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Thread: Jamie Wiens Mandolins

  1. #1

    Default Jamie Wiens Mandolins

    In May, I enjoyed a "bucket list" vacation in Nashville. A dream come true. It was just me alone for 7 mando filled days in Music City. Along my way, I enjoyed playing many fine instruments. One of my very favorite mandos was a Wiens F5 with a Virzi tone producer. Full disclosure...I assumed it would hinder the mandolin, it didn't appear to at all.
    My interest in posting here is to inquire about others "musical experiences" with Wiens mandolins. It would be especially interesting to hear from Wiens owners. Thank you.

  2. #2
    Purveyor of Sunshine sgarrity's Avatar
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    Default Re: Jamie Wiens Mandolins

    There's been a lot of water under the Wiens bridge. A search of the forum would get your started. Former owner here.

  3. #3

    Default Re: Jamie Wiens Mandolins

    Yes...

    Would you be willing to share your thoughts on your particular mandolin by chance Shaun? It would be much appreciated. Thank you.

  4. #4
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Jamie Wiens Mandolins

    While you're waiting for an answer here is every thread on the Cafe with the word "Weins" in it.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

  5. #5
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Jamie Wiens Mandolins

    I'll also note for anyone unaware that the Mandolin Archive has a Wiens section.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

  6. #6

    Default Re: Jamie Wiens Mandolins

    Thank you very much, Mike.

  7. #7

    Default Re: Jamie Wiens Mandolins

    I remember thinking that Dan B's Wiens was one of the finest F5's i had ever heard. And, today i see Dan is selling perhaps the most lovely Gibson F4's i have seen. What a great musician as well.

  8. #8
    Registered User William Smith's Avatar
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    Default Re: Jamie Wiens Mandolins

    Quote Originally Posted by Old Growth View Post
    In May, I enjoyed a "bucket list" vacation in Nashville. A dream come true. It was just me alone for 7 mando filled days in Music City. Along my way, I enjoyed playing many fine instruments. One of my very favorite mandos was a Wiens F5 with a Virzi tone producer. Full disclosure...I assumed it would hinder the mandolin, it didn't appear to at all.
    My interest in posting here is to inquire about others "musical experiences" with Wiens mandolins. It would be especially interesting to hear from Wiens owners. Thank you.

    I know the owner of this said Wiens with Virzi and if it doesn't sell as its on consignment I believe oh yes I believe I'll be getting her in a trade of sorts! I really would like this as I have other Virzi mandolins and love what they do! The owner tried to get it last week but Carters wouldn't break contract so he has a bit to go before he can get it-OH how I don't want it to sell so I get a crack at it! I'm sure its awesome so good possibility it will be sold?

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  10. #9
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    Default Re: Jamie Wiens Mandolins

    I owned Wiens number 40 and man oh man do I wish I still owned that mandolin. It felt like Loar closet classic...

  11. #10
    Registered User Kevin Briggs's Avatar
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    Default Re: Jamie Wiens Mandolins

    I recall reading all the tough stories about Jamie from back in the day, but I've recently seen some really uplifting pictures and a few positive posts about him. People change and take turns for the better. I may be in the dark here, but it seems to me Jamie has turned the corner, which is awesome for the mandolin world. My take is check him out for yourself and make your decision that way.
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  13. #11
    formerly Philphool Phil Goodson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Jamie Wiens Mandolins

    Quote Originally Posted by William Smith View Post
    I know the owner of this said Wiens with Virzi and if it doesn't sell as its on consignment I believe oh yes I believe I'll be getting her in a trade of sorts! I really would like this as I have other Virzi mandolins and love what they do! The owner tried to get it last week but Carters wouldn't break contract so he has a bit to go before he can get it-OH how I don't want it to sell so I get a crack at it! I'm sure its awesome so good possibility it will be sold?
    I played that Wiens w/ virzi several weeks ago while in Nashville. It sounded very nice and played well. Not a banjo killer, but very nice full sound.
    Phil

    “Sharps/Flats” “Accidentals”

