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Thread: Bill Halsey's last F-5

  1. #1
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    Default Bill Halsey's last F-5

    Hey folks,

    I've added a sibling to my Halsey mandolin family. A book end set! This was the last F5 that Bill built in 2011 and my other is the prototype that he made when he decided to really dive deep into the Loar F5. I cant express enough the level of craftsmanship. These photos simply do not do either of these gems any justice. Couldn't capture the actual color...

    Anyhow, I thought I would share some casual pics with those who are in the know about Bills work. I also posted a photo of my Halsey violin and bow...

    As a side note, I want to mention that Bill is not only one of the most skilled craftsman but, also one of the nicest guys that I've ever met. I'm proud to call him a close friend...

    Best,
    Dem
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    Last edited by Demetrius; Dec-09-2021 at 6:04pm.

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  3. #2

    Default Re: Bill Halsey's last F-5

    Those are just beautiful! Congratulations on such special mandolins.

  4. #3
    Registered User Billy Packard's Avatar
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    Default Re: Bill Halsey's last F-5

    All well and good...

    But!

    How do they sound?
    How do they play ?
    How do they compare?

    What makes them special as far as mandolins go?
    Billy Packard
    Gilchrist A3, 1993
    Stiver Fern, 1990
    Weber Fern, 2007
    Gibson F4 Hybrid #1, D. Harvey 2009
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    Numerous wonderful guitars

  5. #4
    Registered User EvanElk's Avatar
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    Default Re: Bill Halsey's last F-5

    Nice slice of mando history...
    2003 John Sullivan F5 "Roy"
    2015 Heiden F Artist
    2019 Ruhland F5 #35

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  7. #5
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    Default Re: Bill Halsey's last F-5

    Quote Originally Posted by Billy Packard View Post
    All well and good...

    But!

    How do they sound?
    How do they play ?
    How do they compare?

    What makes them special as far as mandolins go?
    How do they sound? Amazing
    How do they play? Perfect for the way I play.
    How do they compare? They're both mandolins aiming at the same target by the same maker. One sounds old while the other sounds new. That being said, they both have the same core thing going on. That core thing in this case is mid range...

    Here's a sort of video review that I made when I got my first Halsey. I'll at some point do the same for my newest but, for now here's some Christmas noodling on the latest 2011 Halsey. It's already matured quite a bit since this video.

    Something screwy is going on with my iPhone camera's volume situation. Its almost as if there's a cancel white noise setting on it.


    Last edited by Demetrius; Dec-09-2021 at 11:59pm.

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  9. #6
    Registered User Billy Packard's Avatar
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    Default Re: Bill Halsey's last F-5

    It sounds really nice, Dem.
    I'm impressed with the balance as well as the brightness and full sound.
    Seems very sensitive too.
    Billy Packard
    Gilchrist A3, 1993
    Stiver Fern, 1990
    Weber Fern, 2007
    Gibson F4 Hybrid #1, D. Harvey 2009
    Gibson 1923 A2
    Numerous wonderful guitars

  10. #7
    Registered User EvanElk's Avatar
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    Default Re: Bill Halsey's last F-5

    sounds incredible
    2003 John Sullivan F5 "Roy"
    2015 Heiden F Artist
    2019 Ruhland F5 #35

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    Registered User William Smith's Avatar
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    Default Re: Bill Halsey's last F-5

    That's a keeper Dem!

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  13. #9
    Gummy Bears and Scotch BrianWilliam's Avatar
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    Default Re: Bill Halsey's last F-5

    Wonderful!

    How much do you want for that bow

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    Registered User jim simpson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Bill Halsey's last F-5

    Love it! It that a Rob Anderson double mandolin case? I had him make me one that I used for quite a while.
    Old Hometown, Cabin Fever String Band

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    Registered User Glassweb's Avatar
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    Default Re: Bill Halsey's last F-5

    Congrats Demetrius... I had a chance to play that one and I thought it was an exceptional instrument/work of art. Amazing to think of how few instruments Bill actually produced. No doubt he is one of the greatest mandolin builders of all time... play on brother, play on!

