We've recently acquired a luscious Vintage Creme R-200 mandola and decided to make it a conversion project, enlisting the services of the 21st century visionary and legendary Vermont builder Pete Langdell who is responsible for the original design of the instrument. The bigger sister to the R-100 mandolin, it bears homage to earlier 20th century body styles, with a sleek, modern twist.

We've always appreciated the ergonomic comfort of the Rigel neck and fingerboard, the rest of the instrument balances well, too. That we already like its lower register, it seems perfectly logical to add the upper E course and make it and effective 5-course instrument. Also in the plans is the Novak "fanned-fret" system, more commonly being adopted, with such recent premium builders as Lawrence Smart and James Condino also recently offering this contemporary functional flair in their 10-strings.

We'll keep you abreast of developments as the project unfolds.

Posted by Ted at November 11, 2009 5:25 AM