A New Dean Mandolin!

[Bill Clements]

Time flies when you're having fun, but not when waiting for a mandolin like this!
But it was truly worth it. Presenting a Brian Dean flat-back German-with a twist. This one has a hand-carved fluted back and some extra decoration on the headstock. The case is coming from Kingham MTM Cases in the UK and is due in Brian's shop soon. The mandolin will ship soon after.
Enjoy the photos!

[Roger Moss]

Whew! You had me going there for a minute. I thought you were talking about a Dean Guitars instrument, a thoroughly underwhelming brand. That looks like one sweet looker there. So it's a one - off custom job? Have you handled it or are you going on photos alone? I'd be beside myself.

[Ken_P]

Absolutely stunning! Brian is hands down my favorite builder working today because I don't know of anyone else who combines his unique designs and exquisite workmanship. I've got one of my own coming (a 10 string flat back), but it will be quite a while. Enjoy yours when you get it!

[Randi Gormley]

from what I can see, that looks deeper than a standard body, more like a bandolim?

[Bill Clements]

So it's a one - off custom job? Have you handled it or are you going on photos alone? I'd be beside myself.

Yes Roger, it's a custom build. This is a less costly version of the "German" bowlback Chris Acquavella plays, also made by Brian Dean. Here's a link to the flat-back version on Brian's website. You'll find both mandolins there. Brian told me this one has more a lute-like tone quality, but I haven't heard it yet.
I have to say doing business with Brian was a sincere pleasure!

[Barry Canada]

Great luthier! I have incredible admiration for Brian Dean every time I play mine!
I’m sur you will enjoy yours!
Congrats

[Bill Clements]

A few construction details from Brian’s Facebook page:

Brian N. Dean, luthier - All done -- the new, not-flat, staved flat-back German model. 😁 This was a bookmatched maple back sliced into 14 individual staves, refit over a curved back form, reinforced with spruce shavings to essentially create a quasi-bowl flat-back. Completely by customer request. The tone is more responsive to the touch, reproducing everything that touches the strings, intentional or not. Very beautiful tone.

[Denman John]

Now that you’ve had it for a while, what are your impressions? Would love to hear it!