New Mando to Debut at IBMA

[randolin]

Pacific Acoustic Musical Instruments has just received the first new Pacifica mandolin from builder Steve Sorensen and will have it at IBMA. This unique and modern design was heavily influenced by Steve's west coast orientation from his choice of woods to the intricate mermaid on the "wave" headstock. Spruce top and walnut b&s, this mando sounds as beautiful as it looks. If any cafe members attending IBMA would like to see this instrument, please send me an email to randy@pacificacoustic.com

[greg_tsam]

Pretty mando. I have a question about the "unique and modern design". Is that referring to the Wave headstock and Mermaid inlay only? I was mainly wondering what kind of bracing it had and was that different from the "norm"? Thanks.

[JEStanek]

Probably meant the hook and headstock. The walnut is certainly not traditional either. I like it!

Jamie

[randolin]

The Pacifica is a total redesign of the mando while sticking closely to Loar era size and weight.
The mandolin has tightly vertical-grained spruce tone bars. However, because the body shape is a variation on the traditional Loar F5 body, the tone bar placement and shaping, as well as the top and back graduations were all changed to get the full range of mandolin tone -- from growling "WOOF" on the bass-chop to chiming bell-like ring on the highs up the neck. Of particular note is the beautiful 5 ply "pinstripe" binding from headstock to tailpiece.
Randy

[Dajules]

I got to see and hear this beautiful mandolin yesterday. The pinstripe inlay is superbly done and ties in the wave design perfect. It sounds georgious and I get to hear it every time I replay my lesson. I have a giant MAS attack to overcome!

[greg_tsam]

Thanks for the info!

[Steve Sorensen]

Could resist chiming in here . . . finally got a web site up with more information and pictures.

Lots more to add to the site and more pics and mandos to come in the next couple of weeks.

For the real deal, look for Randy from Pacific Acoustic at IBMA!

Steve

[Bob Bronow]

Nice!

[Mandoleeta]

I got to hear this new Mandolin last night. Wow! I has a beautiful tone and clear sound all the way up the neck. It has a traditional Loar look and I love the beautiful warm finish and the sunburst glow.

[MLT]

I too was lucky enough to see this pre-IBMA over the weekend--but mised this thread. This mandolin not only has good looks and charm it has great tone and a sweet sound as well.

[Bigtuna]

Very nice, being a surfer I can' help but like it. A nice variation on a classic outline, nice lines.

[Steve Sorensen]

Curly redwood topped Pacifica starting to look like a full-grown mandolin.

Wet sanding back -

Top after first French Polish session


This one sounded great "in the red" when we gave a test run before finishing. Very woody chop and warm up the neck.

Steve

[randolin]

Thanks to everyone that tried out this mando at IBMA and for the great comments.

[fatt-dad]

You going to make an a-model?

f-d