White Mandolins

[Ron McMillan]

Hey Ron - hate to hear that. To call it unacceptable would be an understatement. I have to tell you that Tyler has displayed endless, almost infinite patience with me throughout this entire process. And I’ve thrown plenty of frustrating opportunities at him. Tyler knows how to guide customers, how and when to stretch himself, and even how to say “no” in the best possible way, all while being friendly and demonstrating a genuine, relaxed professionalism. I wouldn’t believe it if I hadn’t witnessed it repeatedly first hand. He’s the real deal.

Tyler really does sound like a builder to watch out for. Sometimes I wish I didn't live quite so far from the traditional source...

[mandoglobal]

Hey Ron - I’m going to send you a PM with a totally unrelated question.

[Trey Young]

Hey Mandoglobal,
Just noticed where you had inquired as to whether or not anyone has played on stage with a White. #6 has seen a fair bit of stage time. A couple of festivals, some club gigs, some small room gigs, and even some open mics at my crappy little hometown dive bar. I’ve not been disappointed in any setting.

[mandoglobal]

Hey All - spoke to Tyler White today at length regarding my build, and he sent me a few pics I thought I’d share. NFI. Enjoy!!

[mandoglobal]

[mandoglobal]

Hey Mandoglobal,
Just noticed where you had inquired as to whether or not anyone has played on stage with a White. #6 has seen a fair bit of stage time. A couple of festivals, some club gigs, some small room gigs, and even some open mics at my crappy little hometown dive bar. I’ve not been disappointed in any setting.

Thanks Trey! Great to know!!

[Trey Young]

Sure thing MG! I’m actually making the trip to see Tyler this coming weekend. I’m going to have him re-profile the neck on #6 and drill out the end pin for my pickup jack. Pretty excited to check out his shop and to get to actually meet him. Also, plan to initiate a conversation regarding a GBOM build for me in the (hopefully) not too distant future.

[mandoglobal]

Sure thing MG! I’m actually making the trip to see Tyler this coming weekend. I’m going to have him re-profile the neck on #6 and drill out the end pin for my pickup jack. Pretty excited to check out his shop and to get to actually meet him. Also, plan to initiate a conversation regarding a GBOM build for me in the (hopefully) not too distant future.

Hey Trey -

That's really great that you're going to see Tyler. For me, that was when I knew what I was really dealing with. Honestly, I didn't want to leave! Would have liked to stay around and watch the man work, but....better to leave him to work without distraction. It is really great to see, though. I'll be visiting again to pick up my finished mando.

Love the idea of a White GBOM. I spoke briefly with Tyler about this as well....I know he is conducting research on this when time allows, but I'm sure it won't be long. Definitely something that he has in the works. Pretty sure that I'll have him build one of these myself. As you can see, I'm hopelessly lost to MAS. My wife's greatest fears realized.

Let me know what your thoughts are about Tyler and the shop once you've visited. Would like to know where things stand with the GBOM as well.

[Trey Young]

MG -
Yeah, I'm pretty stoked to meet Tyler (hopefully pick a few with him) and see his shop for sure! We exchanged numerous messages and had several phone conversations that rambled on for a while...plus I'll drive through Nashville on my way there and back, so will have to stop in at Carter's.

As far as a White GBOM goes, Kirk Pey mentioned back on page 1 that he has one on order for his daughter, hence the research stage. I'm looking forward to discussing where he's at and his current thoughts regarding GBOM builds. I'll be happy to report back once I return from the trip!

Trey

[Trey Young]

MG,
I didn’t make it up to Tyler’s last weekend, but I did just see these pictures of #10 on Facebook. Wow!

https://www.facebook.com/trey.young....13294836597512

[mandoglobal]

Crazy, right? Man I’m sorry to hear you didn’t make it. Tyler sent me pics of #10 just this eve.

[mandoglobal]

[Trey Young]

I’ll make it up there soon! And yes, that back is absolutely crazy.

[mandoglobal]

Keep me posted on your plans to visit.

[Trey Young]

Will do!

