I got John Reichmann to do a test drive video for me when I got my new mando! I was super fun. Who are you courting?
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Here is a current video of #30, my A from his previous batch. A mighty fine mandolin.
https://youtu.be/nfzi5t0vIQQ
Sounding good Josh!
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzel6msH1bP/
I thought it might be fun to give a listen to Ruhland A5(#26). It was initially strung up in October of last year. I'm not entirely certain what was going through my head last night when I played this...I should probably just purchase an electric guitar and get it over with.
That sounds cool. #26 is maturing nicely
Thanks Evan...this will likely do a better job of illustrating the tone and clarity of Ruhland #26.https://photos.google.com/u/2/album/...Q360OldrpcDvcJ
The current A5 batch under construction.
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Don't want to hijack this thread. I think this is pretty much related to the original message.
I recently saw a video with Matt Ruhland playing and discussing his mandolins, one that had the typical parallel tone bars and one that had X bracing. You can check it out here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUMtuPT-4sI I was very impressed by the X braced model, and I wonder if the top and bottom graduations are the same when x bracing is used. Both had f holes. You couldn't tell which was which by just looking at them, but you could sure tell when you heard them.
The one top right getting worked on in the group shot is mine.
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What top wood did you get, Willem?
Might be the same wood as the tops on those F5s from the Greg Boyd video above.
29 and 30 were the first 2 featuring the bridgewood. It turned out stellar on those mandolins, but is not the defining feature of his instruments. He made many fantastic instruments with different Sitka. To my knowledge almost all of his instruments have been Sitka topped. 29 and 30 were bridge wood as well as some of the recent F5s. I think his first Adi topper was one of the recent F5s and an Engelmann A maybe 26. Other than that pretty much all Sitka, you’d have to verify with Matt though.
You are correct about 33(Adi)(26 Engelmann) Josh...
I believe you are correct. He had made 7 mandolins with the batch my top came from; all "absolutely sonic". I could have had adi, Engelmann, old bridge sitka... when he told me about the piece he wanted to use on it, I went with it. I have played 7 or 8 of Matt's mandolins (thanks Josh and Old Growth for 2 of those) now and enjoyed them all. Can't wait to take possession of #41.
Stopped in to Matt's shop yesterday to say howdy and got to see this batch of A5's ready for varnish. They're all gorgeous. Some lucky folks getting these soon.Attachment 178581
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Here is the current batch with a shellac seal coat.
Looking good Willem, which one has your name on it? I haven't seen this batch up close and personal but i still get butterflies each time I see Matt has a "new batch" coming out. Beautiful...
Pre-shellac back. Get back!
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Great looking back Don, congrats:)
Mine (#41) is the 3rd one up on the right.
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