My second or third, I don't know which is sounding great!

**Dick Hutchings** · Jun-11-2015, 3:35pm

I built 2 and 3 at the same time so I don't know what to call the one I kept. I was never very satisfied with the tone until recently and I built this a few years ago. Of course I've been practicing a lot lately and may just have found the way to get the best tone out of it. Or has it finally broken in? Or is it because I changed from a 1.5 pick to a 1.2? Whatever it is, I'm really enjoying it and just wanted to share that.

Just thought I'd add a photo.

Click image for larger version.

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**Clinton Johnson** · Jun-11-2015, 4:20pm

Nice mando Mr Hutchings and I'm a firm believer in the more it's played the better it sounds!

**Theo W.** · Jun-11-2015, 4:50pm

I love the 'burst you put on that mando! It looks great. I'm glad you're finally enjoying it.

**Dick Hutchings** · Jun-11-2015, 5:03pm

Thanks, I owe that burst to John Hamlett.

**Dick Hutchings** · Jun-11-2015, 5:04pm

Originally Posted by Clinton Johnson

Nice mando Mr Hutchings and I'm a firm believer in the more it's played the better it sounds!

Hard to ignore it now.

**Bluetickhound** · Jun-11-2015, 5:06pm

That is an amazing instrument!!

**fscotte** · Jun-11-2015, 5:50pm

Looks like a vintage burst... Come on now, that's really a Loar you've had in the closet...

**Nick Gellie** · Jun-11-2015, 11:47pm

Dick,

I really like the style of sunburst you achieved on your mandolin?

What coloured and type of dyes did you use to get that coloured sunburst on your mando? In what order did you apply the tints.

I am going to start my dyeing and finishing in one month my Arches F-5 mandolin kit.

**Hany Hayek** · Jun-12-2015, 12:59am

Great looking instrument. How about a sound clip.

**MysTiK PiKn** · Jun-12-2015, 1:27am

Yes, that does look really great.
Maybe it's the moon or the weather - I just kicked my truss and changed my bridge and finally found the combo I've been looking for.
Your burst looks like the first gibby I ever played - first and only actually.
Good work.

**Steve VandeWater** · Jun-12-2015, 5:56am

I'm not generally a fan of bursts, but that one does look great. Very nice instrument! Hard to believe it's only #2 (or #3)

**Jeff Mando** · Jun-12-2015, 8:21am

Nice job, Dick!

**Dick Hutchings** · Jun-12-2015, 8:30am

I would have to go look to be sure but I only own 3 bottles of Transint dyes. I believe, brown, reddish brown and yellow mixed with alcohol. I suggest you find Johns video tutorial on this forum. You can't go wrong. Start by covering the instrument with the lightest colors and gradually go darker. This all hand rubbed with a rag.

Originally Posted by Nick Gellie

Dick,

I really like the style of sunburst you achieved on your mandolin?

What coloured and type of dyes did you use to get that coloured sunburst on your mando? In what order did you apply the tints.

I am going to start my dyeing and finishing in one month my Arches F-5 mandolin kit.

**Dick Hutchings** · Jun-12-2015, 8:32am

Just don't look too close. I'm sure the real builders on this forum can see the multitude of errors. I won't point them out.

Originally Posted by van1684

I'm not generally a fan of bursts, but that one does look great. Very nice instrument! Hard to believe it's only #2 (or #3)

**Dick Hutchings** · Jun-12-2015, 8:35am

Sure.

Originally Posted by Hany Hayek

Great looking instrument. How about a sound clip.

**Dick Hutchings** · Jun-12-2015, 8:36am

Originally Posted by MysTiK PiKn

Maybe it's the moon or the weather

I'm sure it has something to do with one of those. I'll take it.

**Skip Kelley** · Jun-13-2015, 6:43am

Dick, I love the look of that mandolin! You should be proud! I really like the burst; it's perfect!!

**graham darden** · Jun-15-2015, 5:24am

Beautiful work Dick. I envy your skills. Did you ever order a blanket?

**Dick Hutchings** · Jun-15-2015, 5:35am

Thanks Grahm. No I haven't ordered one yet. Getting bombarded with bills lately. I work so slow that I'll probably be caught up by the time I need one.

**Bernie Daniel** · Jun-15-2015, 6:28am

Originally Posted by Dick Hutchings

I would have to go look to be sure but I only own 3 bottles of Transint dyes. I believe, brown, reddish brown and yellow mixed with alcohol. I suggest you find Johns video tutorial on this forum. You can't go wrong. Start by covering the instrument with the lightest colors and gradually go darker. This all hand rubbed with a rag.

John's "classic" sunburst video and your description makes it look and sound easy but in fact working a sunburst or really any kind of dye on a spruce surface is not an easy thing at all. I agree with others that is an amazing sunburst!