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LKN2MYIS
Jul-17-2007, 6:07am
Okay, so after much internal debate and external advice (thanks to this forum - your input, as always, is invaluable), I had ordered a new BRW LT-H4-E from Ben in March.

Even as we speak, the finish is curing at Ben's, and should be ready for shipping in about 2 weeks. He's promised me photos, and when I get them, I'll certainly post them.

Funny that after waiting for almost 5 months it's the last couple of weeks that are the hardest.

European spruce top, red maple back and sides. Light brown top, darker brown (not reddish) back and sides.

I opted for a special decorative (yet simple) inlay on the 12th fret - no other markers. I've attached Ben's sketch of it. I'm really curious to see what it looks like.

Lee
Jul-17-2007, 11:55am
I will be very interested to hear how it compares with your #64 Pomeroy F4.
I played Ben's prototype for this model and was really impressed that it incorporates the punchy projection of the F-hole, yet still retains the round fullness of the oval.

Lee
Jul-17-2007, 11:57am
And don't even try that "broken computer" stuff. We want photos. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

LKN2MYIS
Jul-17-2007, 12:04pm
LOL!

Not a problem - when I get them, you'll see them.

I'm sure it will be a much different sound then my Pomeroy.
It should be great in its own right.

Meanwhile, the waiting is excrutiating. I might have to practice more!!!!

fwoompf
Jul-17-2007, 12:13pm
BRWs are awesome, I bet you can't wait! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

LKN2MYIS
Jul-17-2007, 12:17pm
I was okay with the 'big wait', but now that I know it's completed and drying, I'm antsy.

BUT - I'd MUCH rather Ben keep it until he's okay with setting it up and shipping.

LKN2MYIS
Jul-18-2007, 5:10pm
Ben eMailed me today and promised to send some photos for me to check the finish color.

When I get them, I'll post them here.

Stay tuned!

blawson
Jul-18-2007, 5:28pm
Very tasteful inlay. Is that his standard extension now? It looks a little more curvy than similar ones I've seen on his Web site.

LKN2MYIS
Jul-18-2007, 5:32pm
Don't really know if it's his standard. But I like it.

The inlay was something Ben came up with. I wanted to add just a little something somewhere. He came up with a few sketches and I gravitated towards this one.

Kind of excited to see how it came out - very fine work involved. Hopefully the pictures will be here soon.

red7flag
Jul-18-2007, 9:35pm
The plan for the BRW extension has some similarity to the extension Chris Stanley made on mine, different shape point. Here is a picture.
Tony

LKN2MYIS
Jul-19-2007, 8:06am
Okay, here's the first unstrung photo.

Hopefully more to follow later today.

I'm anxious to see the shots with the pickguard and inlay (as well as the back, sides, and headstock!).

mandomick
Jul-19-2007, 11:29am
If yours is anything like my 2, you're gonna' really like it. Also, I wonder how many other builders don't string 'em up in the white?

Lee
Jul-19-2007, 11:32am
Yummy, quite nice indeed!

MandoSquirrel
Jul-19-2007, 6:38pm
Yummy, quite nice indeed!
ditto http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Lane Pryce
Jul-19-2007, 7:58pm
I really like your new mandolin. That jewel is just beggin to be played!! Lp

LKN2MYIS
Jul-20-2007, 6:28am
Yep - I just hope it doesn't cringe at my ability when playing it! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

fredfrank
Jul-20-2007, 7:47am
Yep - I just hope it doesn't cringe at my ability when playing it!
Maybe you could hypnotize it!

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sleepy.gif

LKN2MYIS
Jul-20-2007, 7:51am
Cute! I assume you're not a comic . . . . .. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

fredfrank
Jul-20-2007, 5:10pm
You assume correctly. But my friends all claim I'm kinda funny lookin'.

Nice looking BRW, by the way. I had placed an order with Ben just before my wife reminded me I didn't need any more mandolins. Now you're making me wish I had let that order ride. I was to be the same color but in the F4 style.

LKN2MYIS
Jul-20-2007, 5:21pm
Kind of like the color - can't wait to see it in person. I don't always trust computer colors.

Ben will be sending me some additional photos, and I'll post them when I get them. Nice guy to work with.

(And, by the way, after many years (( about 20?)) as a hypnotist, I've recently retired from it. Started my 'last' career, and working only 3 days a week by choice. I need more fun time. That mandolin is going to need to be played!)

