I agree.. I had a mandolin repaired .. the luthier tightened the string spacing and got the action as low as possible without buzzing when picked and this mandolin almost played itself.. amazing... I remember picking up an original custom Gilchrist years ago that had a skinny neck and tight string spacing and have wanted one ever since. You are blessed with a fine instrument... this luthier is top notch...
Yes, David, I think the X bracing did the trick. The bass is perfectly boosted but smoothly integrated with the mid- and upper ranges. Speaking of the upper range, it has a fine, silvery tone, with no loss of roundness. The smooth integration of the three ranges is one of the standout features of this fine instrument. And, of course, it is a knockout looker. Hope you get to enjoy it for the next 30+ years!
The old Flatiron was killer but man, this new one is next level. Its in very good hands so congrats and well deserved. I was expecting to hear a choir of Angels when you opened the case😅
I can only imagine how it sounds in real life. What a tone just coming over a phone. Lol I made a rhyme I think. Enjoy is all I can say. Blessings from Lower Alabama.
I absolutely love a narrow nut/string spacing. my f-style is pretty narrow, especially compared to the Eastmans I've been trying. Makes it hard to play on the thicker ones. Beautiful workmanship! Congrats on it! Gotta love that Canadian craftsmanship!
What an awesome thing that you thought to share this with your students, supporters and fans. Though I am a Patron, we have never actually met (livestream questions aside) but you have another gift in making us (fans and Patrons) feel like true friends… like we were sitting beside you in the room as you excitedly revealed this story. Your down-to-earth, genuine personality (aside from your immense talent) fills me with great joy that YOU are happy with this honor. It is nice to share in some of the happiness and joy you have provided all us students and Mandolinists through your playing and teaching. May you enjoy your journey with this instrument for many years to come.
It’s gorgeous, David-Congrats! The F/F is mighty fine and it seems really well balanced up and down the fretboard. The bracing approach was an excellent suggestion, and albeit adding more bottom end, it doesn’t detract from the pristine highs. Although that whomp/bark/dry response is desirable to many, that (aforementioned) balance will serve you well both in performance and (as equally important) in the recording studio!
AWESOME!!! From the first strong hits on the strings I could hear the thunky tone. I love how one mandolin enthusiast termed it as “like hitting an old hollow log with a stick” kind of tone. It’s powerful to hear such an awesome tone from a mandolin so new. I can only imagine how it will “come into its own” even more with time.
Beautiful warm tone. Also I’m not hearing buzzing or sound bleed of strings. Crisp distinct notes are so fluid with your playing style. Fast tempo clarity to my ears! 🎉 congratulations!
Fantastic. I love the look and the tone. To me the ultimate test on an acoustic instrument is the sweetness of the high notes and this definitely has that. It sounds overall like… well… a dream. Congratulations to you and to Oliver. I am looking fwd to hearing some great playing from you and this new one.
I’m such a fanboy of Oliver’s work. The thing that stands out to me the most on this new one is the clarity and balance. There’s a thick percussive thud that follows each note like you said, and I can totally hear that delay you’re talking about. I think that’s because the actually note is so responsive and projects out so quickly. To have a mandolin that can be a total hoss but also records really well IS the dream.
Oh man!!! Amazing!! Congratulations!! Looking forward to hearing many tunes!!! My dream mando is the apitius a-style in blonde. Heck I’ll take almost any configuration from him! Such beautiful instruments
Superb sound and wonderful craftmanship . If anyone deserves such a stunning instrument its you David. Really enjoyed seeing the backstory and can't wait to hear it played on future videos .
That mandolin is a true work of art, both how it looks and especially how it sounds! And love the beautiful inlay work on the headstock for sure! A big congrats to you!!
That thing is so beautiful! That's one thing I love about my mandolin (Northfield Big Mon) is its barky low end. Your's seems to have all around great tone though. I'd love to hear it in person
Wow!! So cool David. The mandolin looks and sounds great man! Wow! What a mandolin. I’ve been in your shoes man… I received a new build myself back in September or so. The anticipation is crazy.
Such separation of notes, which is a really nice sound. I suspect that will change as it warms up, but at the same time it will find its own voice. I'm super excited to hear this over the coming years. I'll be curious to hear how how the X bracing works. It appears to give a more balanced sound from this quick listen. Congratulations!
