So here’s my story. #By day I’m a forensic psychologist. #But by night, I reclaim my humanity through music. #For 26 years, I’ve played on a trusty, but simple, Ibenez mandolin. #In celebrating our 20th Anniversary, my beautiful bride said she wanted to buy me the mandolin of my dreams – which was of course a Weber!
Never a man to keep things simple, I immediately proceeded to torture Mary and John at Weber with custom requests for my Yellowstone. #Here’s some of what went into the “Weber-Wonder.” #
First, what you don’t see:
· Tone-bar bracing, which ages better over time.
· A cedar top, which makes for a richer sound and better projection.
· A McIntyre Acoustic Feather pick-up, the perfect assist when playing with enthusiastic banjo players, electric keyboardists and drummers. #
Second, what’s up front:
· A custom “filled” tailpiece (Mary’s idea) that matches the color of the cedar top. #
· A “Wood-Nymph” with custom inlay of “Hypomone” – a Konia Greek word that roughly translates “God’s grace under fire.” #
· A fossilized, walrus-bone bridge and nut. #This improves tone and volume. #Vern was kind enough to create a custom “Brekke” bridge on this. #
· The Gecko inlay in the scalloped fret-board. #In the desert Southwest, the sighting of a gecko is considered to be a blessing upon a home. #The three stones on his back are sapphire – the stone for September (the month we married and the birth month for both of our children). #
· I wanted a finger rest, and Mary wisely suggested making it scalloped to flow with the fret-board.
· A truss-rod cover inlaid with “Wonder” – my middle name (my parents had a sense of humor). #
· The “Fern” abalone headstock. #An upgrade for the Yellowstone.
Thirdly, on the back:
· A cross in the heel – a reflection of the most significant relationship in my life.
· The headstock inlay – the date of our 20th wedding anniversary. #This was an innovative design suggested by Mary.
What can I tell you? #She plays like a dream. #This truly is a treasured family heirloom that, by God’s grace, will be passed down for generations. #The team at Weber was fantastic to work with, and Mary has the patience of Mother Theresa. #
So if you’re ever sitting in a jail in Tucson, Arizona, and having a psychologist evaluate your sanity, ask him about his Weber-Wonder (maybe he’ll put in a good word to the judge!).
Heres some photos . . .
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