Mark Walker
Jul-20-2007, 5:41pm
(And, by the way, after many years (( about 20?)) as a hypnotist, I've recently retired from it. #Started my 'last' career, and working only 3 days a week by choice. #I need more fun time. #That mandolin is going to need to be played!)
THAT explains your 'handle!' #"Look into my eyes!" #I was trying to pick out some relationship to Kentucky or something!

Enjoy that mandolin - that's a beauty! #Keep us posted as you receive more photos from Ben.

Mark Walker
Jul-20-2007, 5:43pm
Hmmm... could he (LKN2MYIS) hypnotize someone into giving him a Silver Angel, Dudenbostol, Brentrup or Loar...?

Inquiring minds might want to know! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

LKN2MYIS
Jul-20-2007, 5:45pm
(Yep, you're on target. A great career, helped a lot of clients. Most people don't pick up on the handle. And, if a hypnotist could make someone do something against their will, like getting a Dude, there would be no hypnotists - we'd all be wealthy, married to models, and retired!)

Ben is easy to work with, and an artist to say the least. When I get the photos, should make the wait easier(!).

It's always exciting getting a new instrument.

MandoSquirrel
Jul-20-2007, 7:25pm
Hmmm... could he (LKN2MYIS) hypnotize someone into giving him a Silver Angel, Dudenbostol, Brentrup or Loar...?

Inquiring minds might want to know! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
I'm more interested in what he can convince people to give ME, he already has this beauty coming! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

hanknc
Jul-20-2007, 10:30pm
That photo has me looking around for stuff to sell! Thats a long neck, right?

LKN2MYIS
Jul-21-2007, 5:18am
Yep.

Can hardly wait for new photos. Hopefully I'll get some soon.

LKN2MYIS
Jul-24-2007, 3:13pm
Just spoke with Ben. He'll be taking some photos tomorrow night, and shipping it out to me on Thursday!!!!!!!

John Hill
Jul-24-2007, 3:21pm
Lucky you. I have to wait until Winfield's over before Ben starts on mine... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

Of course we'll need several pics and some sound clips. I had #59, a LT-H4E model, for a while before it became apparent to me that I prefer f-holes but you should be very pleased with what you're about to get. It's a superb instrument and the color scheme looks great.

LKN2MYIS
Jul-24-2007, 3:42pm
Thanks.

As they say, I'm more of an a-hole than an f-hole.

John Hill
Jul-24-2007, 3:47pm
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

LKN2MYIS
Jul-26-2007, 5:28pm
Update:

Due to Ben running about a day behind (unbelievable that he has it down to such a science!), I've opted to hold off on delivery.

I'll be off on a vacation, so I don't want to take receipt of the instrument and leave it home alone while I'm away (and it's at home near my son!). I put off having him ship it until week after next.

Now all I have to do is:
1) try to forget about it while I'm away on vacation
2) hope that I'll have some photos soon to appease me

I'll keep you posted.

John Hill
Jul-26-2007, 5:43pm
Just to play devil's advocate but you should take receipt & let it adjust to the temp/humidity in your house while you're on vacation.

fredfrank
Jul-26-2007, 6:40pm
Or have it shipped to me and I'll get it acclimated.

JEStanek
Jul-26-2007, 7:21pm
LI, That is remarkable wisdom and will power to hold off like that. Have a great vacation and enjoy that beauty when you get home. It is very fine indeed. Ovals rule!

Jamie

LKN2MYIS
Jul-26-2007, 10:11pm
Just to play devil's advocate but you should take receipt & let it adjust to the temp/humidity in your house while you're on vacation.
Precious little difference between Ohio and the Northeast in
August.

At any rate, an overnight wait will probably be in order upon receipt. I'll be away for close to a week, and I'd prefer it's in Ben's hands.

Still having trouble accepting that I'll be getting it soon!

Lee
Jul-31-2007, 12:05pm
Are ya back yet?
Or is this just another "my computer's broken" kinda thing?? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

LKN2MYIS
Jul-31-2007, 12:08pm
I'll be back on the 7th, and contact Ben then.

Believe me, it seems a lot longer!

LKN2MYIS
Aug-07-2007, 10:02am
Okay - the photos are here:

LKN2MYIS
Aug-07-2007, 10:03am
and

LKN2MYIS
Aug-07-2007, 10:04am
and . . . .

LKN2MYIS
Aug-07-2007, 10:05am
and . .

mandomurph
Aug-07-2007, 10:36am
WOW! Excuse me while I wipe the drool off of my keyboard. That's a beauty!http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

John Hill
Aug-07-2007, 11:02am
Nice. You're going to love that mando.

cooper4205
Aug-07-2007, 11:10am
that things clean as a whistle, does Ben use CNC anywhere in the process?

