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Thread: Girouard Griffith Tribute A5

  1. #1
    Registered User Darwin Gaston's Avatar
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    Default Girouard Griffith Tribute A5

    Max and Lauri Girouard, did a lot of research on the original Gibson Griffith A5 model and its history has led to the creation of this Girouard "Griffith Tribute" A5 model. What a remarkable A5 mandolin, it is perhaps the closest any luthier has come to capturing the features, contours, and sonic characteristics of this teardrop mandolins. Basically it’s an F-5 model without the scroll and points, take note to the high F holes and bridge location. The sound is throaty and full, with a great midrange. As with all of Max and Lauri Girouard's builds, the fit and finish is top shelf!! If you are looking for that old Gibson sound in a mandolin this is the real deal. Also, I want to add that it was truly a pleasure working with Ian at The Music Emporium in purchasing this beautiful Girouard mandolin.

    After purchasing the Girouard Griffith Tribute A5, Serial #256 GT04, from The Music Emporium. I decided to called Max and talk with him on the phone about the mandolin. Max told me he is only going to make about two of these mandolins a year. The one I purchase was the 4th one he has made. He told me it take a lot of his time and labor to make one of these Griffith Tribute A5 mandolins.
    2023 A. Lawrence Smart A5
    2022 Girouard Griffith Tribute A5
    2021 Ellis F5 Special
    2021 Girouard Concert Master F Oval-hole
    2020 Heiden Artist Plus A5
    1992 Givens A6
    1919 Martin Style C

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  3. #2
    Registered User Darwin Gaston's Avatar
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    Default Re: Girouard Griffith Tribute A5

    Here is a picture of the Girouard Griffith Tribute A5.

    Click image for larger version. 

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    2023 A. Lawrence Smart A5
    2022 Girouard Griffith Tribute A5
    2021 Ellis F5 Special
    2021 Girouard Concert Master F Oval-hole
    2020 Heiden Artist Plus A5
    1992 Givens A6
    1919 Martin Style C

  4. #3
    Registered User Darwin Gaston's Avatar
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    Default Re: Girouard Griffith Tribute A5

    Here are a few close up pictures of the Girouard Griffith Tribute A5.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

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    2023 A. Lawrence Smart A5
    2022 Girouard Griffith Tribute A5
    2021 Ellis F5 Special
    2021 Girouard Concert Master F Oval-hole
    2020 Heiden Artist Plus A5
    1992 Givens A6
    1919 Martin Style C

  5. #4
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Girouard Griffith Tribute A5

    Beautiful! Looks like it is in good company with your other mandolins.
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

  6. #5
    Registered User Darwin Gaston's Avatar
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    Default Re: Girouard Griffith Tribute A5

    Quote Originally Posted by Charles E. View Post
    Beautiful! Looks like it is in good company with your other mandolins.
    Thanks Charley,

    Believe me it sounds as good as it look!! It’s on top of my mandolin list because Max has this Girouard Griffith Tribute A5 dialed in. It doesn’t get any better, she is a sweetheart!!
    Last edited by Darwin Gaston; Jul-15-2022 at 4:20pm.
    2023 A. Lawrence Smart A5
    2022 Girouard Griffith Tribute A5
    2021 Ellis F5 Special
    2021 Girouard Concert Master F Oval-hole
    2020 Heiden Artist Plus A5
    1992 Givens A6
    1919 Martin Style C

  7. #6
    Registered User Jill McAuley's Avatar
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    Default Re: Girouard Griffith Tribute A5

    Congratulations - what an absolute beauty!
    2018 Girouard Concert oval A
    2015 JP "Whitechapel" tenor banjo
    2018 Frank Tate tenor guitar
    1969 Martin 00-18




    my Youtube channel

  8. #7
    Registered User Glassweb's Avatar
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    Default Re: Girouard Griffith Tribute A5

    Looks nice... however I would just go with Girouard spaced "properly" on the headstock rather than bothering to put a "The" on there. It looks cramped and kinda silly. Same with the tailpiece. I mean I can see the desire for authenticity but hey, what's the point? There's the original, one-and-only Loar Gibson A5 and then there are only interpretations.

