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Thread: what mandolin is JR pickin'...

  1. #1
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    Default what mandolin is JR pickin'...

    ...on the Clinch Mtn Backstep video featured on the home page? i give up. Great taste and tone and it really stands out in a crowd!

  2. #2
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: what mandolin is JR pickin'...

    It looks like a Michael Heiden mandolin.........

    http://www.heideninstruments.ca/artists.php
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

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    Default Re: what mandolin is JR pickin'...

    Yep,
    That is his Heiden.
    He had a couple of years ago at Montana Old Time Fiddlers Camp.

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    Default Re: what mandolin is JR pickin'...

    Thanks very much. Although a bit different, i like the sound of that Heiden as much as his Loar.

  5. #5

    Default Re: what mandolin is JR pickin'...

    John says it's a 2007 Heiden Heritage model, made with reclaimed 100 year old red spruce. He also said he wouldn't sell it to me.
    Last edited by Don Grieser; Oct-31-2017 at 7:20pm.
    2010 Heiden A5, 2020 Pomeroy oval A, 2013 Kentucky KM1000 F5, 2012 Girouard A Mandola w ff holes, 2001 Old Wave A oval octave
    http://HillbillyChamberMusic.bandcamp.com
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  7. #6
    Registered User rockies's Avatar
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    Default Re: what mandolin is JR pickin'...

    John and the Jaybirds played here on Wed. last week, I was talking to him and suggesting he do an album of swing and jazz standards as I'd been listening to some of the Tony Rice Unit stuff. I would have asked about the Heiden if I'd known he was interested in selling it (not that I could afford it). It is IMHO the most beautiful mandolin I've ever seen with it's understated color, trim and workmanship. And the tone and sound is equally wonderful.
    Dave
    Heiden A, '52 Martin D-18, Taylor 510, Carlson Custom A with Electronics

  8. #7
    Registered User Ivan Kelsall's Avatar
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    Default Re: what mandolin is JR pickin'...

    It could very well be this one,although i believe that he's had more than one Heiden,
    Ivan
    Click image for larger version. 

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    Weber F-5 'Fern'.
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  9. #8
    perpetual beginner... jmagill's Avatar
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    Default Re: what mandolin is JR pickin'...

    Quote Originally Posted by Ivan Kelsall View Post
    It could very well be this one,although i believe that he's had more than one Heiden,
    Ivan
    It's probably the one in your picture. Heiden has made less than a dozen Heritage models. JR owns one and so do I. Michael Heiden will be finishing one up for Emory Lester later this year.

    Mine is #107, and used to be owned by Ry Cooder. When JR played it he said it might sound a little better than his. He's mentioned perhaps bringing it to next summer's Mando & Banjo Week, when we'll get to compare them, and if Emory brings his too, we'll have three Heritage models together for a real 'tasting.'

    You can find lots more pictures and my extensive review of #107 here. Click on the photos below for a closer view.

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Jim Magill, Director
    The Swannanoa Gathering
    Warren Wilson College
    PO Box 9000
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  11. #9
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    Default Re: what mandolin is JR pickin'...

    All unexpectedly good info and pics! i seem to recall another F5 he used to play that was Loar inspired and there were some back to back recordings comparing the clone and Loar. Hmmm...but maybe that was a Red Diamond. Everything JR records with seems to sound spectacular.

    Don, wouldn't the Heritage be a fine sibling to your Heiden A?

  12. #10
    Registered User rockies's Avatar
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    Default Re: what mandolin is JR pickin'...

    If I remember correctly John told me the other Heiden that his daughter Vanessa was playing had been sold. The audio comparison test between the Loar and John's Heiden is on Michael Heiden's website. I'm going down to Michael's shop in a couple weeks so maybe I'll get to see Emory Lester's F5 there. I'm 79 this month and having a Heiden dreadnaught built... how's that for optimism?Dave
    Heiden A, '52 Martin D-18, Taylor 510, Carlson Custom A with Electronics

  13. #11
    The Amateur Mandolinist Mark Gunter's Avatar
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    Default Re: what mandolin is JR pickin'...

