(New) Old Wave F4
I am not the kind of person to make a lot of noise about the instruments that I have, have had, or play: no list of guitars, mandolins or other things in my sig. I do appreciate a well-made and good sounding instrument, and that is why I am posting these pix of the new Old Wave F4 style that I picked up in March from Bill Bussmann.
The only thing nicer than the way it looks is the way it plays, and the only thing better than the playability is the way it sounds. The notes just ring, with fullness in the midrange, but with an openness in the lower range. Sounds wonderful with everything I have thrown at it, although right now it is primarily being used for jazz. Very close in tone to my (Gibson) F4, although it sounds “newer,” which, of course, it is. Given how the tone has deepened in the weeks that I have had it, I suspect it will at least equal and likely outshine the F4 in time.
This is really a plug for Bill and his instruments. I first met him at his shop last year before deciding to have him build the mandolin for me, played several of his instruments in the white and finished, and my wife and I chatted for some time with him about music, instruments, building and the world in general. Making the decision about the mandolin was pretty easy after that. Working with him over the past months was a fun time, from selecting wood and binding to tone shaping and finish. For those of you who have not met Bill, he is a true artist and a great person as well. Who else would send you a picture of the carved back of your mandolin with googly eyes on it for Halloween?
Thanks to Bill, and to Old Wave mandolins. I have a real keeper here.
Kit
Guitars, Mandos, Violins, Dulcimers, Cats
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