Post a pic of your 2-point mandolin

[Jim MacDaniel]

Of the myriad body shapes available for mandolins, the two-point has always grabbed me. As of late I have been especially intrigued with the Lebeda J5, and keep going back to the Devil's Dream web site on a regular basis. Yet I've never purchased one to date, although I have come close (I bid on a couple on the auction site in the past, but was outbid each time).

That said, may I ask all of you two-point owners out there to post a picture of your baby here? To start things out, here is a pair of Lebeda J5's (neither of which I own ;)

[mandolirius]

1995 Phoenix Ultra

[Chris Travers]

Nice one Mandolirius! But do you have a pic of the front?

crazylotrfan

[Magnus Geijer]

My #1.

http://geijer.us/albums/Random/Rotation_of_PICT0505.jpg

[mandolirius]

<My #1.>

Whoa! I like that. A lot http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

crazylotrfan, I'll see if I can find a decent front shot.

[mandolirius]

phoenix front

[mandolirius]

headstock

[maj34]

Here's my Phoenix Standard. Sorry about the poor photo.

[maj34]

The back. . .

[Barb Friedland]

I love my BRW 2 point

[Barb Friedland]

and here's the flip side.

[dougjay]

Two-Point by Austin Clark (no. 22).

[dougjay]

Two more angles on the Austin Clark Two-Point.

[Jim MacDaniel]

Wow - beautiful instruments, each and every one! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

Keep 'em coming please. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Django Fret]

Three teenagers with two points each, front and back. Sorry for the photo quality.

[Chris Travers]

Cool Pheonix

[Mark Franzke]

Here's the one I just finished. I played it in the white for several months because I couldn't part with it while it was being finished.

[Mark Franzke]

Here's a close-up.

[Mark Franzke]

One more of the abalone rosette.

[amowry]

Wow! Nice details.

[John Flynn]

From the sublime to the well, not so sublime, my Mederios travel mandolin, made by Michael Mederios of Loveland, Colorado.

[Brad Weiss]

Here goes:

[Brad Weiss]

the back. . .

[Brad Weiss]

. . . and the headstock - - Phoenix Europa!

[Glassweb]

I love my BRW 2 point
Now that's a good-lookin' 2 point mandolin all right... SWEET!

[MandoBen]

Here's some pics of my BRW 2-point

[MandoBen]

Back

[MandoBen]

Heaadstock

[Magnus Geijer]

Well, since I already got started, and it IS a two-point thread... Here's #2, the only one I've done with binding.

http://geijer.us/albums/Random/PICT5060.jpg

[Magnus Geijer]

And #3 while I'm at it.

http://geijer.us/albums/Random/PICT5524.jpg

I promise I'll stop now. At least until I finish #4.

/Magnus

[Plamen Ivanov]

My Sucek two-point electric mando...

[ninevah]

Michael Sassano playing his Monteleone 2-point. What a pair, one of the finest mandolins and madolin players I've ever heard. Check them out at http://www.toobluemusic.com/

[JimRichter]

No longer owned: my old Kimble 2 point

Jim

[Mark Walker]

Dave Williams' two-point Silver Angel - FRONT:

[Mark Walker]

...And the beautiful BACK:

[Greenmando]

My Eastman 804D.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/ferretkona/Mandolins/804d4.jpghttp://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/ferretkona/Mandolins/804d2.jpg

[David O'Brien]

does this count?

[G. Fisher]

This is my Neil Dean 2-point

[Bertram Henze]

My old beaten-up Aria 2-point on a sunny sunday morning.

[mandolirius]

Those Neil Dean two-points are my favourite design of that style. Love those tailpieces too. How does it sound?

I also liked the Kimble downward-swooping points.

The scroll-point one, is that a Cohen? Interesting bridge.

[G. Fisher]

Here are a couple of video clips of my Dean.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=bXGiZEQHVJQ

http://youtube.com/watch?v=xnUvM1iJ85w

[Gary S]

Here is my Kimble 2 point. It is a style J #57 dated 4/04.
It has a simple unadorned design with great lines and color.
It is well suited for many styles of music and has a serious bluegrass sound, plenty of dryness in the tone and and a penetrating chop.

[Glassweb]

Lots of really lovely looking mandolins here... the 2 point design really works well on the 'ole mandolin. Also, notice how several of these builders have tastefully addressed the extension problem without scooping, scalloping or removing frets (I know, some did do that). Bravo!

[Gerry Cassidy]

Does an Octave Mando qualify? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

This is my Rozawood ROM2. 21.5" scale that plays like a dream. For those of you looking closely, yup, there's a partial shot of the verzi in the soundhole:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y82/arcopizz/Rozawood%20ROM2/112_1259.jpg

[Wesley]

I would love to hear from some of the owners { esp the Kimble owners } on their perceptions of the strengths and weaknesses of these two point mandolins. Are they "just another pretty face" or does it fill a particular need in your mandolin family?

[JimRichter]

I would love to hear from some of the owners { esp the Kimble owners } on their perceptions of the strengths and weaknesses of these two point mandolins. Are they "just another pretty face" or does it fill a particular need in your mandolin family?
I personally don't think there are any strengths/weaknesses particular to the two point design. Basically I'm saying that I don't think there is a unique two-point sound. I think it is more of an aesthetic issue, rather than a tonal one.

The tonality issue is the same as any other discussion of mandolin tone: tonewoods used, bracing, builder, etc. My Kimble 2 point was every bit as strong--if not stronger--as my Kimble F5.

Jim

[BPV]

I just want to thank you all.....now there is something else I want....Thanks Again:D

[Jim MacDaniel]

Another convert! (I love it when a plan comes together.)

[JEStanek]

Jimmacd,
The niche the two points fill is to make you waaaaaay cool.

;)

Spoken like the guy with a 2 point on order with Brian Dean.

Jamie

[Jim MacDaniel]

I agree with you 100%.

(Spoken like the guy who hopes to get a good deal on a J5 when he visits Prague later this year ;)

[JEStanek]

I hope you have total spousal buy in as well. Good hunting.

Jamie

[Jim MacDaniel]

The spousal approval is pending, but I'm working on it. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[Wesley]

Valentines Day is a great way to earn brownie points toward the two point.

[Jim MacDaniel]

LOL! (It's funny because it's true ;)

[Spruce]

Here's one I whipped up in the early 80's....

[senior72]

Eastman 805 http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[senior72]

Eastman 805 backside. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Jim MacDaniel]

BTW, if anyone is looking for a great value on a hand-crafted two-point, Howard Morris builds oval-hole and f-hole two-points, like this one that was listed recently in the classifieds for only $950 new.

(NFI)

[Nuages]

Nice-looking Weber Bighorn (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=270213222894) up on eBay now:

http://www.centrosome.net/git/weber2.jpg

[BlueNote]

My Virginia Phoenix #195

[BlueNote]

Another shot of #195. I still can't take a very good picture.

[Glassweb]

I'm sorry... I know I've ruffled a lot of feathers about this in the past, but c'mon... isn't there ANYONE else out there that thinks these "tongue-like" scooped, scalloped fretless fingerboard extensions look ridiculous???
Go back to the top of pages 1 and 2 of this thread and check out Ben's (BRW mandolins) tasteful extension treatments on his beautiful and elegant 2-pointers. Now that's what I call an artist...

[Jim MacDaniel]

I don't think the standard "tongue" looks rediculous, but I agree that extensions such as those on the BRW, Kimble, Kyswede's #3, Rozawood, Flinthills, Phoenix, Clark, Silver Angel, and Virginia are far more visually interesting.

I also like the non-extension fretboard treatments on the Lebeda and mandogal's BRW, and I think I actually prefer them on a two-point, given that the rest of the instrument is symetrical in appearance as well. (Exception: I think the the fretboard extension on Kyswede's #3 flows very with with its asymertical body-shape -- and perhaps the addition of an asymetrical headstock might lend itself well to that body-shape.)

[Tracy Ballinger]

My new Morris, #120

[Tracy Ballinger]

the back

[Tracy Ballinger]

Laminated neck

[Jim MacDaniel]

My new Morris, #120
Nice -- how do you like it?

[Chip Booth]

Here's a two pointer I came across once, built by Dexter Johnson long ago. #Mahogany back and sides. I hear he only made a few of these. #It sounded pretty nice. I tried to buy it but the guy wasn't selling, he wanted to give it to his three year old to play with... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[Joe Sinchak]

Here's a picture of a wonderful two point Dr Dave Cohen built for me.

[Joe Sinchak]

And the back.
Check out the exquisite three layer all wood binding.

[Joe Sinchak]

And here's my other 2 point.
Thanks to Norman for holding it for me!

