The Wiens piccolo mandolin

[Scott Tichenor]

Here's the Jamie Wiens piccolo mandolin in Florida being played by Josh Pinkham. At Mandofest I was telling Josh was a great instrument this was and he said he'd been looking at it alot wishing he could play it. To make a long story short, I got the two of them in touch and helped arrange a summer vacation for it (the piccolo). Josh reports it's terrific, fun to play, and has found out as I observed what a world class instrument Jamie has built. Guess it's getting some overdub onto a CD Josh is making. I'll look forward to hearing that recording.

[Scott Tichenor]

...and another

[G'DAE]

Congrat's Jamie! Great way to get that sound out where all can here Enjoy that little cherib, Josh!

[G'DAE]

Forgot to add ... Nice work, Scott!

[danb]

What's the mic you have there Josh?

[J. Wiens]

Thanks Scott, I'm honored to have a player like Josh exploring the possibilities of the Piccolo. In fact, as I was designing and building it last year, you introduced Josh Pinkham to us on the front page of the Cafe. As I read about him, and listened to his playing I remember thinking "now this is the kind of player who could really get between those closely-spaced frets and tell us if the piccolo is worthy as an everyday instrument" ...Yeah ,at that point I had never played a piccolo and had no idea if this kind of instrument would be anything more than a novel curiosity.
So when it was completed & I heard that Josh was interested in it , it seemed only natural that I should get it into his hands....So with your help I did, and let me say those are some great hands! After he recieved it , we spoke on the phone and I had the pleasure of listening to Josh play tunes on the piccolo for about an hour! Requests,originals,covers ..you name it he knew it. He really blew me away not only with his technical prowess, but also with his musical depth and maturity.
After we hung up, I found myself feeling giddy & kinda teary-eyed. I guess It was knowing that the piccolo was, after all, a worthy project. And best of all , it was making great music in some great hands....A builder's dream.

So once again, thank you Scott. Not only for making this happen but for making this great website that connects the entire mandolin community..........Jamie

[mandojosh]

hey guys.

First off, the mic is a Neumann TLM 103. And about the Piccolo, GOOD GRIEF! It's an amazingly awesome instrument in all facets. The craftsmanship is spectacular, it's probably the best of any instrument I have seen yet, but as far as sound goes, it really kicks! Its even, chirpy, considerably loud, I was very surprised by the volume actually, and its just a blast to play! Awesome work Jamie, and again I can't thank you enough for letting me play this amazing instrument! And Scott, thank you so much for making all this happen! You rock!

# # # # # # # # # # #Josh Pinkham

[John Bertotti]

I know this thread is quite old but does anyone have any sound clips? I am Fascinated with these bite little instruments. John

[jasona]

More to the point: that last image with Josh playing way up on the treble course got me wondering if the human ear can even hear those notes, or if Josh is playing for his fan's dogs

[Milan Christi]

Thanks for bumping this thread - both of these stories are great, luthier and player. I must say my learning curve has taken a major leap since I found this site.

Thanks to all!

[danmills]

The Wiens Piccolo has landed on EBay. Opening bid $3000 and no reserve.

Dan
p.s. I have no connection or financial interest. I just think it's very cool.

[Scott Tichenor]

Sorry, Dan. Removed the link to this one as I have on another thread. This instrument is not paid for and the seller has been permanently removed from this board and the classifieds due to fraudulent business practices. I can name more than a half dozen well know builders and retailers that will back me up on this one. Buyer beware on eBay.

[danmills]

Oh, dear. I understand. Thanks.
Dan

[Steve Davis]

I for one would love to play it.

[Spruce]

I did some recording with Jamie's piccalo....

It's dicey to record as it sounds like a speeded up normal F5, so you have to pick tunes that enhance it's qualities on tape...
I wound up using it on a version of Evening Prayer Blues....

It's really a great little instrument....