New Newson Mandola coming my way soon

[scapier]

Thought folks would be interested. I should get it next week or so. Great guy to work with. :) Very excited!

Spencer

[Bill Snyder]

That is a good looking mandola. Every bit as nice as any f-style.

[rico mando]

luv to hear a sound clip when you get a chance . awesome looking mando .

[Steve Sorensen]

Wow, that is pretty. Love the finish color!
Steve

[scapier]

I will get sound samples up when it arrives.

[JEStanek]

Those Newson's are fine looking mandolins. Congrats!

Jamie

[Don Grieser]

Love the color of the Indian corn next to it. Gorgeous.

[mtk]

Don't have a Newson mandolin, but I did have him do a complete re-fret and place a new nut on my Gibson. He did a great job, was fast, and charged a very fair price. He even called me about a week after he mailed it back to me just to see if I was satisfied.

[Jim M.]

That's a great looking instrument! I've played a Newson mandola and it was a hoss. I'm partial to my Newson F5 too.

[scapier]

How does Newson's F5 compare to other makers F5s Jim? Have you played many other high end f5s? Just curious as I might try to get him to build me one if this mandola works out like I think it will.

[Jim M.]

How does Newson's F5 compare to other makers F5s Jim? Have you played many other high end f5s? Just curious as I might try to get him to build me one if this mandola works out like I think it will.

I think Paul is a bit under the radar but his work is top tier. My first exposure was from a bandmate whose main axe was a Newson. Also, I live near a shop that sells Newsons so I've been able to try several. I've played a Loar, Monteleones, Gilchrists, Nuggets, Brentrups, Heidens, Michael Lewis -- no Dude's though. I think you'll be impressed enough by the mandola that you'll order an F5 too.

There are some pics of mine in this thread: http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/showthread.php?9037-Newson-Back-at-F5s&highlight=Newson

[scapier]

Wow, nice looking f5. Why is he so under the radar? Thanks for the info Jim.

[scapier]

Okay holy cow this is a great sounding and playing mandola! I promise to get mp3's up soon, but so far it's exceeded expectations. The C string needs a bit of tweaking as it's tad floppy (ideas for strings?) but it still thinks it's a tree and already sounds fantastic. I'd love suggestions for a good strap and an arm rest btw....

[rico mando]

hey scapier . just realized your from the other side of the pond , i am using jazzdola flatwounds on my newishly acquired eastwood dola . i find the C to be a little dull also , though not as surprising on an eastwood . i can not wait to hear your newson mp3 and fully expect to be in total envy .

[scapier]

Here is a good quality mp3 of the Newson Mandola. I was just noodling rather than playing a piece; just like you all would if you were trying it out for the first time. If interested, I used km184's through a pair of John Hardy M1 Preamps into a BLA modded Digi 002. The pick was a bluechip and the strings are semi flat d'addario's. There's a slight buzz coming off the machine heads and the C still needs some tweaking. It's a hoot to play. Scale is 15.75 I think.

Spencer

ps hey the mp3 came out as html. I'll try again.

[scapier]

okay I give up, how do I post an mp3?

[rico mando]

i got it as a download . great sounding mandola thanks for recording and posting

[Bruce Clausen]

Nice sound, Spencer, and interesting playing too. Hope I'll get to hear you in person some time.

[scapier]

Hey Bruce, you're local I see. What kind of music do you play?

[Jonathan James]

Paul's work is indeed first rate. I've owned a couple of Newson F5s and an A5. His fit & finish are great, and his instruments have a consistent, outstanding tone. I think Paul is "under the radar" because he is more focused on being a luthier first and foremost, as opposed to the business aspects of building (marketing, PR, etc.). He is a humble guy, but I feel his work stands up to the best in the tier 1 builders.

[Bruce Clausen]

I've sent you a PM, Spencer.

[Charlie Ayers]

I owned a Newson F5 that was custom-built for me. It was a fine mandolin in every way. Paul trained as a violin builder, and seems to approach each instrument as a unique undertaking. The finish he applies to maple achieves this incredible 3D sort of aspect, which is beautiful.

Charlie

[Bill Van Liere]

Paul makes a very mandolin indeed, my favorite A models are Brentrups and Newsons.

[Jim M.]

Looks great; sounds wonderful! Did you order your F5 yet? :grin:

[scapier]

I haven't ordered the F5 yet, as the divorce wouldbe filed right after the downpayment. Just kidding. I hope to do so in the next few years though. really stellar mandola, I can't stop playing it.

[mtk]

I think Paul Hoffman in Greensky Bluegrass played/plays a Newson F5.