mandoteacher - Posted - 03/01/2012:  05:54:34

Because Weber mandolins are hand-made, are they identical from instrument to instrument?  I would think that would be hard to do. 

WeberInstruments - Posted - 03/01/2012:  12:32:28

Glad I got my RSS Feeds going again in time to see this post (2007 Outlook keeps dropping them-grrr). The way we think of it is that the instruments are consistent- in quality and general build. Bruce developed the recipe overall and for each model, plus we build jigs, etc. There is a rule that nothing at all is changed on a whim, or a 'good idea,' until discussed. He does the calibrating of the all of tops and backs, and has carved the bracing until fairly recently when Helen took over this aspect (mandolin family-she's done it for years on the flats and has worked with us since 1987).

However, there will be some major differences. In other words just because you hear one Weber mandolin doesn't mean it may be anything like the others, and this has been a little frustrating over the years. OK, with so many choices and changes it was bound to happen, but we couldn't help doing everything. The standard models are just markers or starting places.

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  The models have changed over the years, for instance, standard Yellowstones used to be Xbraced. The standard Gallatin used to be mahogany back/ribs/neck and the standard now is maple.


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  The majority of our standard models are customized in some way, so that older standard model Yellowstone may have been ordered with tone bars.
  
  But I think the real answers to your question are:


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  Bruce has changed his recipe of the carving of the tops and bracing over the years. He would have to explain the how, why, what of that. He also changes it depending on what woods are used and sometimes the models (Bridgers, Hyalites). He might change other elements such as sound hole or Fhole size. He might try out a few before it becomes standard. Who really knows what that guy is doing now that I think of it. I should add that one his attributes is hard to explain- the ability to see, feel and remember forms (although he does use his calipers). Sort of like tuning. He's tuned so many, plus has the ear he can do it in minutes without a tuner. He used to have contests with Tony who would test him with a tuner afterwards. This might sound off topic but is really meant as an explanation how he seems to see things and how the instruments can be consistent while being individual, too. Many of you probably can probably relate to this yourselves.


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  Each instrument is different because the wood can be so different. It's amazing sometimes. Bruce tap tunes each one and you can hear it. That doesn't usually necessarily mean its bad or good- just different.  However it can happen that a little lower-end A Style (lower end only because the wood was plain, and not much ornamentation, tuning seemed average) is strung up and is a monster...It can happen the other way sometimes, too. However, it always comes down to how the player hears it and what they are looking for.

 I must be chatty today.

Bruce & Braces

ccravens - Posted - 03/01/2012:  12:47:23

I would say they are very consistent in quality (which would be excellent, BTW), and that no 2 instruments are, or can ever be, "identical."

mandoteacher - Posted - 03/02/2012:  05:59:11

quote:

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Originally posted by WeberInstruments

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  Bruce has changed his recipe of the carving of the tops and bracing over the years. 

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Does having different people in the shop make that much of a difference model to model, especially if Bruce is overseeing everything?

WeberInstruments - Posted - 03/02/2012:  08:37:02

No, you are right that it doesn't make that much difference. Really, the biggest things are if Bruce makes a change. Learning curve with new people has an impact, but mostly for re-work. For instance- Fretting. We dread if somebody is training because mistakes don't get caught until the instrument is all done and even strung up. Bruce Jr. keeps getting called back but he always leaves chin prints : )

Fretting

Tonah1340 - Posted - 03/02/2012:  09:11:54

I have owned a couple of Webers, have a Black Ice now, and have never been disappointed with any of I have heard. Anyone building mandolins will tell you, you can make two exact mandolins, from wood used from the very same tree, and each will have its own voice and can sound very different. But imho, Weber has a consistent high quality base....

Buttonwood Bob - Posted - 03/03/2012:  04:22:40

There's variability in everything, from the length of match sticks to today's batch of grandma's recipe for biscuits,  to you name it.  Even if you can't detect it, it is there.  I'd be hard pressed not to play a few of the same model instruments before planking down my money  when possible.  It would be important to assure myself that I picked the one that sounded the best.  In the end, it is our impression of what sounds good than keeps us happy and satisfied..  Best we pretend to do it "scientifically."