In the oven in his California Workshop o' Magic, a Michael Lewis Octave Mandolin. Carved from wood that had been stored for over 12 years in his shop, Michael boasts the instrument rings like cast iron as he cuts; nothing like having complete control over the dryness destiny of a good quality piece of wood.

Custom built for fellow mandolin connoisseur and Boston Lawyer, Richard Michaud, the OM will be based on the early L5 16" body, much like the Nugget that Tim O'Brien plays. Guitar shaped bodies make for a bigger sound. In the cerebral drawing board, Lewis is contemplating a mandocello using an 18" wide archtop guitar body. "It should growl and roar wonderfully!" he ponders. "It is a great feeling to have lots of power at your command. When I get finished with current orders I will work one into my schedule. That will be in a couple years, and I wish I could start one right now."

So do we!

View Picture: Lewis OM

Visit the beautiful mandolin eye candy at the Michael Lewis website.

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Posted by Ted at September 21, 2006 8:45 AM