I have been pretty excited to have a new F5 builder pop up in the town the past year or so and have been keeping in touch with him to see his progress as he transitions to a full time builder. Last week I got to go over to Matt Ruhland's shop to check out and pick his most recent batch of F5s, 16-20. They are sweet. All varnished x braced F5s. He definitely has learned how to build a powerful F5. Still dialing in the fit and finish stuff, but they are great mandolins out the box. I particularly like #18 as it was focused and powerful, #16 was a beast, but not quite as focused, with more overtones, kind of reminded me of some of the early Flatirons. We were talking and he is hoping to get a batch of As going soon of which he has a copy of John Sullivan's plans from the Griffith Loar. Also, a really nice guy. Just exciting to see a new local guy getting into building quality mandolins.
*I have no financial affiliation with Matt Ruhland or Ruhland mandolins.
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