Hello Friends,
I’ve been an active reader on the Cafe but have never posted, so apologies if I make any faux pas...
I am an F4 player, a 1920 Gibson F4 named Lulu to be exact (after a close family friend born in the same year) and am looking to add a 2nd performance worthy instrument, and would like it to be an F5 style. I haven’t bonded with too many F5’s, as I’ve been wanting more overtones and sparkle from them and, most noticeably, found them to have a harsh and shrill quality to them.
I finally found my ideal mandolin, which was one of Jonathan McClanahan’s Trinity models. I played one and was in love. The notes just came so effortlessly and beautifully it was like nothing I’ve ever played before. It almost felt like playing an electric guitar, there was so much dynamic range available. After research into Jonathan’s story, and listening to clips of basically everything he’s ever built, I was hooked on the sound he was getting. I’m bad at tone adjectives, but it sounds to me like there is something special going on with the mids, and I would describe the ultimate tone for me as as woody as possible. My favorite of his instruments is this one, #746, which is Birdseye maple.
https://youtu.be/z56pkTt8m4E (He starts playing 4 mins in)
The issue is, his work costs basically twice as much as what my current budget is. His Trinity costs 15k for a build and I’m looking more in the range of 7.5k. (And that’s the top of my budget for something really special)
I’ve been tempted by a Northfield Big Mon, which consistently get my 75-80% of what I’m looking for. I have also explored the used Gibson Fern route, but I think I’d really like a varnish finish. (I consider that an essential part of the tone I’m after. I know Gibson turned out a couple of varnish Ferns, but they usually go for 9-12k)
I’m wondering if the cafe has any builder recommendations, preferable closer to me in the southeast (I’m in middle TN) who might be able to get me to the tone I’m chasing. Famous names and reputation aren’t important, but fit and finish and attention to detail are very important.
Sorry for the long post, but you all are passionate pickers and can show some sympathy
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