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Thread: New Hamlett A

  1. #1
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    Default New Hamlett A

    A few years back I posted having acquired a John Hamlett F5 mandolin. And I swooned over it and recommended to anyone looking for a builder that John should be included for consideration. Well I now have one of his A models, #40, and can't say enough good things about this one NFI. I will reiterate to all those looking for a new mandolin to put him on the short list of builders. We all know John, a.k.a. Sunburst, for his insightful contributions here on the Cafe. Many are less familiar first hand with the gorgeous sounding and looking instruments he makes. Thanks John!

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  3. #2
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    Default Re: New Hamlett A

    Yes, John is a gem in many ways.

  4. #3
    Registered User G. Fisher's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Hamlett A

    Do you have any pictures or maybe a video you could post?
    “Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something.”

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  6. #4
    Moderator JEStanek's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Hamlett A

    He's been a tremendous asset to the Mandolin (Cafe) Community. I'm looking forward to photos of your new mandolin.

    Jamie
    There are two things to aim at in life: first, to get what you want; and, after that, to enjoy it. Only the wisest of mankind achieve the second. Logan Pearsall Smith, 1865 - 1946

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  7. #5
    Registered User darylcrisp's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Hamlett A

    !!pictures!!
    d

  8. #6
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    Default Re: New Hamlett A

    Pictures coming soon. Also with a surprise--at least surprise to me--headstock inlay.

  9. #7
    Registered User tree's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Hamlett A

    Congratulations! I love my Hamlett A, can't wait to see some pics and hopefully a video or sound clip!
    Clark Beavans

  10. #8

    Default Re: New Hamlett A

    So does this make us in-laws or more of a support group?

    Number 041 reporting in:

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    Gunga......Gunga.....Gu-Lunga

  11. #9
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    Default Re: New Hamlett A

    ColdBeerGoCubs, that's a different tailpiece than John's custom designed standard! Guess I'd better go out into the backyard and find a tree. Very nice! I think #40 had been his personal use mandolin recently. He seems to have experimented with a few things.

  12. #10
    Registered User tree's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Hamlett A

    Quote Originally Posted by dorenac View Post
    ... He seems to have experimented with a few things.
    Here is a poor iPhone shot of #32, note the slightly narrower frets in the high register, starting with #15. I love this idea, but I actually never think about it while I'm playing and I can't say that I've ever noticed an advantage or disadvantage. But totally worth the experiment!

    I have to say that unless some unforeseen circumstance causes me to be unable to play it, this mandolin has a permanent home with me. Fit, finish, form and function are all top notch, it is just a joy to play. I love the tone, this thing has all the power and punch you could possibly want if you're in the mood to whip it like a mule, but it also responds with nuance to a light touch.

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Clark Beavans

  13. #11
    Registered User Nick Gellie's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Hamlett A

    Quote Originally Posted by ColdBeerGoCubs View Post
    So does this make us in-laws or more of a support group?

    Number 041 reporting in:

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Beautiful sunburst. I would love to aspire to get that colour in my sunbursts. Well done John Hamlett!!
    Nic Gellie

  14. #12
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: New Hamlett A

    #38 just popped up in the classifieds........

    https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/134771#134771

    NFI
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

  15. #13
    Registered User tree's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Hamlett A

    With the block inlays I'm such a sucker for, dang!
    Clark Beavans

  16. #14
    Registered User darylcrisp's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Hamlett A

    Quote Originally Posted by Charles E. View Post
    #38 just popped up in the classifieds........

    https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/134771#134771

    NFI
    that looks fantastic!
    and 1+, I love block inlays
    d

  17. #15
    I really look like that soliver's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Hamlett A

    I noticed the one in the classifieds too,... it really looks lovely!
    aka: Spencer
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  18. #16

    Default Re: New Hamlett A

    Quote Originally Posted by Nick Gellie View Post
    Beautiful sunburst. I would love to aspire to get that colour in my sunbursts. Well done John Hamlett!!
    His screen name is sunburst, after all.
    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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  19. #17
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    Default Re: New Hamlett A

    Still working on getting photos of #40 as soon as the weather breaks. In the mean time John's sense of design and detail is also very nice. I've always liked the headstock shape of his A models. But I just realized, because it's bound, that there's a subtle curvature on each side. The sides don't appear to be straight. That minimal curve adds a nice grace to a simple curved, rounded top on the headstock. And once I get a couple pictures posted you will see the "Hamlett" ambigram on this headstock, too. Really cool!

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  21. #18

    Default Re: New Hamlett A

    I just picked up a new F-5 Friday night this would be my 4th Hamlett I’ve had
    actually 5th if you count I owned one A twice
    He has my Custom A with blocks if anyone is looking for a nice mandolin it sure is a good one
    Danny Clark

  22. #19

    Default Re: New Hamlett A

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Danny Clark

  23. #20

    Default Re: New Hamlett A

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Danny Clark

  24. #21
    Registered User darylcrisp's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Hamlett A

    Wow, that looks awesome. Love the burst and how everything just fits in, shapes and parts.

  25. #22
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    Default Re: New Hamlett A

    Here is the headstock ambigram from my new Hamlett #40. Also a couple pictures(poor quality) of the mandolin itself.Click image for larger version. 

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    Click on the images twice and it displays upright. I'd never heard of an ambigram before. This headstock inlay, to me, has a Far Eastern feel.

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  27. #23

    Default Re: New Hamlett A

    They all look fantastic, congrats!

  28. #24
    Registered User William Smith's Avatar
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    Default Re: New Hamlett A

    All look Wicked very sweet!

  29. #25

    Default Re: New Hamlett A

    I think that John's Hamlett ambigram is one of my favorite. It is a really nice bit of work.
    Scott R.
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