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May 16, 2010 | Classifieds find: Colorado builder David Griffin
We caught this fascinating Pagelli-5 inspired mandolin over on the Cafe Classifieds and had to find out more. Builder David Griffin describes himself as a hobby builder since 1995. This is instrument is his thirty-second, twenty of which have been mandolins. He tells us, "I know it ain't no F-5 but it can pass for one sonically. I'm sure the Jazzy crowd would love it!"
![GriffinBackHdstk.jpg](http://jazzmando.com/new/assets_c/2010/05/GriffinBackHdstk-thumb-220x412-403.jpg)
Click images for closeup
The instrument bears the general dimensions of a traditional F-5 mandolin with standard width at the 12th fret and nut, and is cut from bear-clawed sitka spruce top and crotch figured two-piece black walnut back and sides. Fretboard is gently radiused ebony with "banjo" sized frets, the finish is nitro laquer with oiled neck.
![GriffinBack1.jpg](http://jazzmando.com/new/assets_c/2010/05/GriffinBack1-thumb-425x341-405.jpg)
In addition to its unique silhouette, it's striking cosmetically with its multi-veneered headstock (top & back), curly maple bound fingerboard and pickguard, and the abalone purfling adorning the top and fingerboard. Redwood burl was implemented for the headstock, pickguard, and tailpiece.
![GriffinHorn.jpg](http://jazzmando.com/new/assets_c/2010/05/GriffinHorn-thumb-425x370-407.jpg)
Its additional pro features included Mother of Pearl nut and gold Schaller tuners (black worm gears). Notice his handmade brass inset in the tailpiece.
![GriffinTlpc.jpg](http://jazzmando.com/new/assets_c/2010/05/GriffinTlpc-thumb-425x395-409.jpg)
Interesting black walnut "Soundblade" (removable Kuhn style rubber foot mounting) for enhanced back resonance:
![GriffinBack2.jpg](http://jazzmando.com/new/assets_c/2010/05/GriffinBack2-thumb-425x361-411.jpg)
Looks like a seriously fun instrument!
He's listed it for $3400 at the Mandolin Café Classifieds website: Pagelli-5 inspired mandolin
Contact: David Griffin
Posted by Ted at May 16, 2010 12:21 PM
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