Hilburn #30

[Mandolin Enthusiast]

Jim Hilburn strung this up the day before yesterday; I've been able to put it down just long enough to eat and sleep. #It keeps getting better and better and It's only two days old. #Stop by Camp Avalon sometime and check it out!
--Drew Horton

[ab4usa]

Drew,

Not having any luck with the download. Just my pc?

[Mandolin Enthusiast]

Let me try that one more time....

[Mandolin Enthusiast]

The headstock....

[Mandolin Enthusiast]

...too bad Jim couldn't find any good wood for the back!

[Mandolin Enthusiast]

scroll envy?

[Kevin@bluegrassbrethren]

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif STOP IT....STOP IT....
Whew,,,I can't handle beauty like that. Great Job Jim!!!

[Flowerpot]

Outstanding! Jim keeps making some stunning pieces, and this one is fabulous looking as well. The color scheme of the sunburst is so very nice, and the fern is superb. Think its a keeper? I bet. Congrats.

[Jim Hilburn]

If Drew doesn't mind, I've got one more I'd like to post.

[Mandolin Enthusiast]

No, Jim, I don't mind. I just want to thank you again for building me this mandolin. It is truly a masterpiece. Now, where's my pick?
--Drew

[mandoJeremy]

Jim, you are amazing man! Keep up the superb work! Mandolin Enthusiast, you are one lucky person! Enjoy!

[Scotti Adams]

..absolutely stunning....how do these sound?....what is the over whelming sound quality?....woody...well balanced?.....and thats gotta be the prettiest fern inlay I have ever seen...whats the species of the abalone?....Ben..if you are reading this...thats what I want my fern to look like.... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[Km1000seth]

MAN!,

you sure can make a beautiful mandolin

[Jim Hilburn]

Thought you might like to see the Allen tailpiece.

[sunburst]

Another beauty Jim!

[Scott Tichenor]

Beautiful mandolin. If it sounds as good as your other Hilburn you are indeed a lucky guy. Congratulations on a fine mandolin built, Jim.

[Kevin@bluegrassbrethren]

Jim,
If'n you don't mind me askin' who engraved that tailpiece?

Ben are you following this thread http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[mandorado]

Wow ... that is one beautiful mandolin. Now I want one!

[mandoJeremy]

I will say it over and over: Jim is the man to be watching! #I just can't get over your workmanship. #They are just flawless. #Plus, Hillburn is just a cool mandolin builder's name! #Very catchy! #How many compliments does it take for a free one Jim?http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[tope]

Well done Jim, love that 12th fret yin yang. French polish?

[Tom C]

Beauty

[Kent Barnes]

I have just 3 words --

Fab U Lous!!!! # http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[oldwave maker]

Jim- 3 more words- dee lish us- Howdja git that secret varnish so shiny? Hope you got at least an indoor lap pool fer this one!

[mandopete]

Jim Hillburn is DA MAN!

I have played one of these mandolins at Wintergrass a couple of years ago and it had exceptional tone.

[Mandolin Enthusiast]

Okay, it is now day 4 and I have played #30 for several hours over the past 3 days. The volume and tone are all I could ask for but will likely continue to improve. I've calmed down from the initial euphoria and am trying to be objective here; #30 is indeed one of the best sounding mandolins I've ever played (and I have played some of the good ones).

Regarding the tailpiece question, it came from Randy Allen already engraved. It is a little gaudy for my taste at the present, but I expect once the "new" wears off it, it'll be just right. The design and workmanship are beautiful.
I don't know enough about it to respond to the abalone spec. question. Jim?

[Jim Roberts]

Mighty, mighty fine, Chack-Daddy (insider Winfield joke!)...have you removed the finish from the back of the neck yet, Drew, or did Jim finish it w/o varnish on the neck?

Can't wait to play it at Camp Avalon at Winfield which is less than four months away! #Or maybe we'll see you at Zeke-Fest 2004.

Cheers!

[Mandolin Enthusiast]

JR,
Jim did varnish the back on the neck. So far, it doesn't seem to have any of the issues that my body chemistry had with the lacquer on #17. I'm hopeful this will not be a problem. I am keeping it out of the case for a few weeks to give the varnish a chance to complete curing. Who knows? Stay tuned.
--DH ©

[rose#1]

Swwwweeeeeeeeettttttttt!!!!!!!!!

D

[dfrady]

AWSOME !!!!!!!!!!!! # #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[Mandopickr]

I played #29.... and didn't expect any less from this one. But hoooollly cow. Great work Jim...and a hearty congrats Drew