Mandolin showing

[Laurie]

Greetings from New Zealand

I build my instruments from species native to New Zealand, my homeland. The ancient kauri I use for the back/sides is thousands of years old and beautiful!
You can find more information on the woods I build with at my website www.guitars.co.nz

I will be exhibiting the mandolins pictured here at the Newport Guitar festival but as part of my travels I will pass through San Francisco. I have therefore organised a small viewing/listening opportunity for any who are interested in my work. It will be on Sunday 1st August at 3.30pm to 6pm. The venue is in Mill Valley just north of the city.
Anyone with a love of fine instruments is welcome but space is limited as it will be held at a private residence. Those interested should contact me directly for directions
williams@guitars.co.nz

Thank you,
Laurie
Laurie Williams Guitars

[ira]

gorgeous! mas is rearing its ugly head, but my salary wont seem to help meet the need!

[Laurie]

Ira,
No need to buy to appreciate them. If you are in the area you are most welcome to play one.

[Lee]

I spy a ten-string. What scale length do you use on it?
Gorgeous grain patterns on those woods. And is that wood binding on the scroll close-up. Mmmm..

[grandmainger]

Hi Laurie!

I have a small coffee table made of ancient kauri... It is such a glorious sight! I've had it a few years, but I still fell the need to touch it everytime I see it to check whether the pattern is 3D or not

Lovely instruments you make. How does kauri sound compared to ,say, maple?

[Laurie]

Wye Knot: Ten String- Yes
Standard Scale length 13.75" but all options available of course.
The tulipwood binding is all solid wood and not easy to do.

Grandmainger:
Sound Comparison? A very difficult question. Better to hear it for yourself but here is a quote from a Williams Mandolin owner.
"I played last night with my rocky band, I played a whole lot of mandolin at high volume and it sounded great. It played great also, I played stuff I didn't know I could play.
This afternoon I played an acoustic original set, just me(mandolin) and acoustic guitar. The mandolin sounded sweet. The pickup is cool, I just take a little of the tops out on the EQ and it comes out very natural.
As for playing at home, fully acoustic, the instrument just perfect. I cant get enough of the response and sustain."

Cheers
Laurie

[grandmainger]

Better to hear it for yourself

Laurie, I'd love to, but I'm in London (UK)... # If you're planning on popping over here at some stage, be sure to let me know ! #

I was wondering about the wood's tone in relation with another thread (in the builders' section) where people are discussing the tonal merits of old / water-soaked wood. Most wood available in Europe / America is nowhere near as old as kauri. Older woods are favoured by some, and thought to have interesting tonal properties (see this thread).

Germain

[grandmainger]

How nice is this!

[Laurie]

Beautiful!