    This looks like a real nice one...

  9. #8
    Registered User Darwin Gaston's Avatar
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    Default Re: Girouard Griffith Tribute A5

    Quote Originally Posted by Jill McAuley View Post
    Congratulations - what an absolute beauty!
    Thanks Jill,

    You need to get in touch with Max because this Girouard Griffith Tribute A5 mandolin would really go nice with you Girouard Concert oval A and give you a total different sound!
    2023 A. Lawrence Smart A5
    2022 Girouard Griffith Tribute A5
    2021 Ellis F5 Special
    2021 Girouard Concert Master F Oval-hole
    2020 Heiden Artist Plus A5
    1992 Givens A6
    1919 Martin Style C

  10. #9
    Registered User Bob Buckingham's Avatar
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    Default Re: Girouard Griffith Tribute A5

    Quote Originally Posted by Glassweb View Post
    Looks nice... however I would just go with Girouard spaced "properly" on the headstock rather than bothering to put a "The" on there. It looks cramped and kinda silly. Same with the tailpiece. I mean I can see the desire for authenticity but hey, what's the point? There's the original, one-and-only Loar Gibson A5 and then there are only interpretations.

    This looks like a real nice one...
    Heck why not? It is a mandolin builder thing. If that is the only thing wrong with it, whew what a beauty!

  11. #10
    Purveyor of Sunshine sgarrity's Avatar
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    Default Re: Girouard Griffith Tribute A5

    Nice score! He’s really nailing the look.

  12. #11
    Registered User Darwin Gaston's Avatar
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    Default Re: Girouard Griffith Tribute A5

    Quote Originally Posted by sgarrity View Post
    Nice score! He’s really nailing the look.
    Thanks Shaun, here is the actual mandolin being played by Ian at The Music Emporium.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qT4hpliUAE4&t=5s
    2023 A. Lawrence Smart A5
    2022 Girouard Griffith Tribute A5
    2021 Ellis F5 Special
    2021 Girouard Concert Master F Oval-hole
    2020 Heiden Artist Plus A5
    1992 Givens A6
    1919 Martin Style C

  13. #12
    Purveyor of Sunshine sgarrity's Avatar
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    Default Re: Girouard Griffith Tribute A5

    Quote Originally Posted by Darwin Gaston View Post
    Thanks Shaun, here is the actual mandolin being played by Ian at The Music Emporium.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qT4hpliUAE4&t=5s
    How clever of them! Same tune that Grisman played on the original A5 on Tone Poems. There’s your moment of mandolin geekdom for the day!

    Nice sounding mandolin. Love to get to play one some day. That A5 style just speaks to me!

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    Default Re: Girouard Griffith Tribute A5

    Shaun, you'd love that mandolin. Compton would go crazy for it.
    "your posts ... very VERY opinionated ...basing your opinion/recommendations ... pot calling ...kettle... black...sarcasm...comment ...unwarranted...unnecessary...."

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  17. #14

    Default Re: Girouard Griffith Tribute A5

    Beautiful!
    Girouard Concert A5
    Girouard Custom A4
    Nordwall Cittern
    Barbi Mandola
    Crump OM-1s Octave
    www.singletonstreet.com

  18. #15
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    Default Re: Girouard Griffith Tribute A5

    A very sweet sounding mandolin. i really hope to hear more sound clips as it ages. 10 years ago Chris Stanley made a custom A5 with Griffith spec's, but with ebony fretboard and top binding, and the tone/volume have really matured beautifully. A few mandolins later, he made another that Don Grieser has now. Back in 2011 i couldn't find anybody who was doing this so i'm really glad this style is catching on. Max later built a mandola twin to it and the fit, finish and tone were wonderful. i know you'll really enjoy yours - please keep it and play it a lot, as it's an investment in tone that will grow and pay big dividends in the decades to come.

    Details that i especially like are the f holes, extended fret board shape, and straight tail piece. He also does wonderful things like super clean work underneath the Florida and riser block. i believe Max and Lauri are on the Gilchrist train.

    Thanks for posting. Periodic updates will be greatly appreciated.