Wow! Congratulations on your new Hoss of a mando, David. It looks and sounds great, and could be your lifetime signature axe that you will be known for. I am a little puzzled by the E course MOP nut veneer, though. It would only come into play when playing an open E note on them. I am of the belief that a zero fret makes the most sense for a number of reasons, not least an evenness of tone when playing open and fretted notes. An actual nut (as opposed to a string spacer that looks like a nut) really only makes sense on fretless instruments like the violin family, etc.
Found it interesting that when you received it you didn't have to wait 24 hrs before opening the box & at least another 48 to open the case. That's what I was told when the mandolin store shipped me my Eastman MD515 cc/n. Due to cold temps & acclimating gradually they said. Yours came from Ontario, Canada . So I would think same would apply. Thoughts? It took all the willpower I had not to rip right into it. I'm In Massachusetts
Hey David congrats on the new mandolin! Question do you have a warm up and cool down stretch routine for when you start and finish practicing? Video on it please?
Curious..."Loar specs" and x-bracing seem contradictory. Does "Loar spec voicing" refer only to the graduation, the variation in thickness throughout the top...the recurve minimal thickness area around the edge? Does anyone build mandolins with any other graduations in top thickness? I figured this basic formula (thickest in the center, gradually thininng to the recurve, then thicker again at the edge of the body) was generally adhered to by most/all archtop instrument carvers...?
I'd have to think real hard to find somebody who deserved their dream mandolin more than you David and doubt that I could!!🎵🎶🎵🎶✨👏👏✌️.... Be careful crossing the street for a while haha😂
I guess anything that is over $10000 should be awesome. I am talking with Paul Hathway about buying his A Mandolin who Mcartney and Bill Bailey use for £1000 so quite a difference probably in every way. Its a bit like guitars i have a good Gibson Les Paul studio modded sounds great for $1200 without the fanciness of the $4500 Les Paul, no binding ( I dont like) plain sparkle pearl silver color. Is it as good, to play it certainly is. My custom Waghorn $3500 and its custom spec’d so I get it. Just $10000 is not in my land of opportunity not could I see it ever being. 😊😊😊
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
My dad had a Montleone mandolin that he loved to play after dinner. Wasn't until I grew up that I truly appreciated the craftsmanship of it.
I agree.. I had a mandolin repaired .. the luthier tightened the string spacing and got the action as low as possible without buzzing when picked and this mandolin almost played itself.. amazing...
I remember picking up an original custom Gilchrist years ago that had a skinny neck and tight string spacing and have wanted one ever since.
You are blessed with a fine instrument... this luthier is top notch...
Yes, David, I think the X bracing did the trick. The bass is perfectly boosted but smoothly integrated with the mid- and upper ranges. Speaking of the upper range, it has a fine, silvery tone, with no loss of roundness. The smooth integration of the three ranges is one of the standout features of this fine instrument. And, of course, it is a knockout looker. Hope you get to enjoy it for the next 30+ years!
I love how your dog turned that door chime into a minor chord.
I’m having a mandolin built by Audey Ratliff of Church Hill TN and putting Rubner tuners on it! They’re amazing
I got my Apitius in 1995. Love it played none other !
The old Flatiron was killer but man, this new one is next level.
Its in very good hands so congrats and well deserved. I was expecting to hear a choir of Angels when you opened the case😅
I think this mandolin is a lucky one to have such a good driver !
I’d love to see a sound comparison video between this new mandolin and your old Apitius and your Flatiron! This sounds great!
I’ve got one of these with two tone-bars for sale at the mandolin Cafe classifieds, folks…
Congratulations David! It couldn't have happened to a nicer guy oozing with talent.
Lifted the top of the case ..
It IS a gorgeous finish - couldn't imagine better .
Oh, that's a looker, for sure. And it should open up gracefully.
I can only imagine how it sounds in real life. What a tone just coming over a phone. Lol I made a rhyme I think. Enjoy is all I can say. Blessings from Lower Alabama.
I absolutely love a narrow nut/string spacing. my f-style is pretty narrow, especially compared to the Eastmans I've been trying. Makes it hard to play on the thicker ones.
Beautiful workmanship! Congrats on it! Gotta love that Canadian craftsmanship!
Mandolin music at 6:18
Mandolin is freaking gorgeous in every way!!
Absolutely beautiful sounding mandolin and aesthetically beautiful to. I Look forward to hearing you play your tunes on this to.
