Prototype

**mando_clad_chick** · Jun-26-2007, 12:12pm

wow beautiful

**Timbofood** · Jul-09-2007, 8:57am

I don't know how interested anyone may be but, I had a chance to pick on this little gem two times in a week!
First time it had J-74's on it and they were a touch light for my lead hands but, Bill put fresh J-75's on for a little party Friday night and I was much more comfortable with it.
The fit and finish is really fine, Bill says there are a few things he would like to tweak and I understand that so, OK it is not the example of excellence that he is capable of but, this is the first one in almost 30 years! The feel...neck shape was very comfortable, and the feel...like buttah! Shapes all line up, scroll very pretty, The sound, I think it shows great potential.
A friend asked if I was playing harder than on my own mandolin, I was not. He said there was a real "presence" in the sound. Volume, depth of tone, responsiveness, all right there waiting to be unleashed. In a few years, I think this will be a mandolin for banjo players to respect!
It was a fine time at the party and went on into the night with both Bill and I swapping back and forth between my old Alvarez and his new project. I will be happy to have the next one or the one after that. The attention to detail is where Bill understands what is going on. No extra/unnecessary flourish, just using the true vintage lines and style. If any one gets the chance to meet Bill and play this instrument,or just meet Bill, do not pass it up you will be met with warmth and pleasant sounds from both. Nice work Bill!
Can't wait til next time to see how it "grows up".
T

**Timbofood** · Jul-17-2007, 11:58pm

Well Bill, Miss Newbie was chatted about tonight at the gig. Every one said how much they liked the sound. I really enjoyed the feel with the 75's but that is something we have talked about face to face. I can't speak of the fun it was to play. "I ain't got the words."

**Mikey G** · Jul-18-2007, 12:25am

Shazaam! What a beauty!

**Demetrius** · Nov-16-2020, 7:57am

Perfection <3

**Old Growth** · Dec-07-2020, 8:04pm

If Bill considers the aforementioned F5 a "practice run", I wonder what he called the previous one from 30 years prior('77)?

**EvanElk** · Dec-07-2020, 11:12pm

Originally Posted by Old Growth

If Bill considers the aforementioned F5 a "practice run", I wonder what he called the previous one from 30 years prior('77)?

Old Growth asked me to post these photos of his '77 Halsey since his computer was not cooperating:

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**EvanElk** · Dec-07-2020, 11:22pm

Originally Posted by Old Growth

If Bill considers the aforementioned F5 a "practice run", I wonder what he called the previous one from 30 years prior('77)?

And I missed one

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**Glassweb** · Dec-07-2020, 11:44pm

That mandolin is just incredible... other than the name in the headstock that's about "as Loar" as I've ever seen and I've seen, owned and played a bunch. Mr. Halsey is a staggering talent and as nice a human being as you could ever wanna deal with... truly! Congrats Dennis!

**Old Growth** · Dec-08-2020, 4:17am

Thank you Evan, for posting those photos. And, thanks Glassweb it is more mandolin than I will ever need. Plays very nicely and has wonderful tone. Mr. Halsey is a master. Here is a mellow recording of his F5.

https://soundcloud.com/dennis-benjam...project-11-m4a

https://soundcloud.com/dennis-benjam...roject-7-m4a-4

**Old Growth** · Dec-08-2020, 3:59pm

This is the last recording I'll post regarding Mr. Halsey's mandolin. This isn't a tune I wrote. Hope everyone has a safe and peaceful holiday season. thank you.

Oldgrowth..

https://soundcloud.com/dennis-benjam...-project-m4a-2