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Markkunkel
Oct-13-2008, 6:55pm
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e189/KerryBlu/Mandolins/Morris/PA130149.jpg

I have been hunting an A-style mandolin to go with my octaves for the predominantly Celtic music I play, and Howard ("Sonny") Morris' instruments seemed to fit the bill perfectly: cool woods, great construction quality and playability and tone, and accessible price. So when this one came along I grabbed it, and man, is it everything I hoped for and more.

Very nice old Douglas Fir top:

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e189/KerryBlu/Mandolins/Morris/PA130151.jpg

Walnut sides and maple back:

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e189/KerryBlu/Mandolins/Morris/PA130152.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e189/KerryBlu/Mandolins/Morris/PA130154.jpg

(Sonny told me that he's built a couple like this and enjoys the wood combination, especially when he echoes it in the neck laminations):

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e189/KerryBlu/Mandolins/Morris/PA130155.jpg

(continued in next post)....
Markkunkel
Oct-13-2008, 6:56pm
and some very cool touches including the cocobolo peghead overlay and fingerboard (!) and the custom walnut armrest:

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e189/KerryBlu/Mandolins/Morris/PA130150.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e189/KerryBlu/Mandolins/Morris/PA130158.jpg

Set up just right, and a punchy yet rich tonal profile, especially for an instrument that is brand-new.

I recommend Sonny and his work very highly....seems like one of those guys who builds playable art for all the right reasons.

Mark
Tracy Ballinger
Oct-13-2008, 7:23pm
I recommend Sonny and his work very highly....seems like one of those guys who builds playable art for all the right reasons.

Mark


Welcome to the Morris Fan Club! Owner of #120, an oval hole 2 point. :mandosmiley:
Mark Walker
Oct-13-2008, 7:27pm
Not too shabby! I like it! :)
Payit Forward
Oct-13-2008, 7:28pm
VERY nice Mark! The nicest Morris I have seen. The purfling adds a lot of class. I really like the combination of walnut sides and maple back.
JEStanek
Oct-13-2008, 7:31pm
That looks very nice. Cool mandolin!

Jamie
Markkunkel
Oct-13-2008, 8:51pm
Morris fan club it is...count me in as a member, indeed.

Thanks for your kind words. I'm sure that Sonny appreciates them (as do I).

Mark :)
Marc Schlotthauer
Nov-21-2008, 2:36am
Count me in for the Morris groupies (#107) - Doug Fir on mine as well with an amazing one-piece maple back.

Howard's mandolins are a bargain, fer sure.

Marc
250sc
Nov-21-2008, 8:02am
I just love these no frills handmade instruments. Lots of bang for your bucks.
Tripp Johnson
Nov-21-2008, 8:17am
Simply beautiful.
SGraham
Nov-21-2008, 10:47am
Painting with wood...
Fliss
Nov-21-2008, 1:28pm
Wow, that's a cute mandolin, Mark! I really like the interesting wood combination.

Fliss