Last night, after about a year of research, then half a year of making more than 25 iterations, I was finally able to kick back and do some picking on the first new ...
Sorensen Carbon/Kevlar Sprite Two-Point mandolin.
I had yet to test the fit for a Hoffee case. So that's what came next on the evening.
Here's what I saw --
I've talked with Jeff Hoffee about making cases with the Carbon/Kevlar fabric to match the instruments, so it was a delight to see that the fit was perfect.
A little back story -- This project started when I became obsessed with the idea of "Cold Forged Carbon" as discussed in this cool video from a company called Easy Composites --
Of course, what I gradually learned is that NOTHING is "easy" about composites ... particularly when trying to create musical instruments.
I started out by making a set of molds which mirrored the dimensions of a typical Sprite. And quickly found that, when compared to spruce and maple, cold-forged carbon fiber creates hard, heavy objects which sound a lot like ceramic bowls.
So I tried going much much thinner and lighter.
I tried incorporating spruce into the mold.
And then, after months of variations, I tried creating a new blend of components which were forged with a Carbon Fiber/Kevlar fabric to create a new mix which also included a complex blend of regular epoxy resin, infusion resin, chopped carbon fiber, hollow glass microspheres, and unidirectional carbon fiber sheets. Luckily all those years of science classes finally paid off!
After about 10 variations, I finally got a version which, although much stiffer than spruce, created an exciting tap tone. While not "woody", there was a responsiveness, balance of tone across the top, and complexity which was quite remarkable!
So, this is the first version of the Carbon/Kevlar Sprite Two-Point as it sits on my couch today --
I've been picking it for hours and really like what I am hearing. Last night, as my wife wandered out from grading student papers, she said, "Yep, sounds like one of your mandolins. Sounds like a Sorensen!"
Music to my ears, for sure!
I'm getting prepped to make a blue Kevlar version starting next week.
And of course some sound and video will be coming soon.
Steve
Bookmarks