Page 1 of 4 1234 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 92

Thread: Introducing the Sorensen FX Blade

  1. #1
    Registered User Steve Sorensen's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Santa Clarita, CA
    Posts
    2,461

    Default Introducing the Sorensen FX Blade

    For quite some time, I've wanted to work on a new mandolin design which has the features desired by F-Style players, but with post-Victorian style, and the complexity allowed by modern tooling.

    Some of the traits which I wanted to include were -

    1. A fancy "strap holder" which was sleek and modern but maintained F body balance.
    2. A built-in armrest as found on many new guitars designs.
    3. "3-D binding" which highlighted the form of the instrument, protected the edges and didn't require bending plastic.
    4. A headstock which was attractive, had F-style mass but was sleek and didn't get complicated with scroll work.
    5. Comfortable tuning and easy neck adjustment. (The prototype has Alessi tuners and a two-way truss rod.)
    6. Tone and playability in the "modern-bluegrass" mode with a powerful chop and clear, even response across the neck.
    7. A James tailpiece modified to fit the style of the build.


    My cohort, Randy Torno, suggested that I should dribble out a few detail pictures to get started. That's just cruel isn't it?

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Top Scroll.jpg 
Views:	1523 
Size:	107.9 KB 
ID:	133915 Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Arm Rest.jpg 
Views:	1202 
Size:	109.0 KB 
ID:	133912

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Guard.jpg 
Views:	1159 
Size:	133.8 KB 
ID:	133913 Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Close Peg.jpg 
Views:	1161 
Size:	91.2 KB 
ID:	133917

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Peg Glow.jpg 
Views:	1065 
Size:	74.9 KB 
ID:	133914 Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Tailpiece.jpg 
Views:	1058 
Size:	130.6 KB 
ID:	133916

    Steve
    Steve Sorensen
    Sorensen Mandolin & Guitar Co.
    www.sorensenstrings.com

  2. The Following 19 Users Say Thank You to Steve Sorensen For This Useful Post:

    + Show/Hide list of the thanked


  3. #2
    Registered User Mandoborg's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    RI
    Posts
    346

    Default Re: Introducing the Sorensen FX Blade

    He Swings.......he hits.......it's GONE !!!..........

    What a great looking instrument Steve !!!!!

    Love it when folks think outside the traditional F-5 box..........

    Can you talk a little about how you did the binding ??? It's really nice the way it flares out at the points and such.......... really good job.........

    Jim

    https://www.facebook.com/jimmy.combra

  4. #3
    Registered User mandobassman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    Delran, NJ
    Posts
    2,921

    Default Re: Introducing the Sorensen FX Blade

    I love it!! Beautiful, beautiful work Steve. I also love the binding flare at the points. The inlay is great as is the tailpiece design. How about a picture of the entire instrument and some of the back.
    Larry Hunsberger

    2013 J Bovier A5 Special w/ToneGard
    D'Addario FW-74 flatwound strings
    1909 Weymann&Sons bowlback
    1919 Weymann&Sons mandolute
    Ibanez PF5
    1993 Oriente HO-20 hybrid double bass
    3/4 guitar converted to octave mandolin

  5. #4
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    NC
    Posts
    4,787

    Default Re: Introducing the Sorensen FX Blade

    Steve,

    Need a drooling emoticon. That is effin awesome!! Need to see how college financial aid works out, but I may be contacting you in the next few weeks...very cool design, indeed!
    Chuck

  6. #5
    Registered User John Hill's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Location
    Kentucky
    Posts
    1,258
    Blog Entries
    4

    Default Re: Introducing the Sorensen FX Blade

    Yeah...pretty much have to have one of those...
    There are three kinds of people: those of us that are good at math and those that are not.

  7. #6
    Registered User Steve Davis's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Wolfeboro, NH #03894
    Posts
    804

    Default Re: Introducing the Sorensen FX Blade

    Wow. Nice work.
    Steve Davis

    I should really be practicing instead of sitting in front of the computer.

  8. The following members say thank you to Steve Davis for this post:


  9. #7
    Constantly In Search Of.. Michael Bridges's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Canton, Ga
    Posts
    939
    Blog Entries
    7

    Default Re: Introducing the Sorensen FX Blade

    You'll play your eye out, kid! (Totally love it)
    Music speaks to us all. And to each of us, she speaks with a different voice.

