MARCH 9th, 2018

Having derived from the old-fashioned lute, the mandolin is a very old instrument. As enthusiasts know its eight strings are quite small in comparison to the guitar, and they create a beautiful higher pitched sound which set them apart from other stringed instruments. The acoustic loudness of the mandolin also make it a better live performance tool then say, the ukulele. Whether you play for leisure, or for work, innovative manufacturing processes involving CNC machines allow boutique luthiers to offer each musician an original mandolin which musically, and visually encompasses who he or she is as an artist. Having an instrument which chimes exactly how you want it to and looks as stunning as you dream it should offers the absolute best of both worlds.

Themandolinplayer.net tells us “Picking up one of Sorensen’s mandolins, you are struck by the fine workmanship, but once you strike your first note, the quality of the sound really hits you.” Sorenson also has a background in design, and this is shown through his detail-orientation and his articulate craftsmanship. Overall, Sorenson knows what serious mandolin players are looking for, and he’s making instruments which fit their ideals. For an in-depth review of one of Sorenson’s A-model mandolins called The Sprite, check out this article  from JazzMando.com.

From Pennsylvania Louis Stiver has been making mandolins by hand since 1970, and has been playing them since he was a teenager. Louis began building at a time when one-person mandolin shops were not as popular as they are today. He began by tracing the outline of a standard Gibson F-model, and from there he established his business. Themandolinplayer.net tells us “Over the years, Stiver’s mandolins have earned a reputation for impeccable fit and finish, easy playability, strong volume, and clear tone.” Louis’ methods haven’t changed much over the years, other than his basement workshop having evolved technologically. His mandolins are currently made using red spruce tops, and figured maple. It’s not the money that drives Louis, rather it’s his passion for the mandolin, and the fact that he enjoys being his own boss. As a result of choosing his own hours, Louis says he hasn’t worn a watch since mandolin building became his full-time career in 1978. Have a listen to Louis’ sweet sounding “40th Anniversary” model below.

Pava Knesevic is originally from Croatia where she had studied carpentry, and woodworking. After moving to America she began working for Collings doing finishing, and sanding. Tom Ellis had discovered Pava when she was working for Collings, and Pava began working for Tom in 2003 when a position with his company opened up. After hiring Pava, Tom began producing mandolins. The more recent line of A-model mandolins are called the Pava models, which there are three versions of ranging in finish, binding, and color. Themandolinplayer.net offers the following quote from Pava: “Two years ago Tom gave me the opportunity with my line, a line with my name. I don’t believe that anybody else would do that; only Tom would do that. Just give someone who worked for him his own line of instruments. It’s because he believes in me. He said I’m doing good and we can do this. And it’s like, well, our instruments have proved themselves.” Pava is extremely dedicated, which likely contributes to her success. When asked about Pava Tom stated, “Not only is she a natural and extremely meticulous and a real problem solver, but she’s the only person that I’ve ever met who, on a regular basis, gives you an honest 60 hours of work in a 40 hour week. Pava is one in a million. She could not be replaced. There’s no one else like her.” Take a look at this listing for one of Pava’s Pro models on Reverb.

The passion for the mandolin is one which is shared across a wide spectrum of musicians. For this reason, it has become easier for enthusiasts to acquire mandolins that fit their specific needs, and preferences. If you’re one of these talented people, and in search of a new high-end mandolin, the manufacturers mentioned above may be a great place to start your search.