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Thread: Bryce mandolins number 0048 my first custom instrument !

  1. #1
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    Default Bryce mandolins number 0048 my first custom instrument !

    So I finally got down to see David Houchens at Bryce Instruments and put the deposit down on #0048 f-style mandolin. David is the mandolin luthier at Stelling Banjo Works and let me tell you he makes some fine mandolins. I have a friend who owns one of David's early builds and it surpasses mandolins twice it's price. After I played it for awhile I had to own one. I am sooooo happy that not only am I getting a custom-made, professional-grade instrument made to my specs but the builder only lives 20 minutes away and happens to be (IMO) one of the finest builders in the country. Stelling doesn't hire just anybody to run their mandolin division and it shows in everything David builds. Glad to be supporting local lutherie .
    He is also re-fretting my Eastman 615 with EVO Gold banjo-wire which I can't wait to hear on my ole' trusty.
    Btw, David is also one of the nicest people you'll ever meet.
    "All music is folk music, i ain't never heard no horse sing a song"- Louie Armstrong

    Eastman md-314
    Eastman md-615
    Martin D-35
    Takamine gd-20ns
    pre-war German "Stradivarius" violin

  2. #2
    Mandolin user MontanaMatt's Avatar
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    Default Re: Bryce mandolins number 0048 my first custom instrument !

    Congratulations on your pending mandolin. Be careful, I'm about to get my second custom mandolin, and I can see that it is a dangerous pursuit. I don't have deep enough pockets for this kind of addiction! My last one was ten years ago and I'd love to do it every couple of years. All my fiddles have been old, but I might consider custom Fiddles too! Yikes!
    Good luck with the waiting, time gets weird.
    2007 Weber Custom Elite "old wood"
    2017 Ratliff R5 Custom #1148
    Several nice old Fiddles
    2007 Martin 000-15S 12 fret Auditorium-slot head
    Deering Classic Open Back
    Too many microphones

    BridgerCreekBoys.com

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  4. #3
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    Default Re: Bryce mandolins number 0048 my first custom instrument !

    Thank you. I see you have a nice selection of instruments yourself. Yeah all my fiddles have been old but really nice. MAS is a real problem isn't it ? I just got my Eastman 615 a couple months ago and that set it all in motion ! ha Now I'm having a custom instrument made- sheesh Oh well...can always sell them....NOT !
    "All music is folk music, i ain't never heard no horse sing a song"- Louie Armstrong

    Eastman md-314
    Eastman md-615
    Martin D-35
    Takamine gd-20ns
    pre-war German "Stradivarius" violin

  5. #4
    Registered User Kowboy's Avatar
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    Default Re: Bryce mandolins number 0048 my first custom instrument !

    I've been loving on Stelling #144 for about 2 years now. David Houchens was the sole builder and made my mandolin in his shop. A little secret here; Get David to send you pictures of your builds progress. He did this for me and it helped me get through the wait period. I also picked my mandolin up from Geoff Sterling and had the opportunity to meet David Houchens. David is one fine Southern Gentleman and I am so very honored too own one of his pieces of art. Congratulations on your journey with him.
    Kenny B. Playing on a Stelling S-5Q #144
    Lakota Leathers strap
    Blue Chip CT55 pick & SR-50
    D'Addario J75 Strings
    Virtuoso Premium Polish / Yes I clean & polish my mandolin

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  7. #5
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    Default Re: Bryce mandolins number 0048 my first custom instrument !

    Thanks Kowboy, I'll be sure to ask David to send pics and they will most certainly be shared with my MC friends . It will be fun to see the mandolin take shape. He showed me the Adirondack Spruce and Curly-Maple billets he's gonna use for my mando, beautiful stuff.
    "All music is folk music, i ain't never heard no horse sing a song"- Louie Armstrong

    Eastman md-314
    Eastman md-615
    Martin D-35
    Takamine gd-20ns
    pre-war German "Stradivarius" violin

  8. #6
    Registered User Kowboy's Avatar
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    Default Re: Bryce mandolins number 0048 my first custom instrument !

    Another thought would be to request a jam with him playing his upright bass. He's more than likely love that. Can't say enough good things about David Houchens.
    Kenny B. Playing on a Stelling S-5Q #144
    Lakota Leathers strap
    Blue Chip CT55 pick & SR-50
    D'Addario J75 Strings
    Virtuoso Premium Polish / Yes I clean & polish my mandolin

  9. #7
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    Default Re: Bryce mandolins number 0048 my first custom instrument !

    Quote Originally Posted by Kowboy View Post
    Another thought would be to request a jam with him playing his upright bass. He's more than likely love that. Can't say enough good things about David Houchens.
    He plays bass ? Oh cool my friend Stavros and I are heading out this weekend to go pick up my Eastman, I'll have to ask him to play some with us.
    "All music is folk music, i ain't never heard no horse sing a song"- Louie Armstrong

    Eastman md-314
    Eastman md-615
    Martin D-35
    Takamine gd-20ns
    pre-war German "Stradivarius" violin

  10. #8
    Registered User David Houchens's Avatar
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    Default Re: Bryce mandolins number 0048 my first custom instrument !

    Thanks to you both for the kind words. I'll be sending pictures as it progresses.

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  12. #9
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    Default Re: Bryce mandolins number 0048 my first custom instrument !

    Thank you David, I can't wait -
    "All music is folk music, i ain't never heard no horse sing a song"- Louie Armstrong

    Eastman md-314
    Eastman md-615
    Martin D-35
    Takamine gd-20ns
    pre-war German "Stradivarius" violin

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