Heiden Artist Plus A model mandolin

**Darwin Gaston** · Nov-23-2020, 10:36pm

The Brown truck finally showed up today.

I took delivery of a new 2020 Heiden Artist plus A model mandolin. It has an Old Red Spruce top with Sugar Maple back and sides with Wheat sheave inlay on the headstock, Black/White bindings on headstock, fretboard, top and back.

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**Russ Jordan** · Nov-23-2020, 10:39pm

Congratulations!

**Darwin Gaston** · Nov-23-2020, 10:41pm

Here are a couple more pictures of my Heiden Artist plus A model. It's just off the bench, but it already has incredible power and volume and that Heiden tone. It's an incredibly well-made instrument. Believe me it sounds as good as it looks.

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**Louise NM** · Nov-23-2020, 11:12pm

Beautiful wood on the back.

**Pittsburgh Bill** · Nov-23-2020, 11:18pm

Congratulations and Happy Pick'n !
Looks like you have the toys to end MAS.

**Don Grieser** · Nov-23-2020, 11:33pm

Congratulations, Darwin! That's a spectacular mandolin. Nothing like a Heiden. Could be a twin to my A-54 except mine has different binding and the older headstock shape--same coloring and same inlay, though. Beautiful! Enjoy!

**Darwin Gaston** · Nov-23-2020, 11:44pm

Thanks Don!!
I just can’t believe how great the Heiden mandolin sounds like you said they are spectacular. The number on my is #99...

**Darwin Gaston** · Nov-23-2020, 11:47pm

Originally Posted by Pittsburgh Bill

Congratulations and Happy Pick'n !
Looks like you have the toys to end MAS.

Thanks Bill,
My wife asked me how many mandolins do I need and I said just one more!! 😂

**Glassweb** · Nov-24-2020, 12:56am

Nice looking instrument. I prefer this "traditional" headstock shape to the simplified version he usually goes with on his A-style mandolins.

**sgarrity** · Nov-24-2020, 1:15am

No secret that I'm a Heiden fanboy but damn, that's beautiful!

**Bill Bradshaw** · Nov-24-2020, 1:27am

I like em too! F5 #45 for me keeps me happy. Your new A5 will do the same for you I bet. Cheers.

**Darwin Gaston** · Nov-24-2020, 7:50am

Originally Posted by sgarrity

No secret that I'm a Heiden fanboy but damn, that's beautiful!

Shaun,

After getting this Heiden Artist plus A model mandolin I can see why your a Heiden fanboy!

Like all Mandolin Cafe member we all have had a number of mandolins pass through our hands over the years. Well this one is a keeper from day one!!

**Michael Romkey** · Nov-24-2020, 8:21am

Nice. Congrats.

**FLATROCK HILL** · Nov-24-2020, 8:47am

Originally Posted by Darwin Gaston

Beautiful instrument!

Looks like a truss-rod cover.?. Don't see any screws. Just wondering if the new Heidens are adjustable?

**Don Grieser** · Nov-24-2020, 9:40am

The truss rod covers are friction fit. I've never had mine off because I've never needed to adjust the truss rod. One thing that doesn't get mentioned is Heiden's setups. They play like a dream. His setups are the best I've ever played or owned and I'ved owned almost as many as Shaun.

**Randi Gormley** · Nov-24-2020, 11:26am

what a lovely thing! congrats!

**KrittMoore** · Nov-24-2020, 11:32am

Michael has done it again! He surely knows the recipe for an amazing mandolin.

**Mark Seale** · Nov-24-2020, 1:00pm

That's a beautiful instrument! I do like the more traditional A style headstock as well, that's what's on mine #92. I'm not super familiar with the model distinctions for Heiden. What is an Artist Plus?

**Gary Alter** · Nov-24-2020, 1:10pm

Here's my 2011 Heiden Artist Plus, Michael is truly a master luthier. One serial number away from Don's.

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**EvanElk** · Nov-24-2020, 1:52pm

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Welcome to the club Darwin. A Heiden mandolin is a special thing

**KrittMoore** · Nov-24-2020, 1:57pm

Originally Posted by Gary Alter

Here's my 2011 Heiden Artist Plus, Michael is truly a master luthier. One serial number away from Don's.

Gary, that top has got to be one of the finest looking I’ve ever seen.

**EvanElk** · Nov-24-2020, 2:04pm

...and you guys have probably already seen it, but there's a really nicely written article about Michael Heiden's career as a builder in the latest Fretboard Journal...some nice photography too

**Darwin Gaston** · Nov-24-2020, 2:40pm

Originally Posted by EvanElk

Welcome to the club Darwin. A Heiden mandolin is a special thing

Evan, I want to thank you and Don both for talking me into getting a Heiden mandolin! After getting one I must say they are worth the money the sound and craftsmanship is unbelievable!! If someone is thinking about getting one just do it you will be glad you did......