Hansen F5 just finished!

[GProulx]

Thought I'd post a few photos of this new F5 that I just received from Hugh Hansen in Nashville. Obviously it's still new so it's tough to compare it to instruments that have been played in for years, but I think with some play time this is going to be one fine instrument. Loud as you'd ever want a mandolin to be, amazing fit/finish and playability. Really can't say enough good about it, and I'd say he's now on my short list of builders that I'd commission a new instrument with.

These photos were taken by Hugh's friend, Scott Simontacchi.

[Denny Gies]

Great looking mandolin. Hope it matures for you. Good luck.

[Ron McMillan]

OK, I'll be the first to say it: a very handsome Hansen.

[Tobin]

That looks like an outstanding mandolin! Fit and finish seem to be top-notch. And I like the burst on it. Very Loar-ish.

I'm not a huge fan of faux frets on a factory-scooped extension, but that's just a personal thing. I can see why some would want it for a more traditional look.

Do you plan on posting a sound clip?

[GProulx]

I'll try to get a sound clip up in the next week or so...

That looks like an outstanding mandolin! Fit and finish seem to be top-notch. And I like the burst on it. Very Loar-ish.

I'm not a huge fan of faux frets on a factory-scooped extension, but that's just a personal thing. I can see why some would want it for a more traditional look.

Do you plan on posting a sound clip?

[GProulx]

Loving this mandolin. I've been meaning to get a sound sample up and finally got around to it (hopefully the link works!)

I've got to say it...I've owned/played mandolins from some of the greatest builders out there, and at certain level it's a matter of personal preference rather than which "sounds better". For me I've never enjoyed another F5 MORE than this one. I think in the coming years Hugh is going to make a rather big splash in the community. Thank you, Hugh!!

[Josh Levine]

Video doesn't work for me, but Bibey had a new Hugh Hansen mandolin at Swannanoa. It had great tone and was beautiful.

[GProulx]

Give a try now...I think I had it uploaded as private on YouTube

[Drew Egerton]

I got to spend some time with Bibey's Hansen at his camp last weekend. Very beautiful mandolin with nice tone and excellent intonation. Really enjoyed it.

[JEStanek]

Great looking and sounding. Enjoy!

Jamie

[AlanN]

I played Alan's new Hansen, too. I found it to be a bit 'light' in the tone department. Maybe time played will improve that.

[Demetrius]

Does that have a wider than normal neck/fretboard width? I REALLY like the sound of that mandolin.

[GProulx]

Does that have a wider than normal neck/fretboard width? I REALLY like the sound of that mandolin.

Maybe a touch wider (if that), nothing substantial. Mine was in the same batch as Bibey's. I believe there were 4 total in the batch and mine was the only one that had sugar maple back and sides. I've played it at least 30 minutes a day for the last 4 months or so and it's amazing how much it's changed for the better. I can't speak for Bibey, but there's a good chance with his Loar hanging around that the Hansen hasn't seen tons of playing time yet...who knows?

[GProulx]

I played Alan's new Hansen, too. I found it to be a bit 'light' in the tone department. Maybe time played will improve that.

Haven't played Bibey's, but I can tell you I've A/B'd mine with some pretty heavy hitters and the Hansen has more than held it's own.

[Andrew B. Carlson]

Ah, there she is!

[mandoglobal]

Man, I can really hear the tone quite well. Brand new you say?

[GProulx]

Man, I can really hear the tone quite well. Brand new you say?

It's around 6 months old at this point. I've played the heck out of it daily and it's already turning into a bit of a beast. Put simply, I don't miss my Gilchrist or Reischman voiced Red Diamond, and they were both wonderful instruments in every way.

[surfrider1960]

I was at Hugh's when he was building those mandolins, Awesome looking mando's!!! Great guy and an amazing talent!!

[Austin Bob]

It looks very nice, enjoy!

[Billy Packard]

I had not heard of Hansen before. I spotted one for sale in today’s Classified and looked into it a bit. How is yours doing?

Billy Packard

[Mandobar]

I believe the OP has since sold his Hansen. I believe Carters has had one for sale for a while