First "franzke"

[konzan]

Last fall, I asked Mark Franzke (Flinthills Mandolins) to find some killer quilt and make me an artist signiture F5 with "all the trimmins." We found the wood at NW Timber, then sent the plates, neck blank, and side panels to Roger Siminoff for carving and assembly. I chose Sim. #2 ph design from Andy DePaule (who also cut Mark's new logo), and I went with slotted diamond fb markers. We got the rough box/neck assembly last March, then Mark did the rest. It came out of the finishing shed last week, and I couldn't be more pleased. With only about 10 hrs. of playing on it, it's starting to sound great. Happy days! #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[konzan]

Here's the top (sans strings).

[konzan]

. . . and the peghead.

[konzan]

. . . 'nother back

[konzan]

. . . back scroll.

[konzan]

. . . final back.

[Chris Biorkman]

That's some wild back wood.

[konzan]

Here's a front/side panel detail--shows off the quilted sides. (Do the right click/full quality dance for best results.)

[bgmando]

That's just one amazingly beautiful mandolin Jeff, and very unique to boot. I can't wait to hear you play it.

Happy Winfield to you.

bg