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Thread: Sorensen Mandolins

  1. #1

    Question Sorensen Mandolins

    Has anyone played one of these? How does it sound and what do you think?

  2. #2
    Americanadian Andrew B. Carlson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Sorensen Mandolins

    Never played one. Spruce may know more.
    Mandolin, Guitar, & Bass for Doug Rawling & The Caraganas
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  3. #3

    Default Re: Sorensen Mandolins

    I had the pleasure of spending some time with Steve Sorensen (luthier of Sorensen Mandolins) today. I was able to play a number of his completed mandolins as well as a prototype. They all had exceptional tone and bark. What I liked most was that, as a luthier, he truly understood my feelings about the instrument. He had a few mandolins in progress with a number of different tone woods and what was compelling was the fact that he knows the history of the wood he uses.

    I'm seriously considering working with him to create the perfect mandolin for me.

    He graciously allowed me to snap a few pics of mandolins in progress to post.

    Click image for larger version. 

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  4. #4

    Default Re: Sorensen Mandolins

    I know this is an old thread but here's an update:

    I'm glad Steve started building my mandolin before Ted Eschliman compared his 'Sprite' to Scott Tischnor's Nugget!

    http://jazzmando.com/sorensen_sprite_mandolin.shtml

    I remember playing that same mandolin. I was seriously considering going with a different tone wood for the top. But, after hearing the the crisp snap of the 'Sprite', I changed my mind and went with the Red Spruce for my 'Pacifica'. After playing my 'Pacifica' (in the white) last month, I knew I had made the right decision.

    I seriously think that my MAS has been cured. But on the off chance that it isn't, maybe a 'Sprite' to go with the 'Pacifica'!

  5. #5
    Registered User trevor's Avatar
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    Default Re: Sorensen Mandolins

    I have a Pacifica model on order from Steve. I know its going to look great and I expect it will sound great too. I will report back when I have it in my hands.
    Trevor
    Formerly of The Acoustic Music Co (TAMCO) Brighton England now retired.

  6. #6

    Default Re: Sorensen Mandolins

    I got my new Sorensen mandolin, the Pacificia, at the end of Dec. 2011. I was really happy to get it and am even happier now after playing it for 4 months! The sound is mellowing out nicely. The best thing about it is that the sound loudly resonates and cuts through in a jam. The tone is nice and bright without being tinny, good bass, and it is easy to play. I would describe the sound as "ringing like a bell", which is what I was looking for! Beyond that, the craftsmanship is impeccable - really flawless! It is a first rate instrument and under-priced in my opinion. I have looked at a lot of luthier made instruments at music festivals, and this is my favorite! I feel lucky.

  7. #7

    Default Re: Sorensen Mandolins

    Thought I'd post a little update here.

    I've had my Sorensen Pacifica "Mimi" for about 5 months. She sounded beautiful when I got her, full bottom end and bell-like highs. And, she keeps sounding better and better. Maybe I'm getting better because I want to play more!

    Did anyone get a chance to play one at IBMA?

    Here's a picture at the beach!
    Click image for larger version. 

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  8. #8

    Default Re: Sorensen Mandolins

    I have recently gotten my own Sorensen.. All I can say is WOW.. It's a beast of a mandolin.. Plays amazing and feels great to hold.. Top notch mandolins!!!

    Oh and one other thing.. I just about gave Steve a heart attack.. I texted him and said I had a problem with the mandolin. He called with great concern only to find out my problem is I can't put her down..lol.. She makes me wanna play alot more!!

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  10. #9
    Registered User Austin Koerner's Avatar
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    Default Re: Sorensen Mandolins

    I had the chance to play three of his mandolins last week. While they had different personalities, they shared some of the same tonal qualities. Each rang out clear and focused with lots of volume. What is super important to me is the set up. I'm very picky about how an instrument plays and I felt that I didn't need to get used to the mandolins. Usually it'll take me a while to warm up to how an instrument is set up but in this case they all had excellent string spacing, action and the necks felt great. Very clean work all around, from the finishes and outstanding woods.

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  12. #10

    Default Re: Sorensen Mandolins

    Quote Originally Posted by Austin Koerner View Post
    I had the chance to play three of his mandolins last week. While they had different personalities, they shared some of the same tonal qualities. Each rang out clear and focused with lots of volume. What is super important to me is the set up. I'm very picky about how an instrument plays and I felt that I didn't need to get used to the mandolins. Usually it'll take me a while to warm up to how an instrument is set up but in this case they all had excellent string spacing, action and the necks felt great. Very clean work all around, from the finishes and outstanding woods.
    I agree Austin!! Hard to find mandolins like these!! Such great axes!!

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  14. #11

    Default Re: Sorensen Mandolins

    I agree Austin!! Hard to find mandolins like these!! Such great axes!!

