All Gilchrist Bluegrass Mandolin Extravaganza

[MojoMando]

I'm curious as to why only 2 F-5s were built in 2009.Was it because Steve was concentrating on only the A-1s?

Yes, that is it exactly. Steve will be delivering another load of mandos to Gruhn's in March. There will be 15 Model 1's and once again only 2 Model 5's, all of which are spoken for except for one Model 1 (as of last week).

MojoMando

[grassrootphilosopher]

As expected, they all sounded different, but it would be very difficult for me to try to put that into words. I can say that I absolutely loved the '87, what a monster!

MojoMando

You had the fun, now we´d like to see you sweat.

I am really interested in the description of sound, playability, differences, similarities.

I have provoked raised eyebrows with the owner of a mandolin when I commented on the different sound character of his mandolin as opposed to a mandolin 2 serial numbers off. Both were Gils both were 2000 models (if I am right), both were tone bar models ... yet they sounded different. This was very interesting. Both were very good mandolins...

[KenR]

I believe a a year or two ago Steve mentioned that he was changing the voicing on his Model 5s. That and the fact that the 2009 was brand new and hadn't come close to opening up yet explains the obvious difference between that mandolin and the others. I leave comments on the qualities of the other Gils to the other owners who were present. - KenR

[MojoMando]

I believe a a year or two ago Steve mentioned that he was changing the voicing on his Model 5s.

I was told that also, but I am not aware of what Steve is shooting for. Considering that mine has a flowerpot and is side-bound, "maybe" (and I stress maybe because I don' know) Steve is going for a Loar sound.

I can say that even though each mandolin sounded different, they all sounded like a Gilchrist to me. That meaning they all had many unique similarities as well.

Patience is not one of my virtues, I sure hope I don't have to wait 23 years for mine to sound like Keith's. I should mention that I thought they all sounded great. It was a BLAST!

MojoMando

[mtucker]

Yes, that is it exactly. Steve will be delivering another load of mandos to Gruhn's in March. There will be 15 Model 1's and once again only 2 Model 5's, all of which are spoken for except for one Model 1 (as of last week).

MojoMando

Plus my 5jr. and a its little brother, 3jr. That's a load of work for 6-7 months. All 'stamp' dated, now.

[Mark Seale]

In reading the Compton interview and talking to Gilchrist at the past two Symposiums, I would offer that the sound he is still working on is his idea of what a Loar sounded like when new. The idea of bell like clarity and huge projection and tons of mid-range power. It speaks to his wood choices and fitting (tuner, nut, saddle, etc) choices.

[Big Joe]

I have a nice group of Gil photos from the mid 90's that I will try to scan and get on the cafe as soon as I get a bit of time. I have never played a Gil that I did not like. Great mandolins by a great builder.

[MojoMando]

Plus my 5jr. and a its little brother, 3jr.

Cool in progress photo! What exactly is a 5jr. anyway?

MojoMando

[mtucker]

Cool in progress photo! What exactly is a 5jr. anyway?

MojoMando

Thank you, MojoMando - like my model 1 - #659 is pretty straightforward with a few surprises but no frills except nickel plated waverly's (low-shine) with ebony buttons and abbreviated ebony guard. Photo courtesy of Don Grieser. Thanks, Don. BTW, love the new CD!

[Tripp Johnson]

Great picture!!!

I like the 3 and 5 Jrs...a lot!

[Don Grieser]

Glad you enjoyed the music, mtucker. Here's 4 Gilchrists from when Mike Compton and David Long visited New Mexico several years ago. Sorry I don't have dates and numbers for all. L to R: my 99452, David Long's 5 (Monroeized headstock), Mike Compton's 4 & 5. I think Mike was playing #500 then.

[turpintony]

My 99451 x braced, flowerpot and awesome sound.

[sgarrity]

This is starting Gil MAS all over again! Great photos!

[delsbrother]

All 'stamp' dated, now.

Well, that's disappointing, I thought they were 100% handmade.

Seriously, wonderful photos. These threads are always great for wallpapers!

[mandopete]

Sound, we need sound!

Totally droolworthy pics to be sure!

[Tripp Johnson]

Droolworthy is right! Thanks for the pics everyone...

Don - Mike C and David L played a house concert that we hosted several years ago and Mike was playing #500 then. Unbelievably great sounding mandolin. Of course the player may have had a little to do with that as well!!!

[mtucker]

Great picture!!!

I like the 3 and 5 Jrs...a lot!

Thanks, won't be long, now. Believe the 3 will domicile in Nashville.

[AlanN]

20-fretters, I love it!

[mtucker]

20-fretters, I love it!

yup, 20 .. and a teens bound F2 curl.

[AlanN]

#419, 20-fretter, just like I pictured (and asked for) it

[newbreedbrian]

#419, 20-fretter, just like I pictured (and asked for) it

I see a fret job in your not too distant future I bet all them miles have been a pleasure

[mtucker]

#419, 20-fretter, just like I pictured (and asked for) it

fancy fholes, you got there! Love it.

[Don Grieser]

Nice distressing job, too. Bet it sounds just right.

[AlanN]

419

[mtucker]

love the "thee", looks like a monsta!