  14. #12

    Default Re: Jamie Wiens Mandolins

    Phil...i had a similar take on the Wiens the first two days I played it. By the third day in a row of playing it my opinion changed. It seemed like it had come to life. Just my .02

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  16. #13
    Notary Sojac Paul Kotapish's Avatar
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    Default Re: Jamie Wiens Mandolins

    The two I've had in my hands sounded, played, and looked terrific, and both were relatively fresh off the bench. Great instruments. Neither had Virzis.
    Just one guy's opinion
    www.guitarfish.net

  17. #14
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    Default Re: Jamie Wiens Mandolins

    I have #41 and think it's really great. Very balanced across the strings (and up/down the neck) with plenty of volume. Fit and finish is as good as it gets.

  18. #15
    Registered User JAK's Avatar
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    Default Re: Jamie Wiens Mandolins

    Is it still at Carter's? Don't see it listed anymore?
    John A. Karsemeyer

  19. #16
    Purveyor of Sunshine sgarrity's Avatar
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    Default Re: Jamie Wiens Mandolins

    I had #26 for a few months. Sold it soon after getting it. Beautiful mandolin and great fit and finish. My two issues with it....the tone just wasn't there. Way too thin sounding for me. And the neck was huge. For the second coming of Lloyd Loar, the neck wasn't even close. It's new owner seemed to love it though. So What do I know? Tom Rozum had one at the same time that was a much better mandolin.
    Last edited by sgarrity; Aug-20-2019 at 11:38am.

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  21. #17
    Registered User William Smith's Avatar
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    Default Re: Jamie Wiens Mandolins

    Quote Originally Posted by jak View Post
    is it still at carter's? Don't see it listed anymore?

    nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ooooo!

  22. #18
    Registered User JAK's Avatar
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    Default Re: Jamie Wiens Mandolins

    Glad you got it William, enjoy the euphoria....
    John A. Karsemeyer

  23. #19
    Registered User William Smith's Avatar
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    Default Re: Jamie Wiens Mandolins

    Quote Originally Posted by JAK View Post
    Glad you got it William, enjoy the euphoria....
    I didn't get it? Not that I know of anyway unless the consigner picked it up but I don't think so?

  24. #20
    Registered User JAK's Avatar
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    Default Re: Jamie Wiens Mandolins

    Thought you had it William since it's not at Carter's. So where is it?
    John A. Karsemeyer

  25. #21
    Registered User William Smith's Avatar
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    Default Re: Jamie Wiens Mandolins

    Quote Originally Posted by JAK View Post
    Thought you had it William since it's not at Carter's. So where is it?
    Not sure I asked the consigner if it sold-he don't think so so maybe he was able to pull it? Don't know till he gets back with me as I'm promised it for some goods I have? We'll see?

  26. #22
    Registered User JAK's Avatar
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    Default Re: Jamie Wiens Mandolins

    OK, enjoy the hunt William! IMHO it's 50/50 with actually owning it.
    John A. Karsemeyer

  27. #23
    Registered User josh a's Avatar
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    Default Re: Jamie Wiens Mandolins

    I owned SN #41 prior to djweiss acquiring it (I think?). I purchased directly from Jamie, fantastic experience overall. I really enjoyed the mandolin, impeccable fit/finish and the craftsmanship is first-rate. I will echo what Shaun said; mine was quite thin in the trebles at first. I owned it for a while, though, and it certainly 'came to life' after months of playing. Again, as Shaun mentioned, the neck was ultimately what drove me to sell. Larger, round profiles work for some but not for me. Glad to hear djweiss is still enjoying it!

  28. #24
    Registered User William Smith's Avatar
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    Default Re: Jamie Wiens Mandolins

    No Wiens for me-deal fell through, that is fine though.

  29. #25
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    Default Re: Jamie Wiens Mandolins

    I own Wiens #35; you can see it in the Mandolin Archive Wiens section and my comments in the thread that Mike Edgerton linked. Absolutely terrific sounding on lows and highs and everything in between. Beautiful in every detail of design, carving, and finish. My experience with Jamie throughout the ordering and building process was excellent.
    Cornelius Morris

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