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Thread: The new Sorensen Stealth . . .

  1. #1
    Registered User Steve Sorensen's Avatar
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    Default The new Sorensen Stealth . . .

    . . . will be at IBMA 2017, Booth 100.

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    Bluegrassers beware.

    Steve

    (Many thanks to Hans Brentrup for letting me continue the "Stealth" lineage.)
    Steve Sorensen
    Sorensen Mandolin & Guitar Co.
    www.sorensenstrings.com

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  3. #2

    Default Re: The new Sorensen Stealth . . .

    Reveal it now or be cursed forever.
    2010 Heiden A5, 2020 Pomeroy oval A, 2013 Kentucky KM1000 F5, 2012 Girouard A Mandola w ff holes, 2001 Old Wave A oval octave
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  5. #3
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    Default Re: The new Sorensen Stealth . . .

    Killing me, Steve!!
    Chuck

  6. #4
    Registered User Steve Sorensen's Avatar
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    Default Re: The new Sorensen Stealth . . .

    The first time I caught a glimpse of the B-2 bomber, hugging the valley contours as it slipped back towards Edwards AFB, I almost crashed my car.

    Better to take this slowly and safely . . .

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

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  8. #5
    Mandolin user MontanaMatt's Avatar
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    Default Re: The new Sorensen Stealth . . .

    Pictures, sure, but sounds please!
    2007 Weber Custom Elite "old wood"
    2017 Ratliff R5 Custom #1148
    Several nice old Fiddles
    2007 Martin 000-15S 12 fret Auditorium-slot head
    Deering Classic Open Back
    Too many microphones

    BridgerCreekBoys.com

  9. #6
    Registered User Steve Sorensen's Avatar
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    Default Re: The new Sorensen Stealth . . .

    A view from the backside.

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    Internal recurves allow for flowing lines from soundboards to 3D sides.

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

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  11. #7

    Default Re: The new Sorensen Stealth . . .

    Thanks, Steve. You're right. I need time to admire each picture. I don't think you should take it to IBMA (bluegrass police and all). Drop it off in NM on your way there to stay safe.
    2010 Heiden A5, 2020 Pomeroy oval A, 2013 Kentucky KM1000 F5, 2012 Girouard A Mandola w ff holes, 2001 Old Wave A oval octave
    http://HillbillyChamberMusic.bandcamp.com
    Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@hillbillychambermusic

  12. #8
    Kelley Mandolins Skip Kelley's Avatar
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    Default Re: The new Sorensen Stealth . . .

    Steve, I'm pretty sure there is a rule in the guidelines somewhere about not being a tease!
    Seriously that looks awesome!

  13. #9
    Registered User Steve Sorensen's Avatar
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    Default Re: The new Sorensen Stealth . . .

    In that case, Skip, I shouldn't mention that there is a second Stealth getting hardware tomorrow.

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    Steve
    Last edited by Steve Sorensen; Sep-18-2017 at 10:36pm.
    Steve Sorensen
    Sorensen Mandolin & Guitar Co.
    www.sorensenstrings.com

  14. #10
    Purveyor of Sunshine sgarrity's Avatar
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    Default Re: The new Sorensen Stealth . . .

    Look forward to seeing this one!

  15. #11

    Default Re: The new Sorensen Stealth . . .

    Definite black marks for the teasing. Very cruel. I look forward to a full set of photographs and some quality video footage

  16. #12
    but that's just me Bertram Henze's Avatar
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    Default Re: The new Sorensen Stealth . . .

    I guess that one goes to Gotham City...
    the world is better off without bad ideas, good ideas are better off without the world

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  18. #13
    Registered Muser dang's Avatar
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    Default Re: The new Sorensen Stealth . . .

    I can't see anything...
    I should be pickin' rather than postin'

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  20. #14
    Registered User Timbofood's Avatar
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    Default Re: The new Sorensen Stealth . . .

    Talk about mandolin porn! HOOOOoooEEEeee!
    That's mighty interesting, stock or commissioned? Very very nice indeed!
    Timothy F. Lewis
    "If brains was lard, that boy couldn't grease a very big skillet" J.D. Clampett

  21. #15
    Registered User Steve Sorensen's Avatar
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    Default Re: The new Sorensen Stealth . . .

    Timothy,

    The two prototypes were done to test several ideas about modernizing the mandolin form that I've been thinking about based upon the consistent player response to the tone and feel of the previous "X-Series" mandolins.

    As I've mentioned previously, my goal with these builds is to meet or exceed my "tone target" mandolins which include -- a couple of mandolins from the Gibson Loar era, a Danny Roberts/Derrington instrument, a specific Heiden, and a combination of a couple Gilchrist mandolins. To my ear, these instruments provide the range, power, balance, complexity, and response which really allows players maximum expression.

    At the same time, I have no interest in building antique reproductions. I deeply admire the builders who have refined and re-invigorated the Loar tradition, but am too tempted by the "what if . . ." questions which pop into my mind as I better understand what makes players tick.

    I also wanted to test some new carving and material ideas . . . more on that later.

    I'm looking forward to taking these prototypes to IBMA and hearing/watching pickers really beat on them. Based on the response from players, I'll make some tweaks and offer custom builds and perhaps a spec production instrument from time to time.

    Here are some of shots of the front of the first Stealth prototype --

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    Finish is nitrocellulose lacquer. Hardware is basic. Both prototypes have K&K Twin Internal pickups installed.

