NMD Girouard A4

Attachment 202271Attachment 202272Attachment 202273https://youtu.be/m_yj7bdbcXM

First week with my Girouard A4. You can find different but in my opinion, you won't find better. I love how it sounds, how it looks, and how easy it is to play. Working with Max and Lauri was great. Throughout the process Lauri and Max were very attentive and communication was fast. They listened to my ideas and added their own. It felt very collaborative.

I loved customizing the mandolin to get everything I wanted but saving money in areas where I could. We started with the Studio design bound on the top but not on the back, fretboard or headstock, but we made some specific upgrades:
-Walnut top binding with BWB stripe
-Rossette
-Rubner RMP tuners
-James Tailpiece
-Rosewood Pickguard
-Girouard Lily headstock inlay

Max and I talked a lot about the woods used. We went with a Carpathian Spruce top. I lucked into a master grade back made of quilted Big leaf maple. Max was kind enough to make it available and I did not hesitate!

Special thanks to Lauri too! Max and I liked the striped Macassar ebony headstock so we didn't dye it. Lauri inherited an idea that included Walnut binding, Rosewood tuners, striped macassar ebony headstock and a customer who said...I want something kinda greenish or brownish organic kinda woodsy, ya know. And she took all those separate elements and tied them together. I love the look. I love her bursts. She can do any kind but I wanted a subtle burst that is noticeable but avoids the ball of flame burst that many like. She nailed it. It look like sunlight hitting a beautiful piece of wood.

I have a lifer here!

Great tone and playing! Enjoy it for many, many years.

Mighty fine! Congratulations. You've got a winner there!

Love the tone of this mandolin :mandosmiley:

Beautiful instrument!

Chuck,

Congratulations on your new Girouard A4 it looks beautiful. Max and Lauri are wonderful people to work with and always have time to explain things as you’re going through the building process. Your Girouard A4 really sound nice keep playing it everyday and enjoy it. I really like your Carpathian Spruce top!!