Heiden a5

**sgarrity** · Aug-13-2008, 3:04pm

Got this amazing instrument last week. It is everything I expected and more.

**sgarrity** · Aug-13-2008, 3:05pm

Another back shot

**sgarrity** · Aug-13-2008, 3:07pm

Front shot

**sgarrity** · Aug-13-2008, 3:09pm

Headstock with Waverly tuners

**sgarrity** · Aug-13-2008, 3:11pm

It has an Engleman top and I believe a sugar maple back. It's got that deep, woody, hollow resonant tone coupled with all the volume you'd ever need from a mandolin. I posted a YouTube clip of it and will be doing more soon.

**Don Grieser** · Aug-13-2008, 4:33pm

Beautiful!!!! Congratulations!

**woodwizard** · Aug-13-2008, 4:39pm

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeettttttt!!!!!!!!

**Hans** · Aug-13-2008, 5:27pm

If that's Andrew Collins' Heiden, can't blame you...it's a monster.

**Rick Schmidlin** · Aug-13-2008, 7:21pm

Wish I had one.

**jasona** · Aug-13-2008, 8:52pm

Originally Posted by (Hans @ Aug. 13 2008, 16:27)

If that's Andrew Collins' Heiden, can't blame you...it's a monster.

I really really wanted to buy it from Andrew when he was forced to sell it. Enjoy it in good health!

**sgarrity** · Aug-13-2008, 9:28pm

Well folks, this one is NOT Andrew's old A5. An acquaintance that I've had the pleasure of pickin' with actually owns that mandolin. And it's that mandolin that spurred the purchase of this one. The owner is a board member and can chime in if he wishes.
This is #38 and was built in Dec 2006. It sounds remarkably similar to Andrew's old mandolin. It's a bit tighter and brighter right now but it doesn't have near the playing time on it either. I've already started working on that!!

**pjlama** · Aug-13-2008, 9:55pm

Congrats! Sounds very nice. How the heck do you guys make the videos? Sorry for the OT question but I gotta know.

**sgarrity** · Aug-13-2008, 9:58pm

I made mine on my trusty Mac using iMovie. Not bad for the built-in camera and mic. Thanks for the kind words!

**Chris Biorkman** · Aug-13-2008, 10:08pm

Originally Posted by (sgarrity @ Aug. 13 2008, 22:28)

This is #38 and was built in Dec 2006. #It sounds remarkably similar to Andrew's old mandolin. #It's a bit tighter and brighter right now but it doesn't have near the playing time on it either. #I've already started working on that!! #

I thought he had built a lot more than that. He's obviously got a gift for doing what he does. It sounds and looks great.

**sgarrity** · Aug-13-2008, 10:11pm

I'm pretty sure that he numbers his As and Fs seperately. So I think that this is his 38th A-style. Maybe someone with a little more Heiden knowledge can correct me if I'm wrong....

**Ken Olmstead** · Aug-14-2008, 12:21pm

I have played 2 of his F styles and both were the finest mandolins I have ever played. If money were not an issue I would gladly order one but alas, it is not to be any time soon. There are less than 5 builders that could unseat my Fern and Heiden is at the top of the list! Congradulations Shaun! It sounds great and it will be fun to see how it matures in your capable hands!

**Jim Roberts** · Aug-14-2008, 2:12pm

I was the original owner of this incredible mandolin I and sold it to Shaun as the neck profile was just a bit too small for my hands. #It was very difficult to let this mandolin go. #It actually has lots of playing time on it. #I am just not a hard driving player so no wear is indicated and I am sure it will continue to mature into an even greater mandolin. #I will note that it came out of the box really sweet and strong. #Michael is building me another with a custom neck. #I think Michael is building some of the best mandolins on the planet and definitely is one of the nicest guys roaming Mother Earth, too.

I am glad Shaun is thrilled to have it and I predict his MAS is cured for a LONG, LONG time...if not for good! This is the second mandolin I have sold Shaun (first was a Brentrup) and Shaun is a first class guy to do business with. Just hope he can make it to Wind-shield (Winfield) one of these years to pick and sip single malt.

Cheers.

**craigmurray** · Aug-14-2008, 3:13pm

Originally Posted by (sgarrity @ Aug. 13 2008, 23:11)

I'm pretty sure that he numbers his As and Fs seperately. #So I think that this is his 38th A-style. #Maybe someone with a little more Heiden knowledge can correct me if I'm wrong....

I think that is correct. #My Heiden F style is dated May 2005, and is number F-81.

**sgarrity** · Aug-14-2008, 3:37pm

Come on now Jim. #You know MAS can't be cured. #LOL #But this Heiden should do a good job of keeping it in remission. #Until I go on the hunt for an oval hole... #

Jim is also a great guy to do business with. #His descriptions are always 100% correct and his instruments are kept in pristine condition. #If he's selling something you wanna buy, don't hesitate to grab it! #(NFI and all that good stuff)
Just a very satisfied mando picker and scotch drinker!

**pathfinder** · Aug-14-2008, 9:01pm

The numbering system differs between 'A's and 'F's. #I own A-36 (November 2005). #And like Jim Roberts said, mine also sounded sweet and strong right out of the box. #You won't regret your purchase on this one! #Congrats.