    J Bovier A5 Tradition

  10. #8

    Default Re: Introducing the Sorensen FX Blade

    That's drop dead gorgeous right there Steve. That headstock is the stuff of headstock posters. The body and head
    stock binding is very cool looking and is visually reinforced by the bound pickguard. Given the short grain in some areas of the binding, you must have selected a tough as well as beautiful species of wood. Can't wait to see vids of this one!

    Scott

  11. #9
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Location
    Rockford, MI
    Posts
    119

    Default Re: Introducing the Sorensen FX Blade

    Steve, thank you for sharing these...you nailed it! I love it, I would love to see some full photos like Larry mentioned, and an audio clip...I seriously want one of these. I assume you'll have additional info on these soon, but I'll connect via your website to email/discuss lead times, availability, etc.
    beautiful, sophisticated....good stuff...i'm sold on the looks and really look forward to hearing one!
    jason
    www.fauxgrassmusic.com

  12. #10
    Different Text eadg145's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    California, USA
    Posts
    494

    Default Re: Introducing the Sorensen FX Blade

    Steve, you are out of control -- in the very best of ways. That design is crazy cool.

    I was just talking to my wife about your mandolins yesterday, showing her photos and describing the models. I noted that if someone gave me a certificate for any Sorensen mandolin of my choice, I just don't know what I'd do. You have now made this even MORE difficult! I need to visit your shop someday and play them all.

    Beautiful work, as usual. Kudos.
    Think globally, bike locally.

  13. #11

    Default Re: Introducing the Sorensen FX Blade

    Steve, you are a sick, sick man. Lovely work.

  14. The following members say thank you to Marty Jacobson for this post:

    hank 

  15. #12
    Resonate globally Pete Jenner's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    Mt Victoria, NSW, Australia
    Posts
    3,546
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default Re: Introducing the Sorensen FX Blade

    That's a winner Steve.
    The more I learn, the less I know.

    Peter Jenner
    Blackheathen

    Facebook

  16. #13
    Lost my boots in transit terzinator's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Twin Cities, MN
    Posts
    1,589

    Default Re: Introducing the Sorensen FX Blade

    I screwed some hooks into our cedar fence to hang a ladder, but yeah, your skills are pretty good, too, I suppose.

  17. #14
    Registered Muser dang's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Omaha, NE
    Posts
    1,185

    Default Re: Introducing the Sorensen FX Blade

    Quote Originally Posted by StevenS View Post
    My cohort, Randy Torno, suggested that I should dribble out a few detail pictures to get started. That's just cruel isn't it?
    VERY!

    Cool design, outside the box but still has all the features of an F style.
    Monteleone meets Tolkein?
    Looks CAN kill!
    I should be pickin' rather than postin'

  18. #15
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Grass Valley California
    Posts
    3,727

    Default Re: Introducing the Sorensen FX Blade

    Fresh design! I'm looking forward to having you join us in the Lutheirs Pavilion at the big CBA Father's Day Bluegrass Festival in Grass Valley this June. Instruments like this should stir up the folks.

  19. #16
    Registered User Ivan Kelsall's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    Manchester - Lancashire - NW England
    Posts
    14,187

    Default Re: Introducing the Sorensen FX Blade

    WOW !!! - that's 'Radical' for sure - amazingly so. Lovely design,wonderful craftsmanship & an absolute show stopper.Terrific work Steve,
    Ivan
    Weber F-5 'Fern'.
    Lebeda F-5 "Special".
    Stelling Bellflower BANJO
    Tokai - 'Tele-alike'.
    Ellis DeLuxe "A" style.

  20. #17
    Registered User Tavy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    Tavistock UK
    Posts
    4,438

    Default Re: Introducing the Sorensen FX Blade

    Brilliant!

