New White Face mandolin

[testore]

Thinking about making my up coming octave mandolin a white face, paying homage to the beautiful Gibson A models of the teens. What’s the general attitude towards them today? Does everyone love them like I do?

[William Smith]

I love them Gary and long for a late 22 TR. A-3 white top-probably wouldn't like it though as I'm an F-5 type a guy but I know your exquisite work so you'll do it some serious justice my friend! I'd love an F-5 in the white!

[MikeZito]

I'm a big fan of white face mandolins . . . can't wait to see pictures . . . .

[Bill McCall]

Not a fan of paint on mandolins. Like to see the grain. Makes me think that it’s a way to hide flaws in the wood, even if there aren’t any.

Don’t like it on old Gibson’s either.

[fatt-dad]

Yes!

(My order with Wayne. . . one day. . . is for a white snake.)

f-d

[violinvic]

My first attempt at a hand rubbed sunburst finish took a bad turn when I did the top. It looked awful. Looks great with a black top, though

[testore]

I’ve heard the concern before about a builder using a flawed piece of wood and hiding it behind black or white paint. But my problem with the scenario is, a builders reputation is founded on their instruments quality over a period of time. Small builders especially can’t risk using bad wood, even once, in the hopes of dumping something less than high quality. ALSO, I don’t buy wood that I wouldn’t build an instrument out of. EVERYONE builder I know is the same. Wood is expensive and we buy very selectively. I have no junky pieces of wood that would need to hide behind an opaque finish.

[MikeEdgerton]

Bruce Harvie did a refinish to create one many years ago. The thread is here. There was a whole lot of information coming forward that I had never realized about the whiteface instruments. Some of the images don't show up for me, they might for others. The Kilz was an interesting take.

[Br1ck]

I love the white A3, but I need to see the paint worn off from forearm contact.

[Timbofood]

Back in the days when I was working at an acoustic shop here in Kalamazoo a couple of old A-3’s came through, I should have gotten one back when I had that opportunity! They have always had a warm spot in my heart. “Amana” and, “Kelvinator” were the endearing terms we used for them around the store.
Coulda, shoulda, woulda!
Like a couple of others that I passed on!

[testore]

Here she is, the pics aren’t very good but you get the idea. I’m still doing some finish work but I should be available by the years end.

[Charles E.]

Looks nice Gary! Is this a "hybrid" mandolin? X-braced?

[testore]

It’s a big, beautiful octave! Yes X braced. 20” scale......

[Skip Kelley]

Gary, nice work! I know what you mean about the quality of wood. Opaque colors don’t mean anything is being hid!

[pelone]

IMHO----not a fan of painted mangos. Wood grain is interesting and I love the warmth...however, you may be on to something! Perhaps we can take all of those beautiful valued antique violins and paint them an assorted number of colors---what is the point? As my grandfather used to say...."if you want perfect, buy plastic."

[Cobalt]

IMHO----not a fan of painted mangos.

Dunno, they can be a popular subject for a still-life.

[Mandobart]

Looks very nice! However, I'm in the natural wood minority. I don't even like sunbursts, let alone white or black painted instruments. I don't mind irregular grain patterns or cosmetic blemishes showing on a natural wood instrument.

[John Bertotti]

You know I go back and forth on painted or coloered wood. In some cases i prefer to see it plain and proud, other times I like some color and sometimes painted is fine. Which has nothing to do with wood quality, all about what I feel the wood wants and or the mood I'm in. If you are in a White face mood and it seems appropriate then go for it!

[pheffernan]

IMHO----not a fan of painted mangos. Wood grain is interesting and I love the warmth...however, you may be on to something! Perhaps we can take all of those beautiful valued antique violins and paint them an assorted number of colors---what is the point? As my grandfather used to say...."if you want perfect, buy plastic."

I respectfully disagree. I have an abiding appreciation for builders who pay homage to the instruments (and their makers) who afforded the opportunity for others to craft in their likeness a century later. I think it looks incredible, Gary.

[Baron Collins-Hill]

Count me in as a big fan! I'd love to hear a sound clip or video from either you or the lucky owner!

Thanks,
Baron

[pelone]

Cobalt-----love those mangos! Painted Mandos, not so much. I do not like anything that hides the inherent beauty of well chosen wood.

[Cobalt]

Cobalt-----love those mangos! Painted Mandos, not so much. I do not like anything that hides the inherent beauty of well chosen wood.

Yes, I hope you didn't mind my little comment. Actually I'm with you, I like to see the wood, even unfinished wood has a beauty. The finish can bring out what is in the wood, nowadays I tend to veer away from even the sunburst effect. But in the end, variety is good, I wouldn't want all instruments to look the same.

[Cobalt]

Here she is, the pics aren’t very good but you get the idea. I’m still doing some finish work but I should be available by the years end.

Looks good, it has a lot of visual impact.

[Daniel Nestlerode]

Looks great Gary! And an octave to boot!

But why are you rummaging around in my head looking for buttons that say "tempt me"?


Daniel
(who owns a black top F5/F2 hybrid delivered by Gary in 2006)

[testore]

It’s done and sounding great. I’ll have it at the Great 48 in Bakersfield next month if anyone wants to see it.