Black Friday

**pheffernan** · Nov-30-2015, 6:55pm

I am aware that there is some debate over the existence of a true blacktop A2-z complete with the model designation on the label. Consider the debate resolved!

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**pheffernan** · Nov-30-2015, 7:03pm

Here are some additional shots complete with vintage appropriate pickguard:

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And Mike posted a YouTube video as well:

**Bill Clements** · Nov-30-2015, 8:28pm

Beautiful work.
Thanks for posting.

**Mark Wilson** · Nov-30-2015, 9:27pm

wow that's nice

Do you have it yet? Gonna be an all nighter...

**fatt-dad** · Nov-30-2015, 9:47pm

very cool!

f-d

**Clement Barrera-Ng** · Nov-30-2015, 10:31pm

Wow Congrats Patrick. When you told me you were working with Mike on a new build I was anxious to see what would come of it. Simply marvelous! If I recall, this one has a Virzi in it?

**Mike Black** · Dec-01-2015, 12:55pm

Originally Posted by Clement Barrera-Ng

If I recall, this one has a Virzi in it?

Yes, it does have a Virzi.

**Russ Donahue** · Dec-01-2015, 9:44pm

Lovely....just lovely.

**pheffernan** · Dec-03-2015, 8:34pm

Originally Posted by Mark Wilson

wow that's nice

Do you have it yet? Gonna be an all nighter...

I got it last Tuesday, just in time to go out of town for the holiday weekend. But I've been playing it a bunch since, and Mike has delivered on my request for a mandolin that looks like one when it came off of the assembly line in Kalamazoo, sounds like one that has been played for ninety years, and plays like one that was built today!

**pheffernan** · Dec-03-2015, 8:44pm

Originally Posted by fatt-dad

very cool!

It makes you wonder what's possible in a snakehead A3!

**Tim Griffin** · Dec-03-2015, 9:40pm

How does it compare to your snakehead?

**pheffernan** · Dec-09-2015, 8:35pm

Originally Posted by Tim Griffin

How does it compare to your snakehead?

Therein lies the rub. Unmistakably, the Black A2-z looks better, as I've yet to put a serious mark on it (fingers crossed). And for me, it plays better, with a more pronounced V-profile to the neck that I requested which, along with the radiused board and perfect EVO frets, makes for more comfortable fretting. In terms of tone, taking into account that the Black is wearing newer D'Addario EJ74's while the Gibson has GHS PF270's with some wear, I'd say that they both are characteristically carved ovals with transverse bracing. The Gibson sounds a bit more open and dry, perhaps due to the age, while the Black strikes me as a bit wet with a bit more reverb and sustain, ostensibly because of the Virzi tone producer. I wonder what an X-braced Old Wave oval would sound like by way of comparison . . .

**lflngpicker** · Dec-09-2015, 10:35pm

I really like the look and the sound, Patrick. Congratulations on your customized Mike Black mandolin! Worth the wait. I was wondering what the appropriate strings are for your new mandolin? My Morris A Oval is very similar in design and I have been using a Martin light gauge (10-34). I have tried J74's, but found the lighter gauge to provide a sweeter and mellower sound. I am curious what came stock on your Black A2-z. I am happy for you, Pat!

**pheffernan** · Dec-10-2015, 5:49am

Originally Posted by lflngpicker

I was wondering what the appropriate strings are for your new mandolin? My Morris A Oval is very similar in design and I have been using a Martin light gauge (10-34). I have tried J74's, but found the lighter gauge to provide a sweeter and mellower sound. I am curious what came stock on your Black A2-z.

They're a medium string, I'm assuming EJ74's although Mike also revealed that he liked the cryogenic GHS A275's. I intend to try out a few different sets to see how it responds to different materials and gauges, especially on the A course. I'll most likely experiment with a GHS set, as Marla Fibish likes the .016 A's on her Gibson oval, and the Gibson monels, which Pete Martin prefers on his snakehead.

**lflngpicker** · Dec-10-2015, 4:12pm

Originally Posted by pheffernan

They're a medium string, I'm assuming EJ74's although Mike also revealed that he liked the cryogenic GHS A275's. I intend to try out a few different sets to see how it responds to different materials and gauges, especially on the A course. I'll most likely experiment with a GHS set, as Marla Fibish likes the .016 A's on her Gibson oval, and the Gibson monels, which Pete Martin prefers on his snakehead.

I love the monels, though I settled on the Bill Monroe set on my F-9. As you suggested, the monels would be perfect on our old Gibson A (teens). The original strings were on it when the family passed it down. I would say they were steel wounds and talk about durable! There is a certain warmth and resonance to the tone. The Bronze Monroe's have a special ring and a sweetness in tone. The J74's are hard to beat for diameter, and comfortable play for a great price. I will possibly give them a try on my Morris Oval.