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  19. #12
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    Default Re: Bill Halsey's last F-5

    Very nice, Dem! Can’t wait to hear more from the newer one…

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  21. #13

    Default Re: Bill Halsey's last F-5

    Definitely special Dem...thx

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    Default Re: Bill Halsey's last F-5

    Demetrius, that’s great! Glad that you have another piece of Bill’s craftsmanship! A better home it would only have if it was with ME!
    Congratulations on the mandolin.
    Timothy F. Lewis
    "If brains was lard, that boy couldn't grease a very big skillet" J.D. Clampett

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  25. #15
    Registered User grassrootphilosopher's Avatar
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    Default Re: Bill Halsey's last F-5

    No envy at all. Just the wish that youŽll enjoy the instrument in good health in a good way. Whenever I pick up my instruments my heart is with it. The tones I produce bring me joy. May it be the same for you.

    If ever the possibility arises, may I call on you and intrude to ask to play it? As a reference, I know that you "know" "Henry Eagle" and I know him. So if youŽre ever over here, bring your instruments and weŽll play.

    Also I know itŽs kind of difficult. But I would very (!) much like to hear the instruments in an ensemble setting. Please provide. (I also really liked the mando tasting video from some years back).
    Olaf

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  27. #16

    Default Re: Bill Halsey's last F-5

    Wow. Definitely has the tone and power.
    '02 Gibson master model #70327 02-01-02
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    '06 Hicks #1 and #2 F-5 still not done

    Gibson F-5 Master Model Registry

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  29. #17

    Default Re: Bill Halsey's last F-5

    Fantastic Mando you have there. Heirloom material for sure.

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  31. #18

    Default Re: Bill Halsey's last F-5

    Those seem quite special indeed. I've been meaning to try Old Growth's. One of these days. Seem to have all the ingredients of a killer Loar clone.

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  33. #19
    Registered User Timbofood's Avatar
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    Default Re: Bill Halsey's last F-5

    Having had the luck to have been around Bill for a long time and even more lucky to have been an early “Taster” of several of his builds, the balance and power all the way across and up the neck is just what I think anyone would ask for. Demetrius, you take good care of that and play it with great affection! I know I would!
    Timothy F. Lewis
    "If brains was lard, that boy couldn't grease a very big skillet" J.D. Clampett

  34. #20
    Registered User Mark Seale's Avatar
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    Default Re: Bill Halsey's last F-5

    Wonderful instruments. I was able to get one of his bows and haven't picked up another bow since. I've played the fiddle for 40+ years and while I have the fiddle I'll likely always play, I never could settle on a bow. I had been using a French bow from the early 1910's, but once I got the Halsey, it hasn't been out of the case.

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  36. #21

    Default Re: Bill Halsey's last F-5

    Dem..both of those F5's just sound like perfectly functioning sound chambers. You can hear the precision...to think Bill created 12 mandolins in total. A master of his craft. I would love to see Bill get invited to speak on someone's podcast, just "so much" knowledge to share. Thank you for posting your two beauties.

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  38. #22
    Registered User Nick Gellie's Avatar
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    Default Re: Bill Halsey's last F-5

    Where's a picture of his violin you have?
    Nic Gellie

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  40. #23
    Registered User Timbofood's Avatar
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    Default Re: Bill Halsey's last F-5

    Quote Originally Posted by Old Growth View Post
    Dem..both of those F5's just sound like perfectly functioning sound chambers. You can hear the precision...to think Bill created 12 mandolins in total. A master of his craft. I would love to see Bill get invited to speak on someone's podcast, just "so much" knowledge to share. Thank you for posting your two beauties.
    Bill is a real joy to talk with regardless of subject matter, I have spent hour upon hour enjoying a glass and talking until the wee small hours of the morning. His ability to explain how and why things were done the way they were is an extreme,y entertaining way to spend a day or longer. He is a massive fount of well constructed information on many fronts!
    Truly proud to know the man.
    Timothy F. Lewis
    "If brains was lard, that boy couldn't grease a very big skillet" J.D. Clampett

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  42. #24

    Default Re: Bill Halsey's last F-5

    When I first glanced at the title, I read "Bill Haley's last L-5" -- and I thought he played a Super 400! lol

    Sorry, guitar nerd, no mandolin content.

    Rock Around The Clock!

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  44. #25
    Registered User J Mangio's Avatar
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    Default Re: Bill Halsey's last F-5

    Beautiful, the one piece back is stunning, thanks for sharing.
    2021 The Loar LM700 VS

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