[mandoglobal]

Got some great pics from Tyler White the other day. First set I'm posting is #11, which is close to completion. PLEASE NOTE: this mando has an oil varnish, and still needs a final sanding and buffing, but I think these give you a good sense of the type of stuff Tyler is making (NFI, just a soon-to-be-owner and big fan of his work.) Amazing instruments....

Also noticed the Mandolin Cafe sticker in the background of the last pic....another sign of a high quality member of the mandolin community!!

[Jesse Kinman]

And is that a Northfield Airloom case the Mandolin Cafe sticker is on?
I can’t wait till he starts on mine sometime after June!

[Jesse Kinman]

Got some great pics from Tyler White the other day. First set I'm posting is #11, which is close to completion. PLEASE NOTE: this mando has an oil varnish, and still needs a final sanding and buffing, but I think these give you a good sense of the type of stuff Tyler is making (NFI, just a soon-to-be-owner and big fan of his work.) Amazing instruments....

Also noticed the Mandolin Cafe sticker in the background of the last pic....another sign of a high quality member of the mandolin community!!

What number is yours? I think I’m in line for #16 or so.
The #10 with the Birdseye Maple..... totally gorgeous!!!_

[mandoglobal]

Mine is #12. I’ll post some pics he sent of mine in process. Sent me an audio file of him playing it “in the white” and it’s just outstanding. He will be doing the stain and an oil varnish very soon. I’m excited beyond belief.

Skaggs, are you having anything special done with yours?

[Jesse Kinman]

Yes, a number of non standard things. Tortoise binding, pickguard, James tailpiece, 1 3/16” nut width, compound radius fretboard, custom flowerpot inlay, MOP truss rod cover. Probably Birdseye maple and Englemann Spruce. And I’ll be upgrading to a Northfield Airloom case instead of the one he normally includes.

Mine is #12. I’ll post some pics he sent of mine in process. Sent me an audio file of him playing it “in the white” and it’s just outstanding. He will be doing the stain and an oil varnish very soon. I’m excited beyond belief.

Skaggs, are you having anything special done with yours?

[Trey Young]

That is my Airloom case in the background. I visited Tyler’s shop last weekend (great visit, on my phone now but will go into more detail later) to drop off #6 to have the neck reprofiled and have the jack to my K&K pickup installed internally. Hopefully going to meet Tyler at Carter’s in Nashville at the end of the month to get it back. Less than one week without it and I’m already missing it!

[Jesse Kinman]

That is my Airloom case in the background. I visited Tyler’s shop last weekend (great visit, on my phone now but will go into more detail later) to drop off #6 to have the neck reprofiled and have the jack to my K&K pickup installed internally. Hopefully going to meet Tyler at Carter’s in Nashville at the end of the month to get it back. Less than one week without it and I’m already missing it!

Do you like that case? I’ve always wanted a nice oblong or rectangle case whenever I get a good mandolin, and that seems and looks like the perfect happy medium for all around use!
I am planning a trip to Tyler’s shop in early June, and will be stopping by Carters and possibly Gruhns on the way up to get a feel for what type of tone and neck profile and such that I’m looking for. Really looking forward to that.
And Tyler couldn’t be any nicer or more welcoming with all my questions. Looking forward to doing business with him!

[Trey Young]

I do like the Airloom case. Looks great, tons of storage area, and while being very modern it still retains a vintage feel.

Tyler is as nice as he is talented! I think he is going to be a well known name in the mandolin building world.

[mandoglobal]

Trey that's GREAT!! How cool is that shop of his? Can't wait to go back.

Spoke to Tyler today....his orders are coming in faster than ever. Anyone thinking about it should get on the list ASAP. Come to think of it....I probably should get my next White ordered pretty soon....

[mandoglobal]

Yes, a number of non standard things. Tortoise binding, pickguard, James tailpiece, 1 3/16” nut width, compound radius fretboard, custom flowerpot inlay, MOP truss rod cover. Probably Birdseye maple and Englemann Spruce. And I’ll be upgrading to a Northfield Airloom case instead of the one he normally includes.

Wow, man....that's gonna be a beauty. I thought about the tortoise binding....love that look. Maybe on my next one. Anyway, congrats. Can't wait to see pics down the road.