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  20. #16
    Registered User Darwin Gaston's Avatar
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    Default Re: Girouard Griffith Tribute A5

    Here is another picture of my recent Girouard Griffith Tribute A5 mandolin along with my custom made Girouard Concert Master F5 oval hole. Max made the Concert Master F5 oval hole to replace my 1924 Gibson F2 which I sold.

    Click image for larger version. 

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ID:	202071
    2023 A. Lawrence Smart A5
    2022 Girouard Griffith Tribute A5
    2021 Ellis F5 Special
    2021 Girouard Concert Master F Oval-hole
    2020 Heiden Artist Plus A5
    1992 Givens A6
    1919 Martin Style C

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  22. #17
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Girouard Griffith Tribute A5

    Sweet!
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

  23. #18

    Default Re: Girouard Griffith Tribute A5

    Gorgeous!!!
    2010 Heiden A5, 2020 Pomeroy oval A, 2013 Kentucky KM1000 F5, 2012 Girouard A Mandola w ff holes, 2001 Old Wave A oval octave
    http://HillbillyChamberMusic.bandcamp.com
    Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@hillbillychambermusic

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    Registered User tjmangum's Avatar
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    Default Re: Girouard Griffith Tribute A5

    Quote Originally Posted by Darwin Gaston View Post
    After purchasing the Girouard Griffith Tribute A5, Serial #256 GT04, from The Music Emporium. I decided to called Max and talk with him on the phone about the mandolin. Max told me he is only going to make about two of these mandolins a year. The one I purchase was the 4th one he has made. He told me it take a lot of his time and labor to make one of these Griffith Tribute A5 mandolins.
    A little late on commenting, but have to say this is such an amazing instrument. When it popped up at TME, I found the blog that Max did on making the first series. Just amazing the amount of work and detail he and Lauri put into researching and recreating the Griffith.
    Congratulations!
    " Give me some words I can dance to and a melody that rhymes" - Steve Goodman

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  26. #20
    Registered User Darwin Gaston's Avatar
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    Default Re: Girouard Griffith Tribute A5

    I see where The Music Emporium received another Girouard Griffith Tribute A5 from Max and Lauri Girouard. TME posted it on the Mandolin Classified section today and it SOLD immediately! Speaking from experience they truly are a joy to played and they sound amazing. I hope who ever was lucky enough to get that Girouard Griffith Tribute A5 post some pictures on the Mandolin Cafe along with telling us what they think after getting to play the mandolin.
    2023 A. Lawrence Smart A5
    2022 Girouard Griffith Tribute A5
    2021 Ellis F5 Special
    2021 Girouard Concert Master F Oval-hole
    2020 Heiden Artist Plus A5
    1992 Givens A6
    1919 Martin Style C

  27. #21

    Default Re: Girouard Griffith Tribute A5

    It was pre sold. Months back.

  28. #22
    Registered User jd.panko's Avatar
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    Default Re: Girouard Griffith Tribute A5

    I missed this thread when it was posted, but happily stumbled upon it recently. I bought the most recent Griffith Tribute, and couldn't be more delighted! It is really something, powerful yet sweet, gorgeous but understated. It has more overtones than I am used to, but I am learning how to handle it...I'll describe it as even, full-bodied tone, with plenty of headroom.

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  30. #23
    Registered User jd.panko's Avatar
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    Default Re: Girouard Griffith Tribute A5

    https://www.facebook.com/groups/monr...ibextid=NSMWBT

    Here is a video I submitted to the Monroe Mandolin Appreciation Society.
    '23 Girouard Griffith Tribute
    '85 Stan Miller A
    '16 Stan Miller F

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  32. #24
    Registered User jd.panko's Avatar
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    Default Re: Girouard Griffith Tribute A5

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Last edited by jd.panko; Nov-02-2023 at 3:33pm. Reason: Failed attachment
    '23 Girouard Griffith Tribute
    '85 Stan Miller A
    '16 Stan Miller F

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  34. #25
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Girouard Griffith Tribute A5

    Your attachment is showing up as "invalid" and not viewable.
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

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