Hester tribute loar a5 pair

[Gail Hester]

Nearly a year ago I was asked to build a mandolin similar to the one and only original Loar A5. I thought that would be a fun project and decided to build a pair of A5s. I wanted to try some Carpathian Spruce so I built one with a traditional Red Spruce top and one with a Carpathian Spruce top so that I could compare them. There was a dramatic difference in tap tone while they were free plates but now that they are all together in the white (not strung up yet) their tap tones are identical to my ear.

I should have these finished for Wintergrass next weekend and hope to see some Mandolin Café members there that will give them a go.

Here are some pictures.

[Gail Hester]

Teh Carpathian top finished.

[Gail Hester]

The rim and top of the Red Spruce.

[Gail Hester]

Jumping forward in the building process.

[Gail Hester]

A close up of the neck area.

[Gail Hester]

Headstock.

[Gail Hester]

I'm currently staining, varnishing the pair.

[Gail Hester]

Staining.

[mandoforme]

Great job Gail! Those are looking very nice!

[Gail Hester]

Somebody get that camera away from my husband...

[cooper4205]

those are some tough looking A-5s, Gail. I especially like the finish and inlays. great job!

[chip]

Figures...I was going to Wintergrass but something came up and now I'm not...darn...

[Carleton Page]

awesome!

[woodwizard]

Beautiful mandolins!

[craigw]

Great work Gail. I can hardly wait to see them next week at Winter Grass. I'll be bringing my H-5 so we'll have to do that Dola Fest West bit you suggested. I am biting my fngernails a little close since my dola case has yet to arrive. Ameritage is supposed to overnight it to me after building it this past week so here's hoping it at least arrives early in the week. I'll be getting in to the fest on Thursday mid afternoon and staying for the duration.

[Gail Hester]

Thank you everyone.

Craig, That's great. I sent you an email with my cell number.

[Hans]

Nice Gail, looks like you've got a lot of work before Thursday. Will be interesting to compare the spruces. Backs are red or sugar?
Hoping I can make it...have had the flu on top of bronchitis for a couple of weeks. #

[Carleton Page]

At some point could you please give us a report on how they compare? For one thing I have never heard of carpathian spruce(which doesn't mean much), and it is also one of those rare all other things being equal situations. I wish I could go to Wintergrass! Are these sold?

[SternART]

My Dudenbostel A5 has a Carpathian spruce top......supposed to be between red & englemann in tone.
Hang in there Hans.....if you're 2 weeks into it, bound to break it's grip on you soon!
I'm a bit under the weather as well but plan on toughing it out. Darn if I don't get sick
about every year just in time for Wgrass! I got a flu shot too......

[craigw]

Come on Hans. You gotta get well enough in the next four days. I'm looking forward to hanging out some with you and Maureen. I'm pulling for you.

[Gail Hester]

Hans, sorry to hear you’re not feeling well. I’m looking forward to seeing you and hope you get well and can make it.

Both mandolins are made with Red Maple. Art’s description of Carpathian is exactly what I’ve been told as well. I’ll definitely offer up an opinion when they’re finished along with the opinions of others if I can get them to Wintergrass.

[JEStanek]

Great looking instruments, Gail. That's a very good picture of you working so intently as well.

Jamie

[Bernie Daniel]

SternART: . #Darn if I don't get sick
about every year just in time for Wgrass! #I got a flu shot too......

Sorry to hear that. #You should see an admission by CDC soon admitting that the strains included in the flu vaccine this year did not match up to observed pattern of virulence -- i.e., they missed this year #

[Skip Kelley]

Gail, Those are some fine looking A's! Awesome work! Looking forward to the finished pics!

[Links]

Gail - your work is just incedible! Those will make a beautiful pair. Can't wait to see the finished products!