What an awesome thing that you thought to share this with your students, supporters and fans. Though I am a Patron, we have never actually met (livestream questions aside) but you have another gift in making us (fans and Patrons) feel like true friends… like we were sitting beside you in the room as you excitedly revealed this story.
Your down-to-earth, genuine personality (aside from your immense talent) fills me with great joy that YOU are happy with this honor.
It is nice to share in some of the happiness and joy you have provided all us students and Mandolinists through your playing and teaching.
May you enjoy your journey with this instrument for many years to come.
THE sound, 'nuff said.😊❤
Glade I found your channel. I have an Apitius that I bought in 1994. Use it on stage and recordings. Fits all my needs.
Congratulations. It's a beautiful mandolin.
Big congrats! Oliver is a real artist.
Sounds great. Listening to you geek out about mandolins is great.
It’s gorgeous, David-Congrats! The F/F is mighty fine and it seems really well balanced up and down the fretboard. The bracing approach was an excellent suggestion, and albeit adding more bottom end, it doesn’t detract from the pristine highs. Although that whomp/bark/dry response is desirable to many, that (aforementioned) balance will serve you well both in performance and (as equally important) in the recording studio!
AWESOME!!! From the first strong hits on the strings I could hear the thunky tone. I love how one mandolin enthusiast termed it as “like hitting an old hollow log with a stick” kind of tone. It’s powerful to hear such an awesome tone from a mandolin so new. I can only imagine how it will “come into its own” even more with time.
Beautiful warm tone. Also I’m not hearing buzzing or sound bleed of strings. Crisp distinct notes are so fluid with your playing style. Fast tempo clarity to my ears! 🎉 congratulations!
Congrats, Dave -- thats a rare opportunity. And the new mandolin has a sweet tone and extra depth on the low end
Fantastic. I love the look and the tone. To me the ultimate test on an acoustic instrument is the sweetness of the high notes and this definitely has that. It sounds overall like… well… a dream. Congratulations to you and to Oliver. I am looking fwd to hearing some great playing from you and this new one.
I’m such a fanboy of Oliver’s work. The thing that stands out to me the most on this new one is the clarity and balance. There’s a thick percussive thud that follows each note like you said, and I can totally hear that delay you’re talking about. I think that’s because the actually note is so responsive and projects out so quickly. To have a mandolin that can be a total hoss but also records really well IS the dream.
It's just amazing sounding. it's looks are special . she sweet.. it's a Breath taking instrument 👍
Beautiful in looks and sound! Looking forward to hearing it as it matures!
Oh man!!! Amazing!! Congratulations!! Looking forward to hearing many tunes!!! My dream mando is the apitius a-style in blonde. Heck I’ll take almost any configuration from him! Such beautiful instruments
Superb sound and wonderful craftmanship . If anyone deserves such a stunning instrument its you David. Really enjoyed seeing the backstory and can't wait to hear it played on future videos .
That mandolin is a true work of art, both how it looks and especially how it sounds! And love the beautiful inlay work on the headstock for sure! A big congrats to you!!
I got excited for you just watching you open that mandolin! It's gorgeous and sounds great!
I feel happy to see you excited! And it sounds great too!
looks and sounds excellent! looking forward to hearing how it matures, definitely another color crayon in the box
Congratulations. You deserve it !!! Thanks for sharing your excitement and happiness with us.
Looks and sounds beautiful David! Congratulations! Thanks for all you do for the mandolin community.
That thing is so beautiful! That's one thing I love about my mandolin (Northfield Big Mon) is its barky low end. Your's seems to have all around great tone though. I'd love to hear it in person
How funny that you got your new love on Valentines day, and it's beautiful! I hope your wife wasn't too jealous!
So happy for you. It's sounds beautiful, but you can make any wood and wire setup sound good.
Wow!! So cool David. The mandolin looks and sounds great man! Wow! What a mandolin.
I’ve been in your shoes man… I received a new build myself back in September or so. The anticipation is crazy.
Apitius are an investment.....
Such separation of notes, which is a really nice sound. I suspect that will change as it warms up, but at the same time it will find its own voice. I'm super excited to hear this over the coming years. I'll be curious to hear how how the X bracing works. It appears to give a more balanced sound from this quick listen. Congratulations!
thanks for highlighting a local (to me) mandolin maker. beautiful instrument
It's totally beautiful. The inlay is gorgeous . Ihad Rubner tuners put on one of mine (oh no, you've cut your lovely curls!)
