Karasik Mandolin Project

Subject: RE: Karasik Mandolin Project
From: Rex
Date: 01 Nov 23 - 03:38 PM

The improvement from the L4 to the L5 was an increase in the neck length by two frets. The neck angle is greater providing more pressure to the bridge and consequently more volume. The Loar instruments enjoyed greater attention to quality of materials, construction and "tuning" similar to what is done with violins. My experience with Loars equipped with the "Virzi Tone Producer" amounts to just a few instruments. Seeing as how the back is generally a resonator with stringed instruments, I cannot see what gain one gets from this device and after 1924 it was no longer offered. A Virzi was in this Loar F5, all I can say is it didn't seem to hurt the output, this mandolin had a robust voice.

And Gillymor, I'm pleased that you liked the delivery of Hesitation Blues. Emily has made many recordings of excellent musicians playing this most excellent mandolin. I wanted to put my own spin to it.

Subject: RE: Karasik Mandolin Project
From: gillymor
Date: 27 Oct 23 - 10:10 PM

I actually owned a WW1 era Gibson Army/Navy for awhile until the top bowed inward. It was the instrument they based the Flatiron on and it was very loud and bright but I don't think it had the depth and richness of a carved top. I had a brace installed to correct the top sag which killed the sound of it so I traded it off and got a #2 Flat- iron which is also long gone. I now have an A style which I had custom made with a long scale to accommodate my large hands and Davy Stuart long scale flattop with a round soundhole and flat top which is also loud and bright and great for playing traditional music.

Subject: RE: Karasik Mandolin Project
From: gillymor
Date: 27 Oct 23 - 10:31 PM

I forgot to add that I enjoyed that rendition of Hesitation Blues.

Subject: RE: Karasik Mandolin Project
From: gillymor
Date: 01 Nov 23 - 06:45 AM

F5 style mandolins are prized by Bluegrass players for their power and projection. They'll refer to the "Bark" they get when playing those Monroe chop chords. At the same time F and A style models (those with carved tops and F holes) have, to my ears, a more refined sound than round hole flatops, which have their own charms. Just my take.

Subject: RE: Karasik Mandolin Project
From: Donuel
Date: 27 Oct 23 - 05:41 PM

I have a flat iron cadet mando built flat like a French violin. It has an extreme volume while not being large. Gibson bought them out but discontinued that style. What would you say the best advantage of a Lloyd Loar would be?

Subject: RE: Karasik Mandolin Project
From: Donuel
Date: 31 Oct 23 - 01:19 PM

I'm inclined to think a mandoline is better with penetrating power than a golden mellowness.

Subject: Karasik Mandolin Project
From: Rex
Date: 21 Oct 23 - 02:14 PM

For those who love the mandolin, Emily Wilson is on a crusade taking a 1923 "Lloyd Loar" mandolin around the country giving musicians an opportunity to play it. Here's a youtube channel showing so many who have played it and more information on the Karasik Mandolin Project.

Karasik Mandolin Project

Subject: RE: Karasik Mandolin Project
From: gillymor
Date: 21 Oct 23 - 02:33 PM

I had the extreme pleasure of playing a 1923 Lloyd Loar here in SW FL a while back. It was everything it was cracked up to be soundwise and played like butter.