I have been playing stringed instruments all my life. I began with the banjo, added guitar and ended up in a hopeless love affair with mandolin. As my ear has evolved, my fascination with this instrument has grown. I've played and owned some of the finest mandolins available and I'm always amazed at the different character each instrument offers.
The dynamics of sound.
As a builder, I am intrigued by the change in the quality of sound that emerges as I shift some of the hundreds of elements that go into an instrument. A little change in the depth of the carving here, the movement of a brace there, using engleman instead of sitka for the top, and it feels more like magic than construction. Each specific blending of wood, technique and time creates a unique sound never before heard.
On perfection.
While I strive for perfection in everything I do, I recognize that it is an impossible dream, and relative at best. Since no two hand-made instruments will ever be identical, technical perfection will always be an illusion. However, the real perfection happens when one of my instruments has the perfect look, feel and sound for a particular customer.
Why hand-made?
Modern technology and machines can turn out thousands of "perfect" looking instruments with ideal measurements and flawless detail. And, for the great majority of players, these instruments can provide a lifetime of satisfaction.
I believe something more is possible. If wood is carefully chosen, admired and lovingly worked with patience, respect and gratitude, it vibrates differently – often magically. The very time spent on an instrument imparts a quality that no machine will ever match. The slight "imperfections" that come from the human touch become signatures of love, a constant reminder of the maker. These things create the soul of the instrument; an intangible essence that cannot be described, but can be felt and heard.
Please visit the link for a video of the latest Elkhorn:
http://www.elkhornmandolins.com/koa.mov
what a fantastic mandolin you just completed for me, there is no way I can put into words how awesome this mando is, what a work of art and sound..thank you..a very happy customer
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