Which back would you choose?

[blauserk]

I've flipped the image digitally so you can see how it would look to the player. I have a hard time "reading" the flame in the piece on the left. The one on the right would, I think, look just about identical to the photo at the bottom.

This is a nice dilemma to have.

[sunburst]

Between the two, I'd choose the one on the right (it looks more likely to be consistent and stable). Given a larger selection of wood, each piece would be pretty far down the list.

[pjlama]

Too, hard a choice. I like the one on the right for its understated nature but that marbling effect on the left is insane. Which ever one will have a warm vintage vibe once he finishes it.

[fatt-dad]

I prefer the 2-piece back.

f-d

[blauserk]

I prefer the 2-piece back.

You mean what's behind curtain number 3? Both of those are one-piece backs.

[billhay4]

Left.
Bill

[blauserk]

. . . And here are the two-piece options. #1 is D-log. #2 is W-log. Now: what the heck is W-log?

[billhay4]

2
Bill

[Chip Booth]

Is this the Gilchrist D log? Hard to go wrong there and I speak from experience. That one piece on the right at the top looks like it could be D log as well, in which case I would certainly go for that.

[blauserk]

Is this the Gilchrist D log? Hard to go wrong there and I speak from experience. That one piece on the right at the top looks like it could be D log as well, in which case I would certainly go for that.

Good eye. Of the two-piece backs, #1 is the Gilchrist D-log. Of the one-piecers, the one on the right (the milder-flamed one) is reportedly D-log. Looks like it's barely big enough, but I imagine he can do it.

[sunburst]

Out of the 4, I'd pick 2-piece #2 (W-log?)

[Steve Sorensen]

From what can be seen --- 1-1 would be fun to work and see finished. 2-2 is the one that overtly has the traits to become part of a legendary mandolin.

Steve

[SHORTY]

I think the left one in unusable and should immediately be sent to me for resurfaceing or something like that. I like both.

[Kadenza910]

I like the one piece back on the left. Seems more unique to me.

[SternART]

I'd say to the builder......."if it was going to be your personal mandolin, which would you pick?"

[pjlama]

I'm partial to one piece backs, 1.1 would be my #1 choice for sure. Since I prefer one piece backs my second choice would be 1.2 after that 2.1 which looks similar to 670 on a quick glance and we both know how that one sounds. 2.2 is just too pradictable for me but who cares what I think, I'm not sure I even do anymore. The good news is you can send Mr. G to the local lumber yard and he'll give you a killer.

[mtucker]

. . . And here are the two-piece options. #1 is D-log. #2 is W-log. Now: what the heck is W-log?

W log would be more like junior's back (pic) but with burst...nothing wrong with it here's a pic of a copy of kenny snow's Loar that Steve did... great burst and finish color on the 2pc flame.

[blauserk]

I'd say to the builder......."if it was going to be your personal mandolin, which would you pick?"

I went with this. And he replied, "They will all be good, but I choose #4, in a deep sunburst."



So everyone who wanted to see a mandolin liberated from the wilder of the one-piece backs, stay tuned!

It'll have one of these thingamajigs tacked on to it. I don't think it's gonna be that one on top, because I'm going for a wide nut.

[sgarrity]

That's gonna look NICE!

[Chip Booth]

Very cool! I have the wide nut/large neck option and I love the feel. It's chunky compared to a more standard neck but I think it plays great. It was one of the things that sold me on the instrument.

[mtucker]

i prefer these .. well if you must! GO TEAM USA!!

[blauserk]

OK, I did not intend for this thread to take this particular turn, but as a relentless seeker after truth, I must go where the facts take me. I did not realize that Ms. May's tattoo had expanded over the years.



And now the most recent close-up of the tat (I can't link the photo directly because it's copyright protected, but if you have a Lettermanesque sense of humor, you'll enjoy this).
http://www.flickr.com/photos/allhail...et/7744255398/

As soon as I get more pictures of the *mandolin* back in progress, I'll get this thread back on track. (Hyar hyar.)

[blauserk]

I have the wide nut/large neck option and I love the feel. It's chunky compared to a more standard neck but I think it plays great.

Radius fingerboard? I was thinking of going flat because I discovered I like skinny flat boards, but I've never played a flat board that is quite that wide. There's a wide-nut Gil Model 5 with a flat board for sale at the moment (or was the last time I checked).

[blauserk]

So everyone who wanted to see a mandolin liberated from the wilder of the one-piece backs, stay tuned!

Still has another month or so to go, but I wanted to give people a glimpse of how that back is shaping up.



I'm not 100% sure, but I think it's #701.

[Chip Booth]

Crazy! Like a sunset over the ocean on a cloudy day.