Looks like my long journey is coming to a pleasing end. Those who remember my first posts, I was looking for advice on purchase. As many before have praised, I found this place searching for info on buying decisions and choosing a good mandolin. Everyone here was super-helpful and helped me get my priorities sorted out. After six months of hand-wringing and shopping and reading this board, I decided an American-made two-point was what I was after and that if possible I would like a small shop to be the source. I contacted a couple of builders and eventually hit it off with Skip Kelley, after contacting him through this board. He's honestly the best. Just a joy to work with and talk to. Skip provided many updates along the way with pics to document the build process. This is my first "real" mandolin and likely "the one" for the rest of my playing time.
Before I get into what's sitting in my accent chair right now, a quick question about acclimation. Is that necessary, this time of year? It was about 68 outside and 72 inside, when I brought her in.
So, what's in the case?
2021 Skip Kelley Two-Point
100 year old red spruce top w/ slim tone bars.
One piece hard eastern maple back, sides.
Neck three piece, maple, walnut, maple.twin
Top and back tuned.
Dovetail neck joint.
Ebony fretboard, peg head veneer, and ebony bridge.
Ivoroid/ black/ white binding.
Gotoh tuners.
James tailpiece.
Sunburst and hand brushes oil varnish.
K&K Pickup.
I'll post more, after I get her out and take more pics but here's what I was sent:
Here's a video of the man himself showing off some really nice playing on my new baby.
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