with mandolins since, oh, '95 or so. Been building since '01. Thought I'd see what you all think about my latest. It's "flat" with curved bracing.
I'm wild about Appalachian and Celtic culture, I try to mix the old-fashioned with a bit of my own interpretation. Hope you like it...
http://www.bfolk.com/040408_main_2.jpg
Glad to be here, see you all around.
-Brian
labraid
Apr-16-2004, 10:52am
Oh yeah, I'm on the web too: www.bfolk.com (http://www.bfolk.com)
-Brian
djweiss
Apr-16-2004, 11:29am
Looks great...How does the flat top sound compared to a traditional arched top? Is the back flat as well?
Skip Kelley
Apr-16-2004, 11:31am
Nice job!! I love the flame in the neck and back! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif
John Zimm
Apr-16-2004, 11:32am
Wow Old Tymer, that is beautiful. Good job. I wish I had your talent. Don't be a stranger. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
-John.
Andrew Reckhart
Apr-16-2004, 11:32am
Looks great to me!
sunburst
Apr-16-2004, 11:33am
That thing looks great. Natural to brown shading ain't easy!
phynie
Apr-16-2004, 11:42am
WOW! I love your work! Very classic looking!
labraid
Apr-16-2004, 1:19pm
How does the flat top sound compared to a traditional arched top? Is the back flat as well?
Yes, the back is flat as well. Sure is fun having people unsure if it's carved though! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Most describe the sound as more mellow than an arched top, yet with above average volume and projection (angled neck = more pressure on the soundboard; curved braces = more rigidity like an arched). The highs don't "cut", they, hmmm, how to describe... Float? Glide? Hum? Dang it's hard. The midtones are somewhat leaning on archtop character, though you'll hear a difference. They are "round" but not tinny. The bass is pretty strong. Good evenness high to low. When we get some recordings done I'll let ya'all know so you can be your own judge.
Thanks for the nice comments so far. I promise to keep two feet on the ground.
Back to work now,
Brian
labraid
Apr-30-2004, 12:54pm
Number Fifteen comin at ye's...
http://www.bfolk.com/mandolin15.jpg
-Brian
mandorado
May-01-2004, 6:52am
Just visited Brian's web site. I think he's onto something. If there were one of his instruments around here to try ... I would go out and try it.
His artistry, and sincerity shine from his words and work.
Wish there were more photos ... and some sound clips!
Ken Berner
May-01-2004, 9:59am
"Toying"http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif? Looks like very serious mandolin crafting to me! I'm impressed by what I see as careful attention to detail in all regards. Congrats to you, Brian; I have no doubt that your mandolins sound as pleasant as they look.
samuel
May-01-2004, 10:15am
Awesome work... heck i sure would try one out if i had one!
Mike Crocker
May-01-2004, 10:21am
Yeah, very nice! My favourite mandolin being a flattop A, these look very appealing. Damn MAS!
Peace, Mooh.
dgfoster
May-07-2004, 10:38am
Hey OldTymer,
# # #Would you be willing to describe your bracing pattern #(X, parallel, etc.) and the process you use when applying it? #I'm curious about the curved braces you mentioned.
levin4now
May-07-2004, 11:35am
those are truly beautiful mandolins.......(and this coming from a guy who researches how to grow better wheat in "industrial wheat fields" http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif #[I read your bio on your website...])
labraid
May-08-2004, 10:19pm
Thanks guys, and no offense meant to wheat fields! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Bracing patterns, well not wanting to divulge too much info on how I do it (gotta keep ye's guessing), there is a main brace across the top grain and some others elsewhere (told ye's!). They are outwardly curved from the center to the edges just to give it a slight upward arch. When strung up, it all flattens out just right.
Hey Alan, Pungo Picker. You from Virginia? Anyway, I'll think of you when I take a bite outta that homemade rasin bread tomorrow!
Take care all,
Brian
You'd better gear up......I sense a flood of orders and questions.
the colors are goooooooooooooooooooorgeous!
labraid
Jun-19-2004, 3:56pm
Hello all,
I finished this octave mandolin a week or so ago.
http://www.bfolk.com/images/octave17raypayne.jpg
It has 8.5" radiused fretboard, 22.5" scale, is 13.5" wide, 2.75" ribs. Curved bracing, "flat" top and back, angled neck and adjustable bridge, quilted maple bindings front and back with a little African blackwood binding too, no plastic. Engelmann top. The walnut from the back and ribs came from a tree that got hit by lightning about 30 or so years ago. All original inlay. The first to own the new tailpiece design too...
Until next time...
-Brian
those colors are spectacular- congrats!