New (to us, anyway) the work of Tennessee luthier, Jonathan McClanahan. An accomplished mandolinist of thirty-plus years, the builder has guitars on display at the Smithsonian, and well-known for his ability in cosmetic enhancements that make his world-class instruments yield an intense vintage aura, he's fashioned instruments for such celebrities as are Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Chet Atkins, Ted Nugent, Kiefer Sutherland, Will Smith, Peter Frampton, and Joe Perry.

From the builder, "I use Herringbone trim on my mandolins which gives it an exquisite look with an 'Old World' appeal. I do all the intricate metal engraving, graduations, scraping, chiseling etc... by hand. Only premium tone woods are used such as highly flamed Curley Maple for the back, sides, and neck; Red Spruce for the top and tone bars; Ebony is used for the fingerboard and Peg head overlays. From the mathematics of the air chamber to the 'Patented' Head stock design and on to the elegantly shaped F-Holes, The McClanahan mandolin has all of the attributes that sets it apart from manufactured mandolins."

Gallery (click for close-up):

McClanahan has developed three unique models of mandolin, The Trinity, The Via Dolorosa, and The Decending Dove. Elderly Instruments currently has one of his Trinity models available for sale. For more details: McClanahan Trinity 30-year Aged

Contact: Jonathan McClanahan

Phone: (615)557-3342, or (615)294-1630

Posted by Ted at September 3, 2007 7:57 AM