So exciting to see some get their dream ax! Enjoy it David!
Congratulations. Thanks for sharing your joy. It's infectious
Congratulations and thanks for sharing, David! It sounds amazing (obvs)!
Awesome David, sounds great!....congrats! You looked like me when I first received my Robin Smith banjo back 4 years ago!
Wow! Congratulations on your new Hoss of a mando, David. It looks and sounds great, and could be your lifetime signature axe that you will be known for. I am a little puzzled by the E course MOP nut veneer, though. It would only come into play when playing an open E note on them. I am of the belief that a zero fret makes the most sense for a number of reasons, not least an evenness of tone when playing open and fretted notes. An actual nut (as opposed to a string spacer that looks like a nut) really only makes sense on fretless instruments like the violin family, etc.
Congratulations! Looks great and sounds even better!
Found it interesting that when you received it you didn't have to wait 24 hrs before opening the box & at least another 48 to open the case. That's what I was told when the mandolin store shipped me my Eastman MD515 cc/n.
Due to cold temps & acclimating gradually they said. Yours came from Ontario, Canada . So I would think same would apply. Thoughts? It took all the willpower I had not to rip right into it. I'm
In Massachusetts
Aaah man! 😍
Sounds and looks amazing. Congratulations David !!!
Congrats Oliver! Oh and you too David :)
Beautiful! HappyBirthday! Sounds and looks awesome.
Congrats David!! So happy for you!
Tabitha, you must be gorgeous if yer fella could actually tear himself away from THIS BEAUTY
Hey David congrats on the new mandolin! Question do you have a warm up and cool down stretch routine for when you start and finish practicing? Video on it please?
Beautiful instrument and sounds incredible!
Congratulations 👏 to you!! Awesome.
Wow! That thing is gorgeous! 😍
dokonalá věc v dokonalých rukou, nádhera
Gorgeous! Interesting specs, sounds amazing!
Curious..."Loar specs" and x-bracing seem contradictory. Does "Loar spec voicing" refer only to the graduation, the variation in thickness throughout the top...the recurve minimal thickness area around the edge? Does anyone build mandolins with any other graduations in top thickness? I figured this basic formula (thickest in the center, gradually thininng to the recurve, then thicker again at the edge of the body) was generally adhered to by most/all archtop instrument carvers...?
its beautiful in every way!
a work of art! And you can play it too!!!
I'd have to think real hard to find somebody who deserved their dream mandolin more than you David and doubt that I could!!🎵🎶🎵🎶✨👏👏✌️.... Be careful crossing the street for a while haha😂
Congratulations
I could only dream of owning such a fine instrument
It really sounds great beautiful mandolin too
Really nice. What a blessing.
Congrats!
Perfection!
That's so dang cool! Great stuff dude!
i am excited for you.. thanks for all you share.
Even through aged iPad speakers it’s obvious that is a sensational sounding instrument.
That’s an amazing Mandolin!
Great sounding Mandolin!!!
Wow. Amazing piece man!
Where does Oliver live in Ontario?
Beautiful! We love Oliver's work!!
Looks nice.
How much is it?
Beautiful and Sounds Great !
Sounds great! What’s the tune at 8:08?
Durang’s Hornpipe by Adam Steffey
What price range are these mandolins?
They sit around $11,000 for the f-styles. Not the most affordable but they are beauties!
😎 Very Cool ! Happy for you !
Wow how wonderful
Absolutely killer!!
I guess anything that is over $10000 should be awesome. I am talking with Paul Hathway about buying his A Mandolin who Mcartney and Bill Bailey use for £1000 so quite a difference probably in every way. Its a bit like guitars i have a good Gibson Les Paul studio modded sounds great for $1200 without the fanciness of the $4500 Les Paul, no binding ( I dont like) plain sparkle pearl silver color. Is it as good, to play it certainly is. My custom Waghorn $3500 and its custom spec’d so I get it. Just $10000 is not in my land of opportunity not could I see it ever being. 😊😊😊
Thanks for sharing!
So jealous!
Can I have the old Vanguard? Please, please, please.
This is so awesome!!!!!
It sounds a little bit cold
Excellent
Oliver rules
Just looking at all mandolins on your wall, RUclips is paying well I guess😎