    Again, I would like to thank Hans Brentrup for the inspiration and the OK to continue the "Stealth" lineage.

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

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  23. #16
    rock in rôle Paul Statman's Avatar
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    Default Re: The new Sorensen Stealth . . .

    Quote Originally Posted by Bertram Henze View Post
    I guess that one goes to Gotham City...
    Yes - that would not look out of place hanging in the bat-cave. Very nicely done, Steve! I very much look forward to hearing one.

  24. #17
    Quietly Making Noise Dave Greenspoon's Avatar
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    Default Re: The new Sorensen Stealth . . .

    Love the innovations and experimentation! The sweep of the curves seem to be in a dynamic conversation with each other; awesome aesthetic! I also especially appreciate that Hans allows his innovations to have new life under new hands. I'm curious about a couple things. How does the air volume inside the box compare with other instruments? Also, I've read some interesting takes on sound-holes and love the stylized "S" holes there; very violin like. I'm wondering about your thoughts on porting the bass bout.
    Axes: Eastman MD-515 & El Rey; Eastwood S Mandola
    Amps: Fishman Loudbox 100; Rivera Clubster Royale Recording Head & R212 cab; Laney Cub 10

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  26. #18

    Default Re: The new Sorensen Stealth . . .

    Yep, it's great to see something other than an F5. Great design.
    2010 Heiden A5, 2020 Pomeroy oval A, 2013 Kentucky KM1000 F5, 2012 Girouard A Mandola w ff holes, 2001 Old Wave A oval octave
    http://HillbillyChamberMusic.bandcamp.com
    Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@hillbillychambermusic

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  28. #19

    Default Re: The new Sorensen Stealth . . .

    The three new photographs are a joy. That's my computer wallpaper taken care of for another few months

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  30. #20
    Registered User Steve Sorensen's Avatar
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    Default Re: The new Sorensen Stealth . . .

    Dave,

    Internal air volume is very close to traditional F body.

    If you look closely, you'll see that the sound holes curve inward on the outside border of each hole. This "venting" design actually increases the aperture although by the front view holes are quite narrow. The result is a pleasant surprise -- excellent balance in response across the neck, great treble, and great tone for the player. I considered a sound port, but don't really think it is necessary based upon what I'm hearing from the prototypes.

    Steve

    PS - Been picking on this one tonight -

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    Got to ship them out to Raleigh for IBMA tomorrow afternoon.
    Steve Sorensen
    Sorensen Mandolin & Guitar Co.
    www.sorensenstrings.com

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  32. #21
    Registered User John Soper's Avatar
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    Default Re: The new Sorensen Stealth . . .

    Amazing!!

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  34. #22
    but that's just me Bertram Henze's Avatar
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    Default Re: The new Sorensen Stealth . . .

    It reminds me of a quote (proving that this will see the end of time itself):

    Zaphod's attention however was elsewhere. His attention was riveted on the ship standing next to Hotblack Desiato's limo. His mouths hung open.
    "That," he said, "that ... is really bad for the eyes ..."
    Ford looked. He too stood astonished.
    It was a ship of classic, simple design, like a flattened salmon, twenty yards long, very clean, very sleek. There was just one remarkable thing about it.
    "It's so ... black!" said Ford Prefect, "you can hardly make out its shape ... light just seems to fall into it!"
    Zaphod said nothing. He had simply fallen in love.
    The blackness of it was so extreme that it was almost impossible to tell how close you were standing to it.
    "Your eyes just slide off it ..." said Ford in wonder. It was an emotional moment. He bit his lip.
    Zaphod moved forward to it, slowly, like a man possessed - or more accurately like a man who wanted to possess. His hand reached out to stroke it. His hand stopped. His hand reached out to stroke it again. His hand stopped again.
    "Come and feel the surface," he said in a hushed voice.
    Ford put his hand out to feel it. His hand stopped.
    "You ... you can't ..." he said.
    "See?" said Zaphod, "it's just totally frictionless. This must be one mother of a mover ..."
    He turned to look at Ford seriously. At least, one of his heads did - the other stayed gazing in awe at the ship.
    "What do you reckon, Ford?" he said.
    "You mean ... er ..." Ford looked over his shoulder. "You mean stroll off with it? You think we should?"
    "No."
    "Nor do I."
    "But we're going to, aren't we?"
    "How can we not?"
    the world is better off without bad ideas, good ideas are better off without the world

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  36. #23
    Kelley Mandolins Skip Kelley's Avatar
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    Default Re: The new Sorensen Stealth . . .

    Steve, that is just too cool!

  37. #24
    Gibson F5L Gibson A5L
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    Default Re: The new Sorensen Stealth . . .

    I am a purist at heart.. an if you can't take it straight from the bottle is it really all that good kind of guy.... I admit to being stuck in my ways and little given to flights of fancy over the new and different. It is quite possible that if it were 1915 I might still be playing a bowl back and shaking my head at those new fangled designs over at Gibson. Yet I have to say Master Luthier Sorensen makes lovely instruments. Without a doubt he is part of the golden age of luthiery. Well done sir ... well done R/
    I love hanging out with mandolin nerds . . . . . Thanks peeps ...

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  39. #25

    Default Re: The new Sorensen Stealth . . .

    TOTALLY love it. awesome. prog mando at its finest.
    Mandolins are truly *magic*!

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