    Here's a link to the video for posterity (Homepage news changes, so) ...

    or, as Jim Garber might say, for "hysterical porpoises":

    https://pegheadnation.com/featured-v...tain-backstep/
    WWW.THEAMATEURMANDOLINIST.COM
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  15. #12
    Registered User JAK's Avatar
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    Default Re: what mandolin is JR pickin'...

    Hey "rockies," I like your optimism. I like to think of Pablo Casals who lived to be in his upper 90's, all the while playing the cello.
    John A. Karsemeyer

  16. #13

    Default Re: what mandolin is JR pickin'...

    Quote Originally Posted by dan in va View Post
    Don, wouldn't the Heritage be a fine sibling to your Heiden A?
    It'd do, but it's beyond my pay grade. There's a brand new Heritage on Heiden's site--a gorgeous mandolin. Also a 2015 F5, an archtop guitar and a GBOM. All beautiful instruments and I bet the real deals for tone.

    I'm waiting for a used Heiden Engelmann top A5 to show up for sale cheap.
    2010 Heiden A5, 2020 Pomeroy oval A, 2013 Kentucky KM1000 F5, 2012 Girouard A Mandola w ff holes, 2001 Old Wave A oval octave
    http://HillbillyChamberMusic.bandcamp.com
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  17. #14

    Default Re: what mandolin is JR pickin'...

    Quote Originally Posted by rockies View Post
    John and the Jaybirds played here on Wed. last week, I was talking to him and suggesting he do an album of swing and jazz standards as I'd been listening to some of the Tony Rice Unit stuff. I would have asked about the Heiden if I'd known he was interested in selling it (not that I could afford it). It is IMHO the most beautiful mandolin I've ever seen with it's understated color, trim and workmanship. And the tone and sound is equally wonderful.
    Dave
    Hi Dave, I have to sell my (mint) #108 Heritage for a number of reasons, in case you are interested. The only 'hurdle' might be my geographical location (Australia).

  18. #15
    Registered User Ivan Kelsall's Avatar
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    Default Re: what mandolin is JR pickin'...

    Thanks for the info. & photos Jim. I've always regarded the Heiden 'Heritage' mandolins as possibly the very finest mandolins that Michael Heiden has ever built - & that's saying a lot !!. Their appearance is striking to say the very least,they simply ooze visual quality. I've only played one Heiden mandolin,the "A" style belonging to a friend of mine' & tonally,it was indistinguishable from my own Ellis "A" style,which as far as i'm concerned is a compliment,as i put Tom Elli's mandolins on the top shelf with regards to build/tone.

    But those Heiden 'Heritage' models !!
    Ivan
    Weber F-5 'Fern'.
    Lebeda F-5 "Special".
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    Default Re: what mandolin is JR pickin'...

    I managed to play one of the Heritage models a few years ago. It was simply gorgeous. It remains the only other mandolin I have ever played that I liked as much as my Ellis. Played various good ones.... even some far more expensive than either the Heiden or the Ellis... but nothing I liked as much...both of them were/are just everything I could wish for in an instrument.
    Gibson F5 'Harvey' Fern, Gibson F5 'Derrington' Fern
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  20. #17
    Purveyor of Sunshine sgarrity's Avatar
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    Default Re: what mandolin is JR pickin'...

    A buddy of mine has a Heritage model. It is a stunningly beautiful mandolin with a very deep, dark tone. Almost mandola-ish. At the opposite end of the spectrum from traditionally fundamental bluegrass tone. For an all around good mandolin it's hard to beat my Englemann topped A5. And no, it's not for sale..... I've had it for about 10 years now. Many, MANY mandolins have come and gone in that time period but the A5 spoke to me the most. It's no secret around here that I'm a Heiden fan but Michael is a true artist in wires and wood and his instruments are second to none!

