View Full Version : An old friend
My original prototype Italian spruce 23V came home for a visit and facelift a couple of months ago. Was looking a little ragged around the edges, so it's new owner wanted a refinish.
Front...
Closeup of top....this one had some of the most striking bear claw I've seen...
Peghead...was good to see this one again. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Flowerpot
Jun-23-2008, 4:12pm
Hey, I remember that one! How's it sound now... I remember it had lots of guts but was a bit hairy on the E string...has it mellowed?
Facelift? Man, it looks great. "I wouldn't change you if I could, you're lovely as you are..."
Bill Van Liere
Jun-23-2008, 4:13pm
Glad to hear that you are still proud of your early work Hans, you make such wonderful stuff then and now.
I know that I am still very fond of 30331-I, and after looking at the back of this one, I think they maybe were growing together in the same Maple tree.
piknleft
Jun-23-2008, 6:01pm
Just love how the pickguard picks up the scallop and resolves. Can I come to MN. for a facelift? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif
Cullowheekid
Jun-23-2008, 6:28pm
Hans,That mandolin looks brand new from the pics.Is that the one Cody had for awhile.If it is,that mandolin is a hoss,as we like to say south of the Mason-Dixon line.Real tone and power.I'd like to get hold of one of your a-5's sometime.I really like the headstock inlay on that mandolin.Take care.E
markishandsome
Jun-23-2008, 7:31pm
That top wood is amazing. The new owner must be a happy camper.
Quanah
Jun-23-2008, 8:46pm
Well I am please from the photos! #This was my first chance to see the renewal. #Hans she looks really fine and I will be very excited to see her in person.
The front is just so unique and has this wonderful classy
look. #She's like a sweet lady that's been gone. Can't wait to hold her and have her whisper those sweet nothins.
I am very proud and fortunate to have one of Han's creations. Thanks for the preview Hans. #I should have known to look here first!
Ron
woodwizard
Jun-23-2008, 9:19pm
NICE One! I don't know how ragged it use to look like but I much prefer this perfect look compared to a distressed look. Absolutely beautiful.
Hey Mark, how's the Rat? When I got the mandolin back I tuned it up for old times sake, and it had mellowed out very well, smooth and crisp with rich bottom end. She's a little bright now with brand new strings, but a little playing should smooth her out again. Should actually sound better than before (once it's been played a bit) as I've applied my newer finishing regime.
Eric, it is the loaner that Cody had for 5-6 months and I believe it is the mandolin he used on Pine Mountain RR's "Heartache and Hope" album. It had been through 4-5 years of heavy festival display before that.
Hang on Ron, I will ship it in a couple of weeks! #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
sgarrity
Jun-24-2008, 8:18am
That must be my F5's older brother http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
I love the figure in the top wood
Timbofood
Jun-24-2008, 8:51am
Hans, the mandolin looks wonderful! #You also have a great knack for the photographic end of the process too.
I only have one question, when preparing to take the peghead shots why don't you trim the strings a touch closer? #It's petty but the ragged ness of the ends detracts from the fineness of the shape of the head.
Just as an option, when I put strings on, I leave the "tail" whole and then when tuned up to pitch , work it back and forth and it almost always breaks below the top winding. #No protruding tail and an added benefit, no sharp end to poke you, or little kids fingers.
I learned that from Bob White who did tons of kid concerts.
But, WOW what a beautiful mandolin!
Flowerpot
Jun-24-2008, 10:27am
Hans, I bet that thing is singing like a bird now.
The Rat keeps getting more depth and power, I tell you, it's completely awesome. It's really hard to put down. It never fails that you break it out and hit a chord and heads turn, and people start squinting at the headstock to find out what it is. "It's a what??? Minnesota?? Well, dang, it sure sounds good..."
Mark, glad Rat is doing well! I Ratted that V4 Stealth and it's a monster...
Tim, I'll have to give a lot of photographic credit to my Olympus DSLR's...those shots are straight out of the camera. Folks call it "Olympus color". #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Jim Garber
Jun-24-2008, 1:24pm
Hans,
I would think this would be more like a long-lost child than a friend, but whatever. Nice work anyway.