[Tracy Ballinger]

Nice -- how do you like it?
I'm lovin' it! Plays easy and has a beautiful tone. Howard Morris makes wonderful mandolins!

[Jim Nollman]

Here's my 1930s Kay. What do you call this style, an inside-out two point? The next photo is a good shot of the face inlayed into the headstock. The instrument has had a lot of customization, and it plays like a dream. It has always been my main recording instrument. You can hear some of these recordings by clicking to my website.

[Jim Nollman]

headstock

[Jim Nollman]

here's the back of the Kay. The front and back are laminates. Apparently pressed rather than carved. Nonetheless it has a tone that equals way more expensive instruments.

[mdlorenz]

Of course I'm biased, but IMHO, Joe makes some of the prettiest 2 pointers out there.

Campanella Due (http://www.campanellastrings.com/due-model/)
http://mdlorenz.com/client/1.jpghttp://mdlorenz.com/client/2.jpg

[piknleft]

I'm inclined to agree with you. Very pretty. And I enjoyed the sound bytes very much. Can I ask, how long of a wait from waiting list to delivery? Thanks, Mike

[Gibson A5]

My 1964 Gibson A5 (Front)

[Gibson A5]

My 1964 Gibson A5 (Back)

[mdlorenz]

Not too sure of a wait... I'd think around 6 mos. I know joe will be very busy the next couple months, in addition to finishing up an archtop guitar, he's got a couple other buns in the oven... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Worth giving him a call or emailing though... He's super nice & always great to talk to.

Mine took a couple months less then he originally proposed too.

[Gerry Cassidy]

My Weber Bighorn...

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y82/arcopizz/Weber%20Bighorn/WeberBighorn2PointMarch2008015-Body.jpg


Really nice flame and LOVE the tortoise binding with white purfling:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y82/arcopizz/Weber%20Bighorn/WeberBighorn2PointMarch2008007-Side.jpg


The Florentine Peghead looks pretty sweet:


http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y82/arcopizz/Weber%20Bighorn/WeberBighorn2PointMarch2008005-Pegh.jpg

I'm really looking forward to playing this one in. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[steve V. johnson]

Gerry, that is lovely!!!

I want an OM like that! (But with a snakehead headstock for mine ...)

Wow....

Thanks!

stv

[Gerry Cassidy]

Gerry, that is lovely!!!

I want an OM like that! (But with a snakehead headstock for mine ...)

Wow....

Thanks!

stv
You're right. An OM version of this would be rather nice. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

This one has more of the bell-like ring to it than my Bridger F.

I believe the florentine peghead is an optional item. The standard config is with a snakehead.

[steve V. johnson]

OK, here's a long one. #Phil Crump B-II, 2001, cedar/rosewood. #Scale 25.4" #Not a very formal picture... I think the top is a lot darker and more reddish than the pic.

[kyken]

Here's my latest 2 point....

[kyken]

another view........

[kyken]

another........

[kyken]

the headstock.............

[kyken]

top.............

[Kevin Briggs]

That's a sweet Silverangel two-point. Cool as heck.

[JEStanek]

I agree! Ken, that is a wonderful looking two point.

Jamie

[kyken]

Thanks guys......

[Griffis]

Oh man. Such MAS this thread is giving me.

Of all styles, I think the classic 2-point oval hole is my favorite.

[MML]

Here's a two point.

http://i30.############/2hrzbs2.jpg

[F5G WIZ]

Got to play Morris #120 briefly this past saturday. Wish I had more time to spend with it but the little bit I got to play it was enough to tell that it is a very nice sweet sounding instrument. Here is a picture of my first and second 2 point (plus 2) Neely mandolins.

[Gutbucket]

Here's my Rigel S-100. It really has 2 horns and not points.

[JEStanek]

My Brian Dean...

Jamie

[Gutbucket]

What's the back wood on that Dean? It looks sharp.

[Woody Turner]

Langdell cylinderback mandola

[JEStanek]

Gutbucket, Thanks! It's walnut - sounds great too! More photos here. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/13846698@N07/sets/72157604865073201/)

David, that dola is mighty fine.

Jamie

[Jim Garber]

Langdell cylinderback mandola
More pics of that one, please...

[Woody Turner]

Happy to oblige.

[Woody Turner]

Blister maple back and sides

[Woody Turner]

Here's the back.

[Woody Turner]

3-D

[Woody Turner]

3-D redux

[Jim Garber]

That is a beaut! Thanks, Woody!