  15. #12
    Registered User trevor's Avatar
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    Default Re: Sorensen Mandolins

    I sold my first from Steve a Pacifica to a regular customer who owns and has owned a lot of great mandolins. Here's what he says.

    "Hi Trevor , the Sorensen arrived this evening, it's an all round beautiful mandolin.
    The chop is powerful and the action is superb. I can see myself spending a lot of time with it."
    Trevor
    Formerly of The Acoustic Music Co (TAMCO) Brighton England now retired.

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  17. #13
    Registered User Justus True Waldron's Avatar
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    Default Re: Sorensen Mandolins

    Hey Lee - it was nice getting to pick with you and Harry for a few at the Sorensen booth, and congrats on the new mandolin!

    I played all of the mandolins there at the booth and liked the one Lee got the most, but I thought they all sounded exceptionally good and played very well. More then enough bass for my taste but very clear and powerful highs as well. Personally there were some things I would change about the look/design if I was ordering one, but again that's just a matter of opinion. I would estimate I tried about 30 different mandolins at IBMA between the convention hall, Gruhns, and various artists there I'd swap mandos with, and I'd easily place all of the Sorensens in the top 10 of the ones I tried in terms of sound and play-ability. I wish Steve great success with his mandolins, and based on what I saw and heard I believe he'll be seeing that.
    - 2004 Macica A
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  19. #14

    Default Re: Sorensen Mandolins

    Hey Justus...

    It was great to pick with ya!! See ya soon!

  20. #15

    Default Re: Sorensen Mandolins

    Quote Originally Posted by Lee Roy View Post
    I have recently gotten my own Sorensen.. All I can say is WOW.. It's a beast of a mandolin.. Plays amazing and feels great to hold.. Top notch mandolins!!!
    Enjoy Lee! Steve makes a fine instrument!

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  22. #16

    Default Re: Sorensen Mandolins

    What model and wood combination did Lee get?

  23. #17

    Default Re: Sorensen Mandolins

    I got the F8 Floral.. Bearclaw Sitka Spruce top.. Beautiful one pc Quilted Red Maple back!!! Just an awesome pc of work!!

  24. #18
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    Default Re: Sorensen Mandolins

    Anyone play and compare a Sorensen with a northfield ?

  25. #19

    Default Re: Sorensen Mandolins

    the Sorensen were great mandolins ,good sound,workmanship,playability
    Danny
    Danny Clark

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  27. #20

    Default Re: Sorensen Mandolins

    Bob, I recently bought the Pacifica from Trevor's shop in Brighton, England. Steve Sorensen informs me that the wood in mine is the sister wood of yours ( Does that make us brothers? ) and I must say it sounds remarkably like your Mimi, as I played along with you on that great Video you posted. Regards, Gerry Barry.

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  29. #21
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    Default Re: Sorensen Mandolins

    Thanks to all the great players that stopped by our booth to play the new Sorensen Mandos. The response from everyone was very supportive and we appreciate all the feedback. We will be at several guitar shows and festivals this coming year and hope to see cafe members around the country as we try and spread the word

    Randy Torno
    Sorensen Mandolin & Guitar Co.

  30. #22

    Default Re: Sorensen Mandolins

    Quote Originally Posted by gerry barry View Post
    Bob, I recently bought the Pacifica from Trevor's shop in Brighton, England. Steve Sorensen informs me that the wood in mine is the sister wood of yours ( Does that make us brothers? ) and I must say it sounds remarkably like your Mimi, as I played along with you on that great Video you posted. Regards, Gerry Barry.
    That's awesome Barry!

    Yes your Pacifica is from the same piece of quilted maple. Here's how she started out:

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    I don't know how he did it, but Steve was able to listen to my description of the "sound" I was looking for and put it into the mandolin!

    My only hope is that some day I'll become as good of a player my Pacifica is a mandolin!

    Enjoy!

  31. #23

    Default Re: Sorensen Mandolins

    Just gotta say.. My mando is a monster!!! Click image for larger version. 

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  32. #24
    Registered User Steve Sorensen's Avatar
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    Default Re: Sorensen Mandolins

    An impromptu jam at the Sorensen table during IBMA 2012. Sure was a fun week . . . with very little sleep.



    Steve
    Steve Sorensen
    Sorensen Mandolin & Guitar Co.
    www.sorensenstrings.com

  33. #25
    Registered User Justus True Waldron's Avatar
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    Default Re: Sorensen Mandolins

    Hey there I am! I mega spaced out on that break... oh well, it was fun. Did the one of the fiddle tune we did come out at all? Thanks for posting!
    - 2004 Macica A
    - 1952 Selmer Centered Tone
    - Eastwood electric mandola
    (and lots more)

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