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  22. #18
    Registered User rockies's Avatar
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    Default Re: what mandolin is JR pickin'...

    Bstring, I'm afraid that a Heiden Heritage is not in the cards for me. I already own a Heiden A #41 (which I love) and I'm selling a bunch of my other items to finance the Heiden dreadnaught guitar being built this winter. I do love the Heiden mandolins (and other instruments) especially the Heritage models. Michael lives only 1-1/2 hours away so I'll get to play or handle the ones in his shop in a couple weeks.
    Dave
    Heiden A, '52 Martin D-18, Taylor 510, Carlson Custom A with Electronics

  23. #19
    Purveyor of Sunshine sgarrity's Avatar
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    Default Re: what mandolin is JR pickin'...

    Another for your listening pleasure:

    https://pegheadnation.com/featured-v...onlight-waltz/

  24. #20

    Default Re: what mandolin is JR pickin'...

    Quote Originally Posted by sgarrity View Post
    For an all around good mandolin it's hard to beat my Englemann topped A5. And no, it's not for sale..... I've had it for about 10 years now. Many, MANY mandolins have come and gone in that time period but the A5 spoke to me the most.
    I'm free of Aussie mandolins thanks to Michael and Tom Ellis. And i've owned almost as many mandolins as Shaun.
    Last edited by Don Grieser; Nov-03-2017 at 10:09pm.
    2010 Heiden A5, 2020 Pomeroy oval A, 2013 Kentucky KM1000 F5, 2012 Girouard A Mandola w ff holes, 2001 Old Wave A oval octave
    http://HillbillyChamberMusic.bandcamp.com
    Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@hillbillychambermusic

  25. #21
    perpetual beginner... jmagill's Avatar
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    Default Re: what mandolin is JR pickin'...

    A Heiden Heritage model F5, #108 (one number away from my #107) has just popped up for sale in the classifieds...
    Jim Magill, Director
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  26. #22
    formerly Philphool Phil Goodson's Avatar
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    Default Re: what mandolin is JR pickin'...

    Interesting that 107 & 108 appear to have been made from different top woods (Red vs Sitka) although both woods are over 100 years old. Michael must have a nice stash of old stuff.

    My 2-point, also from 2009, has Engelmann, but is not from the 'Heritage' series.
    I can hardly wait to hear what Emory's new instrument sounds like.

    Michael makes great stuff!!
    Phil

    “Sharps/Flats” “Accidentals”

  27. #23

    Default Re: what mandolin is JR pickin'...

    I really like John Reischman's break on Lonesome Moonlight Waltz. I think different mandolins bring out different ways of playing or approaches to playing. Looks like Joe Walsh likes the break too when you watch his reaction.

    Quote Originally Posted by sgarrity View Post
    Another for your listening pleasure:

    https://pegheadnation.com/featured-v...onlight-waltz/
    2010 Heiden A5, 2020 Pomeroy oval A, 2013 Kentucky KM1000 F5, 2012 Girouard A Mandola w ff holes, 2001 Old Wave A oval octave
    http://HillbillyChamberMusic.bandcamp.com
    Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@hillbillychambermusic

  28. #24
    My Florida is scooped pheffernan's Avatar
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    Default Re: what mandolin is JR pickin'...

    Quote Originally Posted by jmagill View Post
    A Heiden Heritage model F5, #108 (one number away from my #107) has just popped up for sale in the classifieds...
    The seller seems to be in a difficult spot, but $23K USD is an ambitious asking price, especially as Michael has a 2017 Heritage Model on his website for less.
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  29. #25
    Purveyor of Sunshine sgarrity's Avatar
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    Default Re: what mandolin is JR pickin'...

    John talks about his Heritage model: https://pegheadnation.com/instrument...-heritage-f-5/

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