[atetone]

That cylinderback is very very nice!

[Woody Turner]

Thanks, Jamie, Jim, and Atetone.

[Robert Beene]

Two points for sure - just not in the usual locations. A buddy of mine found this in pieces at a flea market. He glued it together and gave it to me for my birthday 14 years ago. It plays and sounds OK and is still my sentimental favorite.

[Robert Beene]

Heres another one. Now if I could only play like Jethro ...

[otterly2k]

Here's my Brian Dean 2-point Octave Mandolin

[otterly2k]

and a close up of the points

[otterly2k]

and one from the back cuz it's so pretty...

[Woody Turner]

Lovely instrument, Karen! Is the back maple? It almost looks like ash (though the color even suggests cherry).

[Michael Wolf]

My freshly acquired Lyon & Healy:

[Eddie Sheehy]

Eastman MD807. This is a prototype of the 2-point. Very elegant mando with handsome fret ornamentation.

[Gutbucket]

Phoenix Bluegrass model #429

[Gutbucket]

Phoenix Bluegrass model

[John Rosett]

2004 Arrow G style. Sadly, not mine anymore.

[Gutbucket]

My Weber Bighorn D-hole 2 point.

[Gutbucket]

Here's the south side

[Steve Weeks]

I never knew there was such a thing as a "2-point" mandolin until I came on this site. Fortunately, I've had one for a long time, and am starting to appreciate it more!
Steve

[Lee]

Old Wave C# number 358 with the abalone inserts on the points.

[Carleton Page]

Man I love Bill's 2 points! I tink the abalone inserts are awesome!

[Jim MacDaniel]

Check out these two tasty Austin Clark Jazzmando two-points (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=15;t=54166;st=0), and below is yet another example of his beautiful two-points (this one from his web site)...

[Jim MacDaniel]

Just saw this intriguing 16+" scale two-pointish instrument by Dallas luthier Dan Fobert over in the classifieds...

[grags]

Just acquired.

[Jim MacDaniel]

Congrats -- that's a sweet looking dola.

[Mike Buesseler]

I expect to take delivery of this incredible 2 pt, semi-bowl back by Brian Dean next week. Just a couple of photos for now. It's hard to see, but this mandolin has BRASS binding! Don't know if that's ever been done before, but it sure looks great to me!
http://www.labraid.ca/images/55ss/1.jpg
http://www.labraid.ca/images/55ss/5.jpg

[Steve Cantrell]

Brian Dean's work is just amazing.

[Mike Buesseler]

Oh, what the heck...a couple more...

http://www.labraid.ca/images/55ss/2.jpg
http://www.labraid.ca/images/55ss/3.jpg

[MLT]

I agree that is another fabulous piece of work from Brian. Brass binding? Around the sound hole too? That is cool. Can't wait to hear what you hear when it arrives.

Congratulations.

[Clif Wayland]

Gee Whiz that's sweet!
Clif

[Mike Buesseler]

There is one soundclip--from Brian--on his website (http://www.labraid.ca/) now.

[Wesley]

Brass binding. Cool. But Brazilian Rosewood would have been cheaper.....

[Mike Buesseler]

Double rings of brass around the soundhole. Single on the body and headstock. This was brass wire I gave Brian, along with a German chasing hammer and planishing block. He hammered the wire into flat strips, then hammered a flange or tang onto the edge of the strips, for mechanical security, before he glued on the outside wood binding. Simply unbelievable ingenuity and craftsmanship, IMO!

[Mike Buesseler]

But Brazilian Rosewood would have been cheaper.....

Not for me, at least in terms of materials. I had the brass and the tools I sent to Brian. He did the work. Besides, BRW doesn't glow like this brass does.... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[JEStanek]

Wonderful, Mike. And I thought my Labraid was cool. Brian keeps raising the bar. What's the headstock veneer?

Jamie

[Jim MacDaniel]

Wow Mike -- that looks incredible.

[Mike Buesseler]

Headstock veneer...cherry, I believe. There's a pretty good description of everything on BD's website.

[Mike Buesseler]

Jamie, your 2-pter IS cool, VERY cool!

[grags]

try again

[Marshall Stapleton]

yellow cedar and english walnut mando
Marshall

[Marshall Stapleton]

here is the back - sorry for the poor quality photo
Marshall

[JEStanek]

Marshall, you make some cool looking instruments!

