Thanks for the additional pics, Steve! Absolutely gorgeous!!
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Thanks for the additional pics, Steve! Absolutely gorgeous!!
Here are few more glam shots of #2. I realized that there is a long tradition of hot rodding '23s . . . which is a fair analogy for these builds. Of course Ford never installed a Versi in the original classic T.
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Steve
Well, both Stealth prototypes are winging over towards Raleigh for IBMA 2017. I'm really looking forward to hearing and seeing how they hold up under hard-driving pressure next week.
These two instrument really are prototypes with a host of changes which now have to stand or fail in the real world.
Based upon how they do, I'm really looking forward to going back into the shop and pushing further down this path.
Steve
It was great fun seeing you at IBMA and getting the chance to play many versions of the Sorensen visionary designs. Loved the Stealth #1, especially having learned the special sauce the went into its construction. Amazing!
Is the special sauce secret ? Do tell!
Matt, all special sauces are secret!
Enjoyed playing the new models at IBMA on Friday. Great designs and finish. I liked everything, but honestly I'm still a fan of the more traditional Sorensen styles. Hey, but I'm old!!:)
It was great to hear Don Rigsby up on stage with Stealth #2 (the Red Hot Rod) on the big street stage at IBMA --
https://www.facebook.com/paula.hinto...4158431225047/
Steve
Here's Liam Purcell (Cane Mill Road) checking out the Stealth prototypes --
Red Hot Rod --
https://www.facebook.com/11964550814...7972669641697/
Black Ninja --
https://www.facebook.com/canemillroa...0920789593069/
This is a live show using K&K Twin internal pickup only.
Steve
Perhaps the best quote from IBMA on the red Stealth mandolin came when I asked Josh Gooding for feedback.
He said, "Not now . . ." and kept picking . . .
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and picking . . .
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and picking . . .
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Steve
Steve has figured something out with this design. I was about three rows back from Don Rigsby on stage with the red one. I figured Don Rigsby could probably make anything sound good. Then after circling the expo waiting for people to put it down, I was able to get my hands on the black one, man oh man, that is one sweet mandolin.
I shared this elsewhere, but thought it would be a good addition to the Stealth info.
This is Zack Arnold (ClayBank) on Stealth#2 with Danny Roberts on Zack's new Sorensen VX. Both instruments are brand new at the time of this recording. I used my Samsung Galaxy7 with no adjustments to the sound quality. We were in the back room of the player's Green Room for the IBMA CBA Suite, so there is a bit of chatter in the background from next door.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ-5BSFPNqI
Steve
These things are some of the most gorgeous instruments I've ever seen. Absolutely stunning!
Very cool indeed! Nice balance all the way around.
This is quite a stunning design. I, for one, would like to know how the 3D body is done. I would also like to know how the bridge was modified to account for the steepened arch created by the soundhole design.
My only negative aesthetic response is to the headstock design. Not to my taste, but it does fit the overall vibe of the instrument.
Great work.
Bill
Powerful pickin.
Bill,
The arching of the top between the sound holes is essentially the same that of all my "X-Series" mandolins. I wanted to be sure that the working area of the bridge was starting from a place that I know and understand.
However, from there out, things are very different.
Steve
Update from the real world --
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...type=3&theater
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Steve
Stealth attack on Tacoma!
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The next Stealth attack is gathering momentum . . .
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Steve
STEVE! How you doing with the fires?
Chris,
Sent you a PM. All good where we're at so far. But bad air quality.
Steve
Are these getting hot rod paint too?