LKN2MYIS
Aug-07-2007, 11:14am
Not sure about the CNC.

He does do exceptional work. I really like the way the 12th fret marker came out.

I should have it tomorrow, so I'll be up all night.

mandopete
Aug-07-2007, 11:38am
Holy smokes, that's drop dead gorgeous!

LKN2MYIS
Aug-07-2007, 12:47pm
Ben is TRULY an artist.

Tomorrow sure seems a LONG way off! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

DryBones
Aug-07-2007, 3:07pm
taking the rest of the week off?

LKN2MYIS
Aug-07-2007, 3:09pm
Might take it to work with me . . . . . . . . .

sgarrity
Aug-07-2007, 4:05pm
That thing is just screaming to have some classical music played on it. This design is far and away one of the most beautiful (and functional) since the F5.

LKN2MYIS
Aug-07-2007, 4:10pm
Thanks.

Well, I'm not a bluegrass fan, so it should more than meet my needs and ability.

John Hill
Aug-07-2007, 5:10pm
Though that design can play BG if you so desired, has some nice bite on the higher registers; but it really shines as a killer jazz & classical mandolin IMO (but it does it all frankly). Keep an eye on them there G & D strings...they have some serious sustain.

LKN2MYIS
Aug-07-2007, 5:34pm
Actually, in my opinion, it is indeed the player that imparts the 'style' to the instrument.

Whenever I hear that something is great for bluegrass, in my mind I just hear 'It's very loud'.

I've seen and heard MANY people with 'bluegrass' mandos playing other genres of music, and it sounds great.

SO - I agree with you!

MASadict
Aug-07-2007, 5:39pm
I would be happy to "wait one more day". Mine is at least a year from being ordered... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

John Hill
Aug-07-2007, 5:51pm
Actually, in my opinion, it is indeed the player that imparts the 'style' to the instrument.

Whenever I hear that something is great for bluegrass, in my mind I just hear 'It's very loud'.

I've seen and heard MANY people with 'bluegrass' mandos playing other genres of music, and it sounds great.

SO - I agree with you!
True enough. Just look at Mike Marshall...he makes that Loar sing however he wants; Andy Statman is another good example with his A2Z.

Either way it's a great instrument you've got coming.

John Hill
Aug-07-2007, 5:52pm
I would be happy to "wait one more day". Mine is at least a year from being ordered... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif
From being ordered or being started?

LKN2MYIS
Aug-07-2007, 5:54pm
Thanks - it does look good, if I may say so. But it's usually not the arrow, but the Indian that makes the difference.

I can certainly appreciate the long wait, and am glad it's over. But there's also a great feeling knowing you've got something on the way.

John Hill
Aug-07-2007, 6:11pm
I'm with you. Ben start's on mine after Winfield...I'm anxious to say the least. I don't know if everyone here knew already but Ben is making one of the mandolins for the winner at Winfield this year.

Fred G
Aug-07-2007, 10:06pm
wow, I really NEED one of those. Congrats, it's a beauty.

LKN2MYIS
Aug-08-2007, 5:58am
Thanks.

Should have it by 3 pm here (EST). It's raining buckets and the humidity is 5,000 per cent.

MASadict
Aug-08-2007, 6:21am
I would be happy to "wait one more day". #Mine is at least a year from being ordered... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif
From being ordered or being started?
From being ordered... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

LKN2MYIS
Aug-08-2007, 6:57am
That's REAL interesting. I never thought of that before.

Isn't it a GREAT feeling to know that tomorrow you'll be ordering or getting a mandolin you wanted? Not a bad place to be.

LKN2MYIS
Aug-08-2007, 2:34pm
See other thread for my 'review'.

Bill Snyder
Aug-08-2007, 6:07pm
Very nice.

Lee
Aug-09-2007, 5:04pm
#This design is far and away one of the most beautiful (and functional) since the F5.
F5 functional?

Certainly Ben's come up with a winning design. Modern, but with a vintage vibe. Original, but utilizes older themes; the drop points, the wide narrow oval. And the headstock is a winner too.

sgarrity
Aug-09-2007, 5:10pm
For me the lap point is functional on an F5. Makes it much easier to play sitting down. And what's not functional about the scroll? I mean, you gotta have a plasct for your strap, right?? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

cooper4205
Aug-09-2007, 5:15pm
For me the lap point is functional on an F5. Makes it much easier to play sitting down. And what's not functional about the scroll? I mean, you gotta have a plasct for your strap, right?? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
F5's introduced the longer necks, too