Hello everybody!
Last year I pulled the trigger and ordered a Nugget mandolin from Mike Kemnitzer. I played Joe K. Walsh's Nugget and loved the responsiveness and general feel of the instrument (plus having Joe make that thing sound so dang good I couldn't resist). This past weekend I got to travel to Mike's and pick up the mandolin. Let me just say that Mike is one hell of a guy to get to hang out with! He was inviting and welcomed us (had my dad tag along) as if we were one of his own. We had plenty of mandolin/luthier-nerd conversations and got into some great talks. It was inspiring to hear him talk about instruments and all his stories.
Now for the mandolin! It was strung up recently within the past few weeks but it already is very responsive across the fingerboard and strings. Has very strong E and A string notes, crystal clear up and down the neck. You can play as hard as you want and it doesn't give in, just keeps going. The lower strings have a great tone to them as well and can give you powerful chops and sustain for days. It has a Loar tone to it, as Mike went after that tone for this mandolin. I will eventually have videos for the audio but as of right now I just want to explore it and get to know it better! The craftsmanship of this instrument is incredible, every detail was thought out and very well executed. The sunburst and the finish work on it is well done, now to put some scratches and wear on it...
Another thanks to Mike for his ever curious mind and for always being a student of the craft, the mandolin world is in debt to you for all that you've done! I feel very fortunate and lucky to be playing one of his instruments.
#310/ finished in November
Red spruce top from the early 1990's
Maple back/ cut from the 1980's
24 Frets
EVO fret wires
Hand rubbed french polish finish
Hide Glue construction
Speed Neck
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