A very early and unusual Mike Vanden

[almeriastrings]

As far as known, the only one ever made with a 3-piece back. Built in 1978.

http://www.almeriastrings.org/photos/vanden1.jpg

http://www.almeriastrings.org/photos/vanden2.jpg

http://www.almeriastrings.org/photos/vanden3.jpg

http://www.almeriastrings.org/photos/vanden4.jpg

I would say it looks like a violin back/sides, rather than the usual viola sized set normally used. It is beautifully figured, and the general effect is rather nice - if unusual!

[jim simpson]

Nice! I thought at first glance that it was a neck-through body design. The stripes of the center strip seem to follow the neck stripes a bit. I guess if it was, the inside of the center strip would have seen a lot of hogging out.

[Ivan Kelsall]

Almeira - I used to know Mike quite well years back & saw him at many UK Bluegrass events.I recently found out that he only lived about 20 miles from me (prior to moving to Scotland),that's possibly why he made it to the same events that i did.
At one event,he had a Cherry red sunburst F-5 style mandolin on display for sale,& the workmanship was so stunning,that even though i didn't play Mandolin,if i could have afforded it,i'd have bought it just to look at.
A friend of mine played a Vanden for years & it sounded superb.That one of yours looks very beautiful indeed & i love the 3-piece back. Quote - "..and the general effect is rather nice.." - really !. I think that the 'general effect' is rather awesome !!!,
Ivan

[Paul Webb]

I bought this insrument in 1980 and had the case made the same year at the Cambridge Folk Festival. It travelled with me to South Africa. To my lasting regret I had to sell it when I got into financial difficulties. I guess you might have bought it from Millers/Ken Stevens Cambridge. If you ever should decide to sell it please contact me.

Regards

Paul Webb
spinnekop at gmail.com