Introducing the Sorensen AX
I've posted a few pictures of the new AX in the white, but wanted to give the full rundown now that it is completed and headed out into the world.
As I mentioned previously, I was looking at the back of the FX, which is longer and sleeker than a traditional F-style, and realized I would love to see that same body shape as an A-style. Here's the FX view which got the idea rolling --
At the same time, I've always been bugged that many new A-style mandolins seem to get short-changed in details or finishing (compared to their more scroll-ey counterparts). So, I decided that if I was going to build an A-style, it needed to have all the traits that I find important in the other instruments that I'm building --
- Top quality tone woods. In this case, a one-piece Englemann top and a one-piece curly Red Maple back and sides, and a hard maple neck. Mahogany internal blocking and kerfing.
- Hand graduated top, back and tonebars. F-holes designed specifically for the body style and which are hand-rounded on the inside edges.
- A hand-rubbed plus spray-detailed sunburst.
- Traditional old school Oil Varnish and Shellac French Polish finish.
- Fully bound.
- Radiused, bound fingerboard with Gold EVO frets; Bone or MOP nut. 2-way Adjustable truss rod.
- Detailed inlay for the headstock.
- Quality hardware - Allen or James tailpiece; High-end bridge; Schaller, Grover or Rubner tuners; Ebony, bound pickguard.
So, here's how it all came together in the prototype --
This instrument is now heading over to Raleigh for IBMA 2015. I'm really looking forward to hearing how it works for players. Hopefully there will be some opportunities to get some good feedback, video and sound to add to the discussion!
Steve
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