Cole mandolins

[Tom R S]

I contacted Ron Cole back in 2000 about building me an F-5. He used bubble big leaf maple for the 2 piece back. I wanted a slightly wider neck than standard. He made a jig and custom built the neck. I also wanted an acoustic pick up added to this instrument. I asked him if he could make a nut out of a white tail antler from Georgia. He was agreeable. Then I wanted a custom finish..... Light brown almost blonde. He agreed. I asked him to take photos of the construction process at different intervals. He did that too. What I ended up with was a custom made 1 of a kind F-5 mandolin from Ron's shop. It took him a year to complete. The Schaller tuners have ebony knobs. It is RCF-5 # 74.
Never had any issues. Stays in tune. Neck has not moved in 20 years. Everyone marvels at the beauty and the sound. I hardly ever use acoustic pick up. Thank you Ron for applying your talents to make this instrument. You are truly one gifted and gracious luthier. God bless you.
Tom R S