Halsey mandolin, fiddle and bow

Greetings!

These were built by Bill Halsey and I can't say enough good things about them.

Normally I wouldn't be posting fiddle photos here but since it was built by Bill I thought it may be of interest to some. In case you're into this type of thing, the violin case was built by Timms of England. Incredible case if you're in the market for one.

Enjoy and stay safe folks!
Dem

1. Halsey F-5 mandolin.

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2. Halsey fiddle.
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3. Halsey Bow.
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4. Timms of England shaped violin case.
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That's actually a really beautiful mandolin there. I have a thing for mandolins that have that more natural lite wood shimmer over the really shiny lacquered ones. I don't even know what's it's called when it has a finish like this, it's not satin... Maybe just a custom varnish or something? Anyway I love it!!! One day I want to have a small builder custom make me a Mando with a finish similar to this with more browns in it. Thanks for sharing.

Wow, Demetrius, these are two stunning instruments. Your photos really show them to advantage, too. Nicely lit.

We all are aware that you know fine instruments and have exacting taste when it comes to their voices. How does this mandolin stack up to the others you have had and told us about? If it sounds anywhere near as good as it looks and the builder's incredible attention to detail, you have a phenomenal instrument there. How about the violin? Is it similarly well-voiced?

Could this be 'the one' for you? We have all read with interest of your searches. Could this be it?

Thanks for sharing these photos. I really enjoyed looking at this inspiring instrument. I wish you all the best with it.

Bob

Cool. How’s that bow? Can you please post some more pics of it as well as the fiddle’s back?

And as Bob and BTP said, those are some wonderfully beautiful instruments :)

Whoa! Beautiful indeed!

Beautiful !

Yep, those pictures show Bill’s appreciation for beautiful varnish work. I don’t play fiddle but, if I did I am sure a Halsey would be a comfortable instrument to live with.
I was lucky to have lived with that mandolin for several months when it was relatively new, it had everything I would ever want then, I’m sure it’s even nicer now!
Enjoy them all Demetrius!
Oh, Bill’s bow display case is as pretty as his instruments! I remember a simple knife rack he made way back when...a higher degree of elegance as a mutual friend used to say!

I think Santa needs to bring me one of those Timms shaped cases. I've been threatening that for a while now.

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Originally Posted by Borntoplay4strings

That's actually a really beautiful mandolin there. I have a thing for mandolins that have that more natural lite wood shimmer over the really shiny lacquered ones. I don't even know what's it's called when it has a finish like this, it's not satin... Maybe just a custom varnish or something? Anyway I love it!!! One day I want to have a small builder custom make me a Mando with a finish similar to this with more browns in it. Thanks for sharing.

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What you are looking at is French polish over oil varnish which is what many believe was used on Loars. The finish ages into such texture/patina. You can see it on many Loars that were not overpolished with new french polish layer. You can see this only with some lightning angles and close by. Generally the instrument looks just nice shiny with some patina.
Cool looking set, BTW. You may be the only guy (except Bill) to have a complete set of his instruments/bows :-)

Is that front point mitered in?

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Originally Posted by GTison

Is that front point mitered in?

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Yes, if you are talking about the treble point, it’s dovetailed.

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Originally Posted by GTison

Is that front point mitered in?

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You won't find mandolins that are built closer to Loar specs than Bills, ANYWHERE! I believe he even replicated the old odd thread on trussrod. He made all the metal hardware to match era specs. He modified the tuners to be closer to originals as well. I sent him metric slotted screws for tuner cogs to replace the phillips originals...
The only thing he doesn't do period correct is his flawless workmanship....

Bill did “modify” truss rods to titanium on at least a couple (yep, with the old thread) that I know of. As well as repro bridges with titanium studs and thumbscrews, weight saving!
His pursuit of excellence has come to an end as far as mandolins go, he still makes his stunning bows, and still is just as nice a guy as one would ever want to meet!
He and I email fairly often when something piques some common points of interest, wooden boats, fine watches, fine booze, watching sailplanes, etc.
I’m a lucky guy.

I had to post this one more pic. This really is such special mandolin...
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