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Thread: Still searching mandolins by Austin Morrissey

  1. #1
    Pittsburgh Bill
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    Default Still searching mandolins by Austin Morrissey

    Would those that have purchased Mr. Morrissey's mandolins please provide a review. I traveled to South Florida via SC in December and hoped to visit Mr. Morrissey contingent upon some favorable reviews. I have as yet not seen any reviews good or bad, so I did not travel the 90+ miles out of my way while towing an RV.
    His mandolins are reasonably priced and would like to know if they would be an upgrade to my travel mandolin (Eastman 305). It appears by his ads that he has obviously sold some of his builds, so testimonials would be appreciated.
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  2. #2
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    Default Re: Still searching mandolins by Austin Morrissey

    I sent you a PM.
    I was looking at his builds too but I have not heard a review.

  3. #3

    Default Re: Still searching mandolins by Austin Morrissey

    Quote Originally Posted by Pittsburgh Bill View Post
    Would those that have purchased Mr. Morrissey's mandolins please provide a review. I traveled to South Florida via SC in December and hoped to visit Mr. Morrissey contingent upon some favorable reviews. I have as yet not seen any reviews good or bad, so I did not travel the 90+ miles out of my way while towing an RV.
    His mandolins are reasonably priced and would like to know if they would be an upgrade to my travel mandolin (Eastman 305). It appears by his ads that he has obviously sold some of his builds, so testimonials would be appreciated.
    I'm still here!!!I'm especailly proud of my last three"batwings"a fiend of mines brother is the foreman at a mill inw Virginia called"electric hardwoods"they supply Gibson most of there mandolin stock(they only make one model,7500 bucks)..he brought me back a bunch of AAAAA figured maple....incredible stuff...amazing how quickly you can improve in a relatively short time...hope to see you
    ...I'm shipping a superbat to Hawaii tommorow,and a two point,oval home to Penn Monday...I'm certain they will both be well received.I think you will! Get some feed back next week.....peace.....

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  5. #4
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Still searching mandolins by Austin Morrissey

    As a service and since I can't seem to find any web site for his work...

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Austin, feel free to post other pics of your work here.
    Jim

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  6. #5
    teleman4200
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    Default Re: Still searching mandolins by Austin Morrissey

    I got one of his mandolins. Really unique design. Solidly built. I had a small problem with mine and he rectified it quickly and professionally.

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  8. #6
    Fatally Flawed Bill Kammerzell's Avatar
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    Default Re: Still searching mandolins by Austin Morrissey

    I'm hoping to add one of his a Batwings as soon as I sell a Johnny Adams.
    Ray Dearstone #009 D1A (1999)
    Skip Kelley #063 Offset Two Point (2017)
    Arches #9 A Style (2005)
    Bourgeois M5A (2022)
    Hohner and Seydel Harmonicas (various keys)

    "Heck, Jimmy Martin don't even believe in Santy Claus!"

  9. #7
    Fatally Flawed Bill Kammerzell's Avatar
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    Default Re: Still searching mandolins by Austin Morrissey

    Well I pulled the trigger on the Bat Wing. The Adams will sell when it sells.

    Here's the BatWing. Saw it here and at Reverb. It's mine now.
    https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/146774#146774
    Last edited by Bill Kammerzell; Nov-20-2019 at 7:07pm. Reason: post link
    Ray Dearstone #009 D1A (1999)
    Skip Kelley #063 Offset Two Point (2017)
    Arches #9 A Style (2005)
    Bourgeois M5A (2022)
    Hohner and Seydel Harmonicas (various keys)

    "Heck, Jimmy Martin don't even believe in Santy Claus!"

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    Default Re: Still searching mandolins by Austin Morrissey

    I have a Morrissey Mandolin. I love it. One of his earlier ones and I’ve had it for 2 years now and the tone has sweetened with Age. It is quite distinctive and the striped maple is beautiful. The body is a bit fat. I call it my dreadnaught mando. I had to get a custom case made for it but it is safer because of a Kryptonite Case (Thanks Bear). I’ve stayed in touch with Austin over the years now to see his work and it’s just getting better. The price is reasonable for something so one of a kind. He’s really getting creative with the body designs and the lightning bolt F holes on mine are just cool. I would buy another one from him in a minute. So don’t be scared, give him a shot. Click image for larger version. 

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  13. #9
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Still searching mandolins by Austin Morrissey

    Did you mean to post a photo of the back vs. two of the front?
    Jim

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  14. #10

    Default Re: Still searching mandolins by Austin Morrissey

    I did. ThanksAttachment 181482

  15. #11

    Default Re: Still searching mandolins by Austin Morrissey

    Oh meant to add this one too.
    Click image for larger version. 

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  17. #12
    Fatally Flawed Bill Kammerzell's Avatar
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    Default Re: Still searching mandolins by Austin Morrissey

    I don't think Auty has a web site or Facebook page. I believe he's a full time carpenter and woodworker and builds off work hours though he wants to eventually do this full time. I'm communicating with him now as I just purchased Batwing #20 that was for sale here at the classifieds. He should be shipping today. It will come with a custom, hand made case that he built. Can't wait!
    Ray Dearstone #009 D1A (1999)
    Skip Kelley #063 Offset Two Point (2017)
    Arches #9 A Style (2005)
    Bourgeois M5A (2022)
    Hohner and Seydel Harmonicas (various keys)

    "Heck, Jimmy Martin don't even believe in Santy Claus!"

  18. #13
    Fatally Flawed Bill Kammerzell's Avatar
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    Default Re: Still searching mandolins by Austin Morrissey

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Here is something I saw of his on-line but I can't find any more pics of it. Wish I could. Pretty neat.
    Ray Dearstone #009 D1A (1999)
    Skip Kelley #063 Offset Two Point (2017)
    Arches #9 A Style (2005)
    Bourgeois M5A (2022)
    Hohner and Seydel Harmonicas (various keys)

    "Heck, Jimmy Martin don't even believe in Santy Claus!"

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    Registered User William Smith's Avatar
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    Default Re: Still searching mandolins by Austin Morrissey

    Those sure are neat looking-love the blue one-yeah man, if it sounds as great as it looks it has it going on and love the lightning bolt type F-holes, very KOOL!

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  22. #15
    Fatally Flawed Bill Kammerzell's Avatar
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    Default Re: Still searching mandolins by Austin Morrissey

    Quote Originally Posted by William Smith View Post
    Those sure are neat looking-love the blue one-yeah man, if it sounds as great as it looks it has it going on and love the lightning bolt type F-holes, very KOOL!
    I thought the same thing. Very artful. I've been in touch with him over the last couple of weeks while he finished the build and made the case. Sounds like he's been a woodworker much of his life. Ran a Millwork shop and built lot of furniture. The furniture building part tracks with a couple of Czech mandolin builders I read about, one of those being Pava, IIRC. I'm hoping he starts a Facebook page or something.
    I spoke with him today and he said it was okay to give out his contact info by PM. His email is posted in this thread though, and I recall his address at the listing here where I contacted him. I believe the listing is still up, pending my receipt and approval of the mandolin. He responds to texts the most regularly.
    Ray Dearstone #009 D1A (1999)
    Skip Kelley #063 Offset Two Point (2017)
    Arches #9 A Style (2005)
    Bourgeois M5A (2022)
    Hohner and Seydel Harmonicas (various keys)

    "Heck, Jimmy Martin don't even believe in Santy Claus!"

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    Default Re: Still searching mandolins by Austin Morrissey

    Quote Originally Posted by AuggyWest View Post
    Oh meant to add this one too.
    Click image for larger version. 

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    A real beauty! Austin just shipped my Super Bat, "Tatiana" today. I should have it Tuesday. Report to follow.
    Last edited by Bill Kammerzell; Nov-30-2019 at 1:23pm.
    Ray Dearstone #009 D1A (1999)
    Skip Kelley #063 Offset Two Point (2017)
    Arches #9 A Style (2005)
    Bourgeois M5A (2022)
    Hohner and Seydel Harmonicas (various keys)

    "Heck, Jimmy Martin don't even believe in Santy Claus!"

