Who Likes Non-Traditional COLORS on their Mandos?

[Nalapombu]

Hey all,

I have always been kinda interested in mandos that are finished in a different finish than what many recognize as a typical mandolin color and finish.
My Weber Bitterroot is natural, which is not that unusual, but it is different. I still love the beautiful works of art that many of you make and own with the burst finishes and others that are typical, but I also like it when a luthier or company decides to toss things up a bit and make something that most have never seen before.

The first time I had ever seen a mandolin in a "strange" color was 10 years or so ago when I was looking for my first mando and I saw a Michael Kelley in BLUE. Boy it was something.

I didn't think much about ever getting one. Now I might be in a position in a month or so to indulge in a bit of a mando fantasy. The other night I saw a mando that I thought was just beautiful and when I saw it and the price, I instantly wanted it. This mando is an EASTMAN 505, I think. It's an A and it is BLUE. I think it has a gloss finish on it to make that blue really pop. The beautiful grains of the wood and the awesome flames on the back are still visible. I really want that mandolin.

I wanted to ask and see how others think about these non-standard finish colors that some builders use on their mandolins.
Would you ever own a BLUE mandolin? What about a light green style? If you do, how about telling your experience with it over the years or months that you've had it and showed it off.

Any other info you want to share would be appreciated. Please...POST pics of your mandolin with the non standard finish. I'd really like to see what all is out there.

Thank you and Have a Happy New Year.

Nalajr

[Eddie Sheehy]

Here's a few of mine...

[allenhopkins]

I have a c.1910 Gibson F-2 3-point that's top-finished in black, a recent Eastman DGM-1 Giacomel clone that's "blonde all over," and a National Triolian that's faux "walnut," I guess, painted on a steel body. I'd be cool with any creative use of colored finishes -- on non-traditional instruments, though. If you're going to finish your mandolin in green or yellow, why then make it look otherwise like every other F-5 clone on the block?

Oh, and a Merrill bowl back whose bowl is finished in aluminum. But that's because it is aluminum. My aluminum bass fiddle is finished in faux brown wood-grain, with patches of silver aluminum showing through the paint.

[CES]

I like 'em, too. I used to have a Fender 63sce that was finished in blue with a white "pearloid" pick guard. It wasn't the greatest mando out there, but it did look cool. Eventually gave it to my brother to use in his praise band, and he's still plugging and playing several years later. I'd love to have a Rigel ct110 finished in blue burst (like Ted E's) or green burst, or maybe a nice Clark 2 point in an atypical finish. I've even seen pictures of a purple burst mandolin that looked pretty awesome, too.

I got really excited a couple of April 1sts ago when Scott spoofed that Peter Mix was coming out with a carbon fiber mandolin in real tree camo. Hurt my feelings when I realized the date, lol...

[Nalapombu]

We have to have more pics of these beautiful mandos....

nalajr

[Mandoplumb]

Is the f-5 on the top right a Hutto? The color looks like one of Johnny's

[Eddie Sheehy]

Is the f-5 on the top right a Hutto? The color looks like one of Johnny's

Top Right F5 - Green - is a Darby Boofer Rose.
The F4 is a Mix NewMad CF
The A4 is a Mike Black
Then Eastman DGM1, Fender FM62SCE, Ovation "Book" Elite MM68, Rigel Resonator, Fyle Single Malt, De Cava Limehouse Blues...

[Michael Weaver]

The Monteleone I dream about......sigh

[avaldes]

Blevins had a beautiful green one that I think about going for:http://www.ebmworks.com/Instrument-Gallery.html

[RayMan7]

I think a very cool mandolin would be a traditional F-5 but with a white top and dark red (or maybe golden) flame maple back/sides/neck. I havent seen it done yet, has anyone else seen a white top F-5?

[Frank Russell]

Butch B. Had a white F5, can't remember if it was a different color on the back. Miss that guy, he was a gentleman. Frank

[Michael Bridges]

Check out some of Steve Sorenson's Pacifica finishes. Definitely Non-Trad, and absolutely gorgeous!

[Mandolindian]

did somebody say non traditional colors?? This is my Sorensen Pacifica "Jaws".

[bohemianbiker]

Weber makes a blue mandolin called the River. The link takes you to a River F (listed at about $9k); I believe they'll make it as an A or 2 pointer. Ooooh, I would love to have it. bb

http://webermandolins.com/instrument...ver-f-mandolin

[Ted Eschliman]

Mine:

[Ron McMillan]

I am enjoying the thread, but the only photo I can't see is the Chief Moderator's

Or is Ted's mandolin all-white, and the joke's on me?

[rubydubyr]

did somebody say non traditional colors?? This is my Sorensen Pacifica "Jaws".

wow, I didn't think I'd like a blue mandolin, but that is beyooooootiful

[Eddie Sheehy]

Actually Joe's mando is more green...

[rubydubyr]

but, but, but..... there's MORE blue than green......

[Eddie Sheehy]

Steve Sorensen built it...

[Steve Sorensen]

Ironically, neither Joe's Deep 'Burst Pacifica nor the original Ocean 'Burst Pacifica have any green pigment. In both cases, the green you are seeing is the area where the blue and gold stains overlap and the natural golden color of the wood shining through the pure blue.

.

Steve

[Eddie Sheehy]

It was the original Ocean Burst Pacifica that drew me to Steve's creations... I was awestruck by the GREEN color and now I find it was a trompe l'oeil... a l'oeil to my aging senses... but I digress, Steve's mandos are amazing.

[mandroid]

I suppose the weave of Carbon Fiber Fabric is Un Traditional .. though the color black is not.

[Eddie Sheehy]

Blue/Green

[Eddie Sheehy]

I suppose the weave of Carbon Fiber Fabric is Un Traditional .. though the color black is not.

Black Carbon Fiber weave, the top artwork is by Peter Cree...