Radim zenkl - breedlove z mandola

[mandelect]

Apologies if this has been discussed before; it's a long while since I checked out youtube for Radim Zenkl vids, but I just found a new one (to me anyway):
Radim Zenkl - Pegaus' Descent

I've been hoping for news of the Breedlove 4-string for a while. Nice to see the pic on Mandohack's NAMM 2008 thread. Not too keen on the block inlays, and would have preferred some kind of stop tailpiece, but that's a subjective opinion and Breedlove would probably offer custom options anyway - a blonde/natural one would suit me

I do love the sound of this instrument; the dola tuning and 15.813inch scale length helps give the mandola a rich voice. Anyone know if these are just specials, or does Breedlove intend to go for a production run?

Nice playing by Radim on the vid BTW

[John Hill]

Word on the street is that they are now a production run. Run a search and you should find a thread or two.

[mandelect]

Thanks John, I did run a few searches and there's still not much info coming through. Nothing on Breedlove site so far, and the Breedlove forums have been quiet on the subject for a while. Did notice a reference, and a price at good old Mandolin Brothers though.

[Christian McKee]

I happened to speak with one of their folks at the River City Bluegrass Festival in Portland, OR earlier this month. He said pretty straight out that the Zenkl instrument was custom shop only, and they didn't expect production runs. Bummer.

Christian

[mandolooter]

I was told the same thing by Radim over 2-3 years ago at a workshop he gave...what a picker tho...all that without even a pick! Check out his other videos too cuz he's quite the player.

[mandroid]

Oh well , custom does mean you get it your way, though.
Color, Neck width and fretboard inlay,
'Have it Your Way'

minus the burger and the bun

the guy that fit the RMC bridge pickups onto my 4 string
went to work there.
so a dual source 'dola, blending 2 types of pickups is possible.

[Jacob]

"all that without even a pick!"

Isn't he using a white thumb pick?

[mandolooter]

after seeing that I'd say...Yep...didn't see it when I watched the video on the little 4.5 x 4.5 screen at Youtube. Hummmm, he has a pick....maybe I can play like that???
ok, NOT!

[foldedpath]

This model is "available" but only as a custom order, and you'd better not be in a hurry.

I ordered one from Mandolin Bro's, and was told it would be two months for delivery. It's been 8 months now. That's nothing for an individual luthier, but a bit long (IMO) for a larger outfit like Breedlove. The last update I got (from calling Mando Bro's) was that it was in final finishing stages in December. That's the last I've heard and it's now going into February. I asked for sunburst finish, suspiciously like the one they showed at NAMM. Maybe they decided to show it instead of ship it? Or maybe it was another one they made... who knows. Anyway, I'm still itching to try it, if they ever decide to deliver it. (pout, pout, grumble)

[mandroid]

Mr. Bussmann is there to build a sibling for Ted's

4 string E 'dola.

I saw the picture of the frame for the body

hanging on a peg in the ready.