This was a completely unplanned NMD. Had Friday off work and decided to stop by the Homestead Pickin' Parlor in Richfield, MN. Was going to maybe get some strings and check out the picks. Wandered into the instrument room and Bruce says - "you here to try the Brentrup?" Uh, what? Didn't expect to see a used one for sale locally. Ends up getting handed to me and it was love at first strum. Even with the extra narrow nut I could tell this was something special. After about a half hour of playing had to text my wife who thankfully gave the okay.
Details - 2000 Model 23. S/N 6006R, which from what I've read means June 2000 and the 6th mandolin built. Red spruce top. Nut width is 1 1/16" flat fingerboard. Single bound in tortoise on top only. Early headstock logo. Unplated James tailpiece. Lacquer finish. Color is a little more brown than red as shown in the photos.
Bridge on this one is very tall. Someone added 1/8" of ebony to the base and the saddle still cranked up. The builder also scratched out the warranty information on the label.
Also, the body is slightly more shallow than my Northfield. Approximately 1/8" all around.
As to sound. Still getting my hands around this. Drier and more articulate than the Northfield. And louder. Did I mention it's loud? To my ears it's something special. Haven't had a chance to try it in a jam or with either band yet. But looking forward to it.
Okay, enough rambling. Here are some pictures -
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