Jamie

[Gutbucket]

I've posted a picture or two on here, but technically, these mandolins aren't two points, are they? Gibson lists their two points as F-5 mandolins. These mandolins are double cutaways, right? Gruhn's blue book of instrument values does likewise. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

[steve V. johnson]

Whoa, whoa, whoa!!!

GRAGS!!!

What is that, who built that?!?! That's pretty cool looking, I don't think I've seen anything like that.

Please, smother me in details?

Thanks,

stv

[Bill Snyder]

I've posted a picture or two on here, but technically, these mandolins aren't two points, are they? Gibson lists their two points as F-5 mandolins. These mandolins are double cutaways, right? Gruhn's blue book of instrument values does likewise. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif
How are they cutaways? They have more to them than A-styles do. They are two points because they have TWO points.

[Gutbucket]

Talk to the mandolin guys at Elderly's. They had a Gibson F5 advertised on their site and advertised it as a two point. When I emailed them and asked them why a 2 point and not an F5, they told me an F5 and a two point are the same. An a Jethro Burns style was not considered a 2 point but an A style cutaway. I don't see any F-5 pictures on this post.

[Bill Snyder]

Most f-styles are two point. A few are three point. Mr. Brentrup builds a stunning 3 point, f-style.

[Gutbucket]

So an F5 is a 2 point but not all 2 points can be F5's no matter how hard they wish. Seems unfair. Who made the rules? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[piknleft]

Yeah GRAGS, who built that? Very appealing design. Somewhat of a surprise it has never been stumbled upon. As far as the "that's not really a two point, cause this is a two point". Sounds like the fly s*#t's bein' picked out of the pepper. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[Jim MacDaniel]

So an F5 is a 2 point but not all 2 points can be F5's no matter how hard they wish. Seems unfair. Who made the rules? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif
And other two-points don't want to be an F-5, as they are perfectly happy without that cumbersome scroll ;)

[2point]

I think a Randy Wood 2point should be included in this collection. Here's mine http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Gutbucket]

That's NICE! Back pic please.

[Carleton Page]

Wooooooooooooow that Randy Wood 2 pointer is awesome!

[LKN2MYIS]

My BRW front:

[LKN2MYIS]

Inlay:

[LKN2MYIS]

and back:

[LKN2MYIS]

and headstock:

[LKN2MYIS]

And my Eastman 904D:

[LKN2MYIS]

front:

[GRW3]

Eastman 804D

Only one mod so far... Bridge corner rounding...

[man dough nollij]

Here's a nice one from Greg Boyd's site (http://gregboyd.com/instrument_detail.html?instrument_key=373). It's actually a lefty, but I switched the picture around to see what a less sinister version would look like. Note the cool "yrowM" tailpiece.

[man dough nollij]

I think the file name was too long. The pic is only 418x539 pixels... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

[man dough nollij]

And the sinister version:



http://gregboyd.com/images/instrument_images/373_NewMowryAsymmetrical2-Point-LeftHandedMandolin_1.jpg

http://gregboyd.com/images/instrument_images/373_NewMowryAsymmetrical2-Point-LeftHandedMandolin_PH.jpg

[Hans]

STV4...

[Hans]

Back...

[jmkatcher]

That STV4 _really_ appeals to me. Cool design aesthetic!

[Jim MacDaniel]

Hans -- I'm not sure if "Stealth" is an appropriate name for that beauty, as it never fails to catch my eye! ;)

[Barb Friedland]

Does this one count? My newly acquired Weber Bighorn Mandola

[Barb Friedland]

closer view of front

[Barb Friedland]

And the back. Weber will recertify the warranty for me and scoop the fetboard extension while they have it.

[Djeph]

Love those 2 points. I've owned both of these for over 30 years. The Epiphone Strand on the left is a mid-1950's vintage purchased used. The one on the right is my one and only attempt at building a mandolin.

[texaspaul]

I am trying to posta picture of my Roy Marsh 2 point, #It is very unique with Rigel like ronded sides. #Not sure how to attach a picture.

[texaspaul]

Well I guess I got it posted so here is a picture of full front.

[Bill Snyder]

...The one on the right is my one and only attempt at building a mandolin.
Looks like more than just an attempt. Looks like you succeeded.

[texaspaul]

Thanks Bill for reply, it was the first time I've tried to post a picture on the message board. I usually just read.

[Mandomaiden]

Yet another Mowry--who says you gotta be blond to be sexy?

[Mandomaiden]

And the back.....

[mandopluker]

PT,

VERY NICE!