Results 1 to 16 of 16

Thread: New Mandolin Day - Morris A4(E)

  1. #1
    Mando-Afflicted lflngpicker's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Location
    So Cal
    Posts
    2,240
    Blog Entries
    6

    Default New Mandolin Day - Morris A4(E)

    This custom made mandolin from Howard "Sonny" Morris in Irrigon, Oregon is stunning in every way! I sold my Kentucky KM-1000, which was really hard to part with, and used the proceeds to have this one crafted just for me. I am glad I did!

    Reaction (not an actual critique): I have never seen nor played a more beautiful instrument. This mandolin has a western cedar top, big leaf maple sides and back, three piece neck and cocobolo fretboard and headstock overlay. The sound is sweet and true, the action incredible (1-3/16" nut and radiused fingerboard), and the sustain is like a vintage Martin guitar. I am so happy with Howard's incredible work and his friendly dedicated service. I can plug this one in, too, since it has a K&K mini installed with a jack pin. Great through an old vintage amp with a 12 inch speaker. Thanks Sonny Morris!

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	100_2979.jpg 
Views:	307 
Size:	280.8 KB 
ID:	131145Click image for larger version. 

Name:	100_2982.jpg 
Views:	282 
Size:	186.0 KB 
ID:	131146Click image for larger version. 

Name:	100_2985.jpg 
Views:	262 
Size:	157.3 KB 
ID:	131147Click image for larger version. 

Name:	100_2986.jpg 
Views:	289 
Size:	130.5 KB 
ID:	131148Click image for larger version. 

Name:	100_2994.jpg 
Views:	317 
Size:	126.3 KB 
ID:	131149
    2014 BRW F5 #114
    2022 Kentucky KM 950 Master Model

    YouTube Original Recording of My composition "Closer Walk"

  2. The Following 7 Users Say Thank You to lflngpicker For This Useful Post:


  3. #2
    Registered User Tavy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    Tavistock UK
    Posts
    4,438

    Default Re: New Mandolin Day - Morris A4(E)

    She's a beauty for sure! How about a sound clip as well?

  4. The following members say thank you to Tavy for this post:


  5. #3
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Kernersville, NC
    Posts
    2,593
    Blog Entries
    3

    Default Re: New Mandolin Day - Morris A4(E)

    sound clip sound clip sound clip

    Very Nice! Congratulations. I like this darker finish over the first one.

    Guess you'll be busy for a while

  6. #4
    Mando-Afflicted lflngpicker's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Location
    So Cal
    Posts
    2,240
    Blog Entries
    6

    Default Re: New Mandolin Day - Morris A4(E)

    Okay guys-- I am working on a couple of vids to demonstrate this beauty. Thanks Mark and Tavy. Dan
    2014 BRW F5 #114
    2022 Kentucky KM 950 Master Model

    YouTube Original Recording of My composition "Closer Walk"

  7. #5
    Mostly Harmless Tommcgtx's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    Martinsburg, WV
    Posts
    327

    Default Re: New Mandolin Day - Morris A4(E)

    How does it compare with your others?

  8. #6
    Mando-Afflicted lflngpicker's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Location
    So Cal
    Posts
    2,240
    Blog Entries
    6

    Default Re: New Mandolin Day - Morris A4(E)

    Here is a very impromtu video-- note I am sitting in an arm chair comfortably with the laptop in my lap and holding the mando up by my chin, so there is no arm extension, but nonetheless with remodeling in the background, Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head and some sample playin' ---

    2014 BRW F5 #114
    2022 Kentucky KM 950 Master Model

    YouTube Original Recording of My composition "Closer Walk"

  9. The Following 12 Users Say Thank You to lflngpicker For This Useful Post:

    + Show/Hide list of the thanked


  10. #7
    Mando-Afflicted lflngpicker's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Location
    So Cal
    Posts
    2,240
    Blog Entries
    6

    Default Re: New Mandolin Day - Morris A4(E)

    Quote Originally Posted by Tommcgtx View Post
    How does it compare with your others?
    Tommcgtx--- I love my J Bovier (great blue grass sound and mellow, too), my Mid-Mo (which is perfect for strumming and singing on the porch), but I have to say the tone and sustain on this Morris tops them both. The chop is better on the J Bovier, but this Morris oval hole has what I would call a complete sound. There is plenty of ring (like a bell), chime and the bass in each chords carries on longer than any mandolin I have played. I like those overtones for the kind of music I write and cover since I am a singer. The quality is obvious in the work Howard Morris does. The fact that it is a small shop creation, hand made in the US, and designed by the builder himself really comes through in the low action, great fit and finish and sound that is hard to beat, I am sure. My computer mic on the video above doesn't capture all of the range, but it does show the tonal sweetness. Dan
    2014 BRW F5 #114
    2022 Kentucky KM 950 Master Model

