We are keeping a list of people who would like to be contacted when we begin building Ranger Travel Mandolins again. Unfortunately our move set back building quite a bit longer than we expected. Bruce has been working on instrument repairs, customizations and parts but things like the building’s electrical work, the spray booth and, now, getting heat in the shop keep coming up…of course. We’re getting there though!
There is a forest fire, about 6 miles from our place, that is pretty much under control now. However things got exciting for awhile and did burn several houses. Our hearts go out to these people.
Also we had our first Cherry Harvest! Luckily we had a lot of great help. Following are a few pictures.
Just in, a very nice 1990 RL Givens A Style Mandolin #525 with only a few small finish dings. Recent work included a plane and re-fret with EVO wire, new nut, and James tailpiece.
Also, there’s the Montana built Weber 2005 Yellowstone F Mando. Finish is in super condition with only a few dings and checks. I just did a setup on it and it plays great at a low action with a nice voice.
Something a little different: Take a look at this 2011 Holst. Just had a setup and is a smooth player. Like new condition.
Now with a new price a 2018 Oregon built Bitterroot A Style Octave Mandolin. Plays easy with shorter scale and a very nice relaxed voice.
Don’t Hesitate to Contact Bruce about any one of them- he loves to talk about mandolins!
NEW PRICE! In stock now, a 2018 Oregon built Bitterroot A style octave mandolin #1847808 Plays easy with the shorter scale and has a very nice relaxed voice. Go here for more information and pics!
Why stop at an Octave?
Montana built Weber 2005 Yellowstone F Mando. Finish is in super condition with only a few dings and checks. I just did a setup on it and it plays great at a low action with a nice voice.
2011 Holst. Just had a setup and is a smooth player. Like new condition!
It’s taken awhile but we are now taking orders on Parts: Traditional Bridges, Armrests, Truss Rod Covers, and Harmonic Suppressors. Thanks to all who have patiently waited!!
Go to the link above to check out the advantages of all Montana Lutherie Parts. In this post I want to highlight our Ebony Traditional Bridges. This innovative bridge design aids the strings in driving the soundboard, enhancing tone and volume with no interference. They are ‘tried and true’ over the past 20 years for all mandolin family instruments with saddles guaranteed to remain unbowed by string pressure over time. For: Mandolins, Mandolas, Octaves, Mandocellos, and Arch Top Guitars.
Improvements Over Classical Bridge Designs:
This bridge may be adjusted under full string tension
Because a brass bar embedded in the bottom of the saddle supports the entire string area of the saddle, the saddle can be made much smaller than the common old, historical-style saddle.
The brass bar also insures that the saddle will not bow, sag or break in the middle over time.
The design also eliminates the screw holes in each end of the saddle that were a part of the old-style.
When adjusting the thumbwheels all pressure is directed down against the bridge base instead of up against the saddle as in the older designs. This increased surface contact from thumbwheel to base gives your instruments a truer tone and more volume.
We believe these features give the bridge a more elegant appearance and better mid-frequency functionality.
To make the bridge easier to use, the top half of each thumbwheel has been machined to accept a slim profile 5/16 wrench included with each bridge.
Image shows Bruce consulting with building helper who wants to know if the treats go in that room. But no, it’s the spray booth area.
Things are moving along now that it’s not winter anymore -for the moment anyway. We should be partially in the new shop in a few weeks, and can begin making parts and Rangers once again- Lord willing and the creek don’t rise (a bluegrass title if there ever was one). We really appreciate the patience of those waiting for pickguards, Rangers, etc. Of course Bruce is still doing repairs, tune ups and all sorts of things in the temporary shop.
These pics are a little old and things are a bit farther along, but this will be Bruce’s bench area:
Here’s the view from his window:
The outside has a ways to go, but can be tackled later. After all it’s a 100 year old barn!
