Hi Folks,
There is a really nice looking PML for sale at Greg Boyd's (link to classified ad).
I have NFI, and haven't seen or played this instrument in person. Does anyone know who this belonged to, or if I already have it listed in the Registry? Have you played it? How does it sound?
Some specs from the ad: "Sugar Maple back and sides and two-piece neck. Red spruce top. Fully bound with ivoroid bindings on top, back, along fingerboard, and around headstock. Traditional Cremona sunburst. Ebony peghead overlay with JBrentrup logo and flowerpot pegged inlay (abalone and pearl). Ebony flat fingerboard with small pre-war style mandolin frets, pearl dot inlays, and fingerboard extension scalloped. Ebony two-piece Loar-style adjustable bridge. Tortoise ivoroid-bound pickguard scalloped to match the fingerboard scallop. Silver James tailpiece with JBrentrup engraved. Nickel Elite tuners with pearloid buttons."
Here are the pics from the ad:
I've noticed that Brentrup prices seem to be rising recently, which I think is reflective of the quality and legacy that Hans has embodied in his instruments. I hold him up there alongside the Derrington Gibsons, Gilchrists, and J. Weins, but that shouldn't surprise anyone that knows me. IMO 2008 was a high-point in Han's builds, and I bet this one is a great mandolin.
I believe that one under-appreciated attribute of a Brentrup mandolin is that the tone develops and gets stronger and more responsive over time. This may be particularly true with the red spruce tops which take a bit longer to break in, especially if they are carved on the thicker side. But once they are broken in they can really shake the walls. At least that is my experience.
Larry
BTW: I have a F5C, so I'm not looking to buy this PML. I get a lot of inquiries looking for F5Cs and PMLs. This one looks like a good match for someone that wants Hans' take on a Loar-spec'd mandolin instead of his signature M23Vs and other interesting personal designs.
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