    YouTube Original Recording of My composition "Closer Walk"

  11. The following members say thank you to lflngpicker for this post:


  12. #8
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Kernersville, NC
    Posts
    2,593
    Blog Entries
    3

    Default Re: New Mandolin Day - Morris A4(E)

    Thanks for putting that up Dan. I've been curious over the sound of those mandolins. Super choice for an oval imo.

    A sweet balanced sound for sure. Enjoy!

  13. The following members say thank you to Mark Wilson for this post:


  14. #9
    Constantly In Search Of.. Michael Bridges's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Canton, Ga
    Posts
    939
    Blog Entries
    7

    Default Re: New Mandolin Day - Morris A4(E)

    Sounds and looks beautiful! I really like what I've seen and heard of Sonny's mandos. Congrats on your new baby.
    Music speaks to us all. And to each of us, she speaks with a different voice.

    J Bovier A5 Tradition

  15. The following members say thank you to Michael Bridges for this post:


  16. #10
    Registered User Mike Arakelian's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    Eastern N.C.
    Posts
    630

    Default Re: New Mandolin Day - Morris A4(E)

    Congratulations Dan...she looks and sounds great. Sonny's mandolins all look fantastic, and this is no exception. I haven't heard too many sounds clips of them in action...the tone and sustain on it is fantastic. Enjoy it in good health. What kind of case did you end up getting for it?

    Mike

  17. The following members say thank you to Mike Arakelian for this post:


  18. #11
    Registered User Scottie James's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    North Carolina
    Posts
    7

    Default Re: New Mandolin Day - Morris A4(E)

    Congratulations, that's a beauty!
    I really love mine! - http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/sh...Morris-Flattop. She'll be sporting a McClung armrest soon.
    You described the tone perfectly - "complete". I've never heard a mandolin that has such sustain until I received my Morris!
    Nice singing and playing sir.
    Enjoy!
    "I think, therefore I jam."

  19. The following members say thank you to Scottie James for this post:


  20. #12

    Default Re: New Mandolin Day - Morris A4(E)

    Congratulations! Is that flamed maple?

  21. The following members say thank you to Dancing Seahorse for this post:


  22. #13
    Mando-Afflicted lflngpicker's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Location
    So Cal
    Posts
    2,240
    Blog Entries
    6

    Default Re: New Mandolin Day - Morris A4(E)

    Thanks Guys, I appreciate your comments! Yes, Dancing Seahorse-- it is flamed big leaf maple.
    2014 BRW F5 #114
    2022 Kentucky KM 950 Master Model

    YouTube Original Recording of My composition "Closer Walk"

  23. #14

    Default Re: New Mandolin Day - Morris A4(E)

    Thanks for uploading the video! That is a great-looking and -sounding mandolin. Congrats!!
    "Those who know don't have the words to tell, and the ones with the words don't know so well." - Bruce Cockburn

  24. The following members say thank you to Teak for this post:


  25. #15
    Registered User Zissou Intern's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2013
    Location
    Between the mountains and the sea
    Posts
    229

    Default Re: New Mandolin Day - Morris A4(E)

    Congratulations, Dan. That's a beauty!

  26. #16
    Mando-Afflicted lflngpicker's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Location
    So Cal
    Posts
    2,240
    Blog Entries
    6

    Default Re: New Mandolin Day - Morris A4(E)

    Quote Originally Posted by Zissou Intern View Post
    Congratulations, Dan. That's a beauty!
    Thanks Keith! I was wrong-- this neck is a true "V", much like the Gibson A style teens mandolin our grandfather passed down. The exception is, the old Gibson is 1-1/16" at the nut, and this one is 1-3/16". Also, this has a radiused board and different woods. The neck join and general construction is very similar and the tone is absolutely dynamite!

    Here is a humble video using it for accompaniment.

    2014 BRW F5 #114
    2022 Kentucky KM 950 Master Model

    YouTube Original Recording of My composition "Closer Walk"

  27. The following members say thank you to lflngpicker for this post:


Tags for this Thread

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •