We've had the opportunity to personally review almost three dozen amazing instruments in the JazzMando "New Models of Mandolins" showcase. One of the earliest entries was a delicious blackface A-body mandolin from Illinois builder Dale Ludewig, his Emory Lester Signature mandolin. We couldn't imagine the Canadian mando tone-meister would put his name behind anything but the best, and personal experience affirmed that.

We've kept in touch with Dale over the years. Balancing his high-demand business of custom cabinet building, and an unfortunate catastrophe with a shop flood a couple years ago has made high output a challenge, but we've been contacted by a number of his satisfied customers since the review. He's since made a couple of Emory mandolas, some intriguing custom finishes on some mandolins, and lately he's dabbled in a few guitars. All of course, with an intense attention to tone and aesthetic detail and a seasoned cabinet maker's intrinsic knack for structural integrity.

Check our review in the Builders archives: Dale Ludewig Emory Lester mandolin

Recent pictures:

Ludewig butterscotch Emory Lester signature model mandola

Ludewig Guitar

Read up on other world class mandolin builders.

Posted by Ted at September 27, 2010 5:50 AM