  21. #18
    fishing with my mando darrylicshon's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2014
    Location
    atlanta
    Posts
    1,303

    Default Re: Introducing the Sorensen FX Blade

    bice
    Ibanez 70's 524, 521, 3 511's,2 512's,513,1 514,3 80s 513's, 522
    J Bovier F5-T custom shop
    Kiso Suzuki V900,
    The Loar lm600 Cherryburst
    morgan monroe mms-5wc,ovation
    Michael Kelly Octave Mandolin
    Emandos Northfield octave tele 4, Northfield custom jem octave mandolin 5 octave strat 8
    2 Flying v 8, octave 5, Exploryer octave 8 20"
    Fender mandostrat 4,3 Epip mandobird 2,4/8, Kentucky. KM300E Eastwood mandocaster
    Gold Tone F6,Badaax doubleneck 8/6

  22. #19
    Kelley Mandolins Skip Kelley's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Ohio
    Posts
    3,320

    Default Re: Introducing the Sorensen FX Blade

    Steve, That is so cool! It ranks right up there with the best!

  23. #20
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    DeKalb, IL
    Posts
    3,633

    Default Re: Introducing the Sorensen FX Blade

    Beautiful!

  24. #21
    gary nava; luthier GarY Nava's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Norfolk Fenland. UK
    Posts
    511

    Default Re: Introducing the Sorensen FX Blade

    Great to see a new design! I shall spend many happy hours trying to figure out how you did the bindings!
    Cheers Gary

  25. The following members say thank you to GarY Nava for this post:


  26. #22
    Caney Creek Cowboy Church Terry Sebastian's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2015
    Location
    Huffman, Texas
    Posts
    44

    Default Re: Introducing the Sorensen FX Blade

    Drop dead gorgeous. Pleas post a video or sound clip soon!
    "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."~Joshua 1:9

  27. #23
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    San Diego CA
    Posts
    2,200

    Default Re: Introducing the Sorensen FX Blade

    Amazing work Steve. We need another tasting at your shop soon!

  28. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Clement Barrera-Ng For This Useful Post:


  29. #24
    Resonate globally Pete Jenner's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    Mt Victoria, NSW, Australia
    Posts
    3,546
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default Re: Introducing the Sorensen FX Blade

    Quote Originally Posted by GarY Nava View Post
    I shall spend many happy hours trying to figure out how you did the bindings!
    Cheers Gary
    Me too Gary.
    The more I learn, the less I know.

    Peter Jenner
    Blackheathen

    Facebook

  30. #25
    Registered User Steve Sorensen's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Santa Clarita, CA
    Posts
    2,461

    Default Re: Introducing the Sorensen FX Blade

    Sure is sweet to get such nice feedback! Thank you ! ! !

    A few specs on this mandolin --
    • Back neck and sides are Sugar maple. One-piece back; two-piece bookmatched neck.
    • Top is a one-piece Sitka Spruce with amazing silking. "Parallel" tone bars.
    • Both top and back were "Wedgewood Baked".
    • Binding and points are lightly curled Bubinga.
    • Fingerboard, Peghead, Tailpiece and Pickguard are ebony bound with Bubinga.
    • Jescar EVO frets. 13-7/8" scale.


    Here are a few more full shots to help fill out the big picture --

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Peg View.jpg 
Views:	530 
Size:	63.3 KB 
ID:	133958 Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Full Back.jpg 
Views:	528 
Size:	71.7 KB 
ID:	133956

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Clean Top.jpg 
Views:	538 
Size:	104.8 KB 
ID:	133953 Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Cool Top Side.jpg 
Views:	535 
Size:	113.5 KB 
ID:	133955

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Nice Back.jpg 
Views:	538 
Size:	112.5 KB 
ID:	133957 Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Close Full Back.jpg 
Views:	509 
Size:	99.8 KB 
ID:	133954

    This instrument is a prototype, so the real goal is for the build and the resulting instrument to help refine the process and components for future builds. Based on how this came together, I'm looking forward to doing it again!

    I'm having great fun picking on it myself and am looking forward to passing it around to some real players in the future! Hopefully I'll be able to snag some good video/sound.

    As Michael Lewis mentioned, we do have a table at Grass Valley in June; Randy Torno will be teaching a Jam class at Huck Finn Jubilee; we'll also be at IBMA in September.

    Steve
    Steve Sorensen
    Sorensen Mandolin & Guitar Co.
    www.sorensenstrings.com

  31. The Following 8 Users Say Thank You to Steve Sorensen For This Useful Post:


Tags for this Thread

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •