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Thread: Officially joining the Silverangel Fray

  1. #1
    I really look like that soliver's Avatar
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    Default Officially joining the Silverangel Fray

    Hello all, ... so after exchanging many emails yesterday, today I sent Ken my deposit for a custom Silverangel Econo A. I can already tell you that I really appreciate Mr Ratcliff and his work. Aside from seeing so much of his lovely work here on the MC, I have gotten my hands on and played 2 Silverangels and have been super impressed with the build and the outstanding tone. I can also see his hard working nature in the fact that he has already begun working on the instrument and sending me photos.

    Here is the plan:

    1. Cedar Top over Soft Maple back and sides; this is what the construction of OldSausage's SA was. I met him in Atlanta a couple of weeks ago and thought the tone of his instrument was just outstanding.

    2. Ebony Radiused fretboard, 1 1/8 nut and a more "traditional" style headstock than his usual Econo A's (my preference over the usual pointy thing).

    3. On board installed K&K Mandolin Twin

    4. "Old Violin" finish mildly distressed with gold colored hardware. Essentially I'm hoping it will look very much like this one Ken posted a couple of years back:


    I'm hoping I'll have it for my next performance with the worship band in November! According to Ken's timeline that seems entirely possible!

    I really wanted to share this because a lot of you guys contributed to this ...a lot... I'm not someone of great means and purchase this size was only possible because of the Cafe. It gave me the opportunity to develop and sell a product which is truly the vast majority of how I can afford to do this. I wanted to personally thank all of you who have purchased armrests from me because thats what has made this possible... THANK YOU! (moderators, if this isn't ok, please forgive me,... let me know and I'll change it).

    So now it is just time to wait,... watch for progress photos and wait... and in the eternal words of the great sage, Tom Petty: "... the waiting is the hardest part..."
    aka: Spencer
    Silverangel Econo A #429
    Soliver #001 & #002: A double stack of Pancakes.

    Soliver Hand Crafted Mandolins and Mandolin Armrests
    Armrests Here -- Mandolins Here

    "You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage
    to lose sight of the shore, ...and also a boat with no holes in it.” -anonymous

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  3. #2
    Orrig Onion HonketyHank's Avatar
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    Default Re: Officially joining the Silverangel Fray

    Congratulations on making the leap.

    Now it's all antici-pay-yay-yay-yay-shun for NMD.

    I am eager to hear how it sounds in, say, the November tune of the month.
    New to mando? Click this link -->Newbies to join us at the Newbies Social Group.

    Just send an email to rob.meldrum@gmail.com with "mandolin setup" in the subject line and he will email you a copy of his ebook for free (free to all mandolincafe members).

    My website and blog: honketyhank.com

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  5. #3
    F5G & MD305 Astro's Avatar
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    Default Re: Officially joining the Silverangel Fray

    I too remember playing David's SA on a trip to Atlanta a few years ago. It sounded great--especially when he played it.

    Although I'm not that into reliced finishes, I do like the violin finish. Like you, I'm also not that hot on the sharp pointy headstock or the pointy curved fretboard extension that Ken is favoring lately for the ElToro and Fantasma models. But that wouldn't keep me from wanting one as I bet they sound and play great. . Can't wait to hear more from yours ! Have fun !
    No matter where I go, there I am...Unless I'm running a little late.

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  7. #4
    I really look like that soliver's Avatar
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    Default Re: Officially joining the Silverangel Fray

    Yea, aside from David's I also played an older F Style that is currently for sale at Carters Vintage in Nashville. I could tell it was different woods because it sounded different. ... equally good just different and at significantly lower priced than others there. It was an excellent instrument!
    aka: Spencer
    Silverangel Econo A #429
    Soliver #001 & #002: A double stack of Pancakes.

    Soliver Hand Crafted Mandolins and Mandolin Armrests
    Armrests Here -- Mandolins Here

    "You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage
    to lose sight of the shore, ...and also a boat with no holes in it.” -anonymous

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  9. #5
    Worlds ok-ist mando playr Zach Wilson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Officially joining the Silverangel Fray

    That's is some excellent news! I'm happy for you

    Congrats and happy picking!

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  11. #6
    I really look like that soliver's Avatar
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    Default Re: Officially joining the Silverangel Fray

    I'll tell you what, that Ken Ratcliff,.... he doesn't waste any time!

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    aka: Spencer
    Silverangel Econo A #429
    Soliver #001 & #002: A double stack of Pancakes.

    Soliver Hand Crafted Mandolins and Mandolin Armrests
    Armrests Here -- Mandolins Here

    "You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage
    to lose sight of the shore, ...and also a boat with no holes in it.” -anonymous

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    Registered User rowka's Avatar
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    Default Re: Officially joining the Silverangel Fray

    Super cool!

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    Default Re: Officially joining the Silverangel Fray

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    Yesterday's update... waiting on the K&K from Amazon to show up.

    I learned too that all the SA's this summer have 1 piece backs... BONUS!
    aka: Spencer
    Silverangel Econo A #429
    Soliver #001 & #002: A double stack of Pancakes.

    Soliver Hand Crafted Mandolins and Mandolin Armrests
    Armrests Here -- Mandolins Here

    "You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage
    to lose sight of the shore, ...and also a boat with no holes in it.” -anonymous

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    geoffa 

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    Default Re: Officially joining the Silverangel Fray

    Ken’s a machine! And that’s gonna be an awesome mandolin!!
    Chuck

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    Moderator JEStanek's Avatar
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    Default Re: Officially joining the Silverangel Fray

    Congrats. Enjoy the process.

    Jamie
    There are two things to aim at in life: first, to get what you want; and, after that, to enjoy it. Only the wisest of mankind achieve the second. Logan Pearsall Smith, 1865 - 1946

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  18. #11
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    Default Re: Officially joining the Silverangel Fray

    Quote Originally Posted by CES View Post
    Ken’s a machine! And that’s gonna be an awesome mandolin!!
    Yeah, I'm SUPER excited!

    Thanks Jamie, I am enjoying watching it come together!
    aka: Spencer
    Silverangel Econo A #429
    Soliver #001 & #002: A double stack of Pancakes.

    Soliver Hand Crafted Mandolins and Mandolin Armrests
    Armrests Here -- Mandolins Here

    "You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage
    to lose sight of the shore, ...and also a boat with no holes in it.” -anonymous

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    Default Re: Officially joining the Silverangel Fray

    Enjoying the pics -- keep 'em coming!!

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    Default Re: Officially joining the Silverangel Fray

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    This just in:.... looks an awful lot like a mandolin to me!
    aka: Spencer
    Silverangel Econo A #429
    Soliver #001 & #002: A double stack of Pancakes.

    Soliver Hand Crafted Mandolins and Mandolin Armrests
    Armrests Here -- Mandolins Here

    "You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage
    to lose sight of the shore, ...and also a boat with no holes in it.” -anonymous

  21. #14
    The Amateur Mandolinist Mark Gunter's Avatar
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    Default Re: Officially joining the Silverangel Fray

    Wow, Spencer, I don't know how I missed this post on the 14th ... I am so happy for you! Man, you must be super excited right now. Can't wait to hear you play it.

    Also, how cool to get to meet David - he's such a terrific player. I'm a fan of his videos.
    WWW.THEAMATEURMANDOLINIST.COM
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    The Amateur Mandolinist Mark Gunter's Avatar
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    Default Re: Officially joining the Silverangel Fray

    BTW, if I lived in Georgia, I'd have to look up Alan Niederland ... and Bradley Laird.
    WWW.THEAMATEURMANDOLINIST.COM
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  25. #16
    Registered User Louise NM's Avatar
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    Default Re: Officially joining the Silverangel Fray

    Boy, that Ken Ratcliff doesn't mess around, does he! This beast will be in your hands before you know it. Exciting to watch it take shape, knowing it has your name on it. Congratulations.

  26. #17
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    Default Re: Officially joining the Silverangel Fray

    Quote Originally Posted by Mark Gunter View Post
    Wow, Spencer, I don't know how I missed this post on the 14th ... I am so happy for you! Man, you must be super excited right now. Can't wait to hear you play it.

    Also, how cool to get to meet David - he's such a terrific player. I'm a fan of his videos.
    Quote Originally Posted by Mark Gunter View Post
    BTW, if I lived in Georgia, I'd have to look up Alan Niederland ... and Bradley Laird.
    Hey Mark thanks for the sentiments!

    David was super nice. I was unfortunately in a hurry so I didn't hang out with him very long... Probably not but about 45 min or an hour. But he was very helpful and good to talk to. I was in love with the SA tone the instant I played it. He even said "you seem to have really bonded with the tone of that one!"... yes I had!

    I wasn't aware that AlanN lived here in GA!... I may look him up. Brad Laird and I have exchanged a few emails before, he lives fairly far south of Atlanta (and I am north of the city), but has said he might come to the Local Jam that I go to in Marietta. He is super nice too! If I ever have need to head his direction, I might try to see him.
    aka: Spencer
    Silverangel Econo A #429
    Soliver #001 & #002: A double stack of Pancakes.

    Soliver Hand Crafted Mandolins and Mandolin Armrests
    Armrests Here -- Mandolins Here

    "You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage
    to lose sight of the shore, ...and also a boat with no holes in it.” -anonymous

  27. #18
    The Amateur Mandolinist Mark Gunter's Avatar
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    Default Re: Officially joining the Silverangel Fray

    Actually Alan lives in North Carolina, I had what some people call a "brain fart" - probably because I was thinking last Spring about heading over and up the east coast, but it didn't happen. Would like to get out and meet some other cafe goers though.
    WWW.THEAMATEURMANDOLINIST.COM
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    "Life is short. Play hard." - AlanN

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    HEY! The Cafe has Social Groups, check 'em out. I'm in these groups:
    Newbies Social Group | The Song-A-Week Social
    The Woodshed Study Group | Blues Mando
    - Advice For Mandolin Beginners
    - YouTube Stuff

  28. #19
    I really look like that soliver's Avatar
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    Default Re: Officially joining the Silverangel Fray

    Pickup was installed and the back went on today!

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    aka: Spencer
    Silverangel Econo A #429
    Soliver #001 & #002: A double stack of Pancakes.

    Soliver Hand Crafted Mandolins and Mandolin Armrests
    Armrests Here -- Mandolins Here

    "You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage
    to lose sight of the shore, ...and also a boat with no holes in it.” -anonymous

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  30. #20
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    Default Re: Officially joining the Silverangel Fray

    Strung up in the white:

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    I can tell from his comments in text that Ken is very pleased with how it is turning out!
    aka: Spencer
    Silverangel Econo A #429
    Soliver #001 & #002: A double stack of Pancakes.

    Soliver Hand Crafted Mandolins and Mandolin Armrests
    Armrests Here -- Mandolins Here

    "You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage
    to lose sight of the shore, ...and also a boat with no holes in it.” -anonymous

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  32. #21
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    Default Re: Officially joining the Silverangel Fray

    i like the f-holes on your build, and the end of the fretboard and peghead go together nicely. Hope you keep the pics coming!

  33. #22
    Novice Grimm's Avatar
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    Default Re: Officially joining the Silverangel Fray

    Looks great so far. You'll have to make a distressed armrest to match
    2003 Breedlove Rogue
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  34. #23
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    Default Re: Officially joining the Silverangel Fray

    Yea!... Ken sent a quick video and this thing has the stuff!... I'm excited to see the finish start to go on! It has a very loud and powerful Silverangel sound!!!
    aka: Spencer
    Silverangel Econo A #429
    Soliver #001 & #002: A double stack of Pancakes.

    Soliver Hand Crafted Mandolins and Mandolin Armrests
    Armrests Here -- Mandolins Here

    "You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage
    to lose sight of the shore, ...and also a boat with no holes in it.” -anonymous

  35. #24

    Default Re: Officially joining the Silverangel Fray

    Hi Spencer,

    Good news.Happy days ahead with your SA.Wedge armrest will be here on Monday or Tuesday.Thank you for it.
    Ken Ratcliff is a champion luthier and the SA mandolin that he is currently making for you
    is a work of love,clever design, high craftsmanship, and brilliant ingenuity.Are you with the Silverangel group here on Mando Cafe?

    Tani

    Kentucky KM 305.
    Ken Ratcliff Silverangel Econo.
    Davy Stuart f hole bowl back mando.
    Barnes and Mullins open hole bowl back
    (spruce top, Brazilian Rosewood back and sides)

  36. #25
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    Default Re: Officially joining the Silverangel Fray

    I was not aware there was a Silverangel Group!... I'll check it out!... thanks for the heads up Tani!
    aka: Spencer
    Silverangel Econo A #429
    Soliver #001 & #002: A double stack of Pancakes.

    Soliver Hand Crafted Mandolins and Mandolin Armrests
    Armrests Here -- Mandolins Here

    "You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage
    to lose sight of the shore, ...and also a boat with no holes in it.” -anonymous

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