Completed in Aug of 2022, this custom oval hole features a custom rosette and unique combination of tonewoods. With a one piece Sugar maple back and Englemmen spruce top, it has a bit more pop, brightness and projection.. an interesting variation on the softer Red maple back and Adirondack spruce top, which I’ve done in the past with similar tonal goals in mind. This one did not disappoint. It also features:
- ivoroid binding on the top only
- Golden Age “Relic” tuners with ivoroid knobs in vintage nickel finish w/ matching tailpiece
- 1 3/16″ width ebony nut
- Shop made ebony adjustable bridge/saddle
- Adjustable truss rod and 3 piece laminate neck construction
- Soft “V” neck profile
- 10″ Radiused fingerboard with MOP dots and side markers
- oil varnish finish
“I’ve had the new oval for almost a week now, and finally got some real time to sit down with it today. It is perfect! Exactly what I was dreaming of when I decided to commission this build. The look is simply gorgeous, clean lines and the woods really pop a lot more in person. Very glad I chose this color combination. It is an understated elegant look in my opinion.The neck is a great shape, and the finish is smooth and thin so no issues at all there.I’m REALLY happy with the Engelmann/Hard Maple combo. It feels like there is a little extra presence along with the complexity and depth that I expected. You truly nailed what I was looking for, and I’m glad that you were willing to try that unusual tone wood combination. When I strumed that first open D chord I was floored by the full spectrum of tone it produced. The low end in particular really stands out, which is something I personally lean more towards. This is definitely the instrument for me!I wanted to thank you again Don, you’ve really created a special instrument here and I’m honored to own it. I kind of had this dream A/A2-Z hybrid style mandolin in my head, and you made it a reality. Thank you so much for the time and effort you put into it. It really shows in the excellent craftsmanship.The high acclaim on the Mandolincafe for your Oval’s is well earned.” Reid Morsi, owner #281