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  26. #17
    Fatally Flawed Bill Kammerzell's Avatar
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    Default Re: Still searching mandolins by Austin Morrissey

    Well my Super Bat from Austin "Auty" Morrissey arrived a day early! Came well-packaged and insured. Mail lady had me sign for it. Gave it a little while to acclimate itself to the indoor temperature and got it out of the box. Opened the custom made case and made some minor bridge adjustments, tuned it up and got to playing. My first impression after lease then 24 hours and a few hours of playing, is, I like it a lot. At under $1000.00 dollars it is a real steal. It's strongly and well made, sounds very good and I suspect the sound will improve over time. It's strung up with J-74's right now and I'll likely go to 75s which I prefer. Here are a few pictures I took. She (Tatiana) chops really nice and it has a nice evenness of tone across the strings. Really rings nice with plenty of sustain. Easy to play, and the fit and finish is pleasing. I'll report more later. I really like the handmade case Austin shipped it with. Played into the early morning like 1 AM and when I got up at 7 AM I was back at it.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

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    Ray Dearstone #009 D1A (1999)
    Skip Kelley #063 Offset Two Point (2017)
    Arches #9 A Style (2005)
    Bourgeois M5A (2022)
    Hohner and Seydel Harmonicas (various keys)

    "Heck, Jimmy Martin don't even believe in Santy Claus!"

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  28. #18
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Still searching mandolins by Austin Morrissey

    Quote Originally Posted by AuggyWest View Post
    I have a Morrissey Mandolin. I love it. One of his earlier ones and I’ve had it for 2 years now and the tone has sweetened with Age. It is quite distinctive and the striped maple is beautiful. The body is a bit fat. I call it my dreadnaught mando.
    Bill Kammerzell: Does yours also havwe a "fat body"? I assume that means a deep one. Can you post a photo of yours from the side and measure the depth of the ribs?
    Jim

    My Stream on Soundcloud
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    Playing lately:
    1924 Gibson A4 - 2018 Campanella A-5 - 2007 Brentrup A4C - 1915 Frank Merwin Ashley violin - Huss & Dalton DS - 1923 Gibson A2 black snakehead - '83 Flatiron A5-2 - 1939 Gibson L-00 - 1936 Epiphone Deluxe - 1928 Gibson L-5 - ca. 1890s Fairbanks Senator Banjo - ca. 1923 Vega Style M tenor banjo - ca. 1920 Weymann Style 25 Mandolin-Banjo - National RM-1

  29. #19
    Fatally Flawed Bill Kammerzell's Avatar
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    Default Re: Still searching mandolins by Austin Morrissey

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Garber View Post
    Bill Kammerzell: Does yours also havwe a "fat body"? I assume that means a deep one. Can you post a photo of yours from the side and measure the depth of the ribs?
    Yes. It is 1 7/8" versus 1 11/16" for my F5G Custom. Here's an attached photo. It is even wider where the wings are located, if you take a close up look of that photo of the back. It is certainly unconventional in its size, style and weight, however I'm very pleased with the build and the sound.
    Bound front and back with a real nice headstock overlay and I'm happy with the finish. The playability is there also. I did just restring it with EJ-75's (Heavy) and changed out the bridge with a Cumberland Acoustic. I had three CA radius bridges in my spare parts box. No sense in having three $75.00 bridges laying around. It's my favorite bridge. I wouldn't take the bridge off of my Collings or Gibson but with just about any other mandolin I go with a CA. It really opened this one up even more.
    With the custom eggshell case Auty built this was a super bargain at under a grand. That 2nd photo of the front was before I put on the CA bridge. The first front shot is with the CA bridge.
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    Last edited by Bill Kammerzell; Dec-03-2019 at 10:27pm.
    Ray Dearstone #009 D1A (1999)
    Skip Kelley #063 Offset Two Point (2017)
    Arches #9 A Style (2005)
    Bourgeois M5A (2022)
    Hohner and Seydel Harmonicas (various keys)

    "Heck, Jimmy Martin don't even believe in Santy Claus!"

  30. #20
    Fatally Flawed Bill Kammerzell's Avatar
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    Default Re: Still searching mandolins by Austin Morrissey

    I was just looking. Auty Morrissey isn't in the builders data base. I'd thought he was. How would we go about getting him in there?
    Last edited by Bill Kammerzell; Dec-03-2019 at 9:33pm.
    Ray Dearstone #009 D1A (1999)
    Skip Kelley #063 Offset Two Point (2017)
    Arches #9 A Style (2005)
    Bourgeois M5A (2022)
    Hohner and Seydel Harmonicas (various keys)

    "Heck, Jimmy Martin don't even believe in Santy Claus!"

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