Yes, man, Mandolins ARE born with a soul. Even the worst ones, problem children at best deserve respect and corrective care. The best (the Loars of the last century) have an old soul and spirit unique to the time it was born. They deserve to be played by people that understand the soul that is inside these instruments. Mandolins can save the world.
Conner, I love the Apitius Mandolins!!! Oliver Apitius is at the top of all the golden age mandolin builders!! Love that tone you only can get with Apitius Mandolins!!!
I saw the Oconnor family at Walnut valley...great set(s) ,Mark s birthday is 2 days before mine a bit of a mentor to me, I started mandolin 1977. my bouzouki is from Joe Foley ( if he is still alive)in Church town Dublin. Cute clever rendition of Whiskey * breakfast which i think is the 2nd Irish tune i ever learned. thank you Forrest.
I first became of aware of Oliver via David Benedict, then I heard another played by then Matt Whittler and now you’ve just pretty much convinced me to pull the trigger on one myself. I’m getting on his wait list today, thanks for making my decision that much easier!
@@KateLeeForrestOConnorMusic man, its a toughy! My fiddle player is a guitar builder for Froggy Bottom and has recently gone off with a side hustle building mandolins under 'Muleskinner Instruments'. His are absolutely beautiful and sound incredible. Then Austin Clark, Andrew Mowry, a relatively unknown gent named Tyler White (White mandolins, I played one of his F5s and it was honestly the best mandolin I've ever played) and finally, of course the wonderful folks who built my mando, Girouard. Hope you are well too bud. Looks like you and Kate are having a ball with these videos. Keep them coming!
I have a 1978 Henderson mandolin and I have played 4 Loars and will put it up against them any time. I gave 750 dollars for that mandolin in 1978. It's a killer!
Hi Denis, I usually use D'Addario medium coated strings for mando! And there is more information on the GoFundMe page regarding Kate's health situation. Thank you!
I’ve played several pre-war Martin guitars through the years, but the best sounding guitar I’ve ever played was built by Altman. It had that mid 30’s D28 sound with great playability! I’ve never played or heard a mandolin he built in person.
Yeah Bob Altman is amazing! His mandolins are just as good as his guitars. They're hard to come across, but occasionally you'll see one pop up on Mandolin Cafe or at Carter Vintage Guitars here in Nashville.
If you get a chance, try out a John Hutto F5 or F45. Several of his F5s read "The Gibson" on the headstock such as Dempsey Young's F5. I took one of mine to Lynn for a fret job but he refused to work on it and told me that Hutto used odd building techniques, glues and was know to get his great tone by rubbing weird pixey dust into the wood. Hutto's are in the top of most player list but they are rare as only about 100 were built prior to John's passing.
A friend of mine has a Hutto with The Gibson on it. I have a Wayne Henderson with The Gibson on it and it is a killer mandolin, better than the Hutto. I will put the Henderson up against any Loar.
@@KateLeeForrestOConnorMusic Thanks, Forrest. I have had the CT55 and the TP60 for 8 years. That material gives Blue Chip picks a unique combination of hardness and slickness, which gives the notes greatest clarity on uptempo picking. Still, the down side of that is loss of volume and roundness on the unwound strings of a cheap/medium priced mando (I have two Kentucky 200 series ones). So Wegen BG140 remains my top "pick." I do have tens of other boutique picks, and gypsy jazz thickness Red Bears have something to recommend for flatpicking on guitar. An old estate/antique "organic" pick that I have remains unmatched in all arenas, but I am afraid of losing it. So, I am looking to invest in one more Blue Chip. I am just trying to poll pros on their preferences. So, thanks a million!
Amigos, I really hope you break through to timeless memorability. Mark O'Connor's Heroes was a major album in my bluegrass journey from India to the hollers of Tennessee to Austin, TX, to Kentucky, to Vegas. I have looked very closely at bluegrass virtuosity, and it strikes me that the few who become legends outside a genre's context have something beyond virtuosic skill. Think Tony Rice or Dawg or Coltrane. On Mark's Heroes, most of the heroes were ones who had left their sonic mark on the universe, while the ultimate string virtuoso, to my ears, is not instantly sonically recognizable. Style, is defined by individual limitations and quirks. This is especially for Forrest to consider, if he will. I would not write this if I did not love y'all. Pat Alger, the Great, sent me here.
Brad Easley. Oh come on, dude. Really? A uke? You are comparing a uke to a mandolin? Have you ever listened to one played next to the other....? Even by the same person who can play both equally well. Shimabukaru next to say Sam Bush ? For example. Both are masters, to be sure, but one is for plinking around a camp fire with marshmellows. The other is for driving home the Fireball Mail and Rawhide.
@@robertshorthill4153 lol. Notice the quotes. I was quoting the video. She makes the uke comment, the second quote is his response. My comment was "I felt that one" in the sense that I've been asked that before as a mandolin player. I think we're on the same page here.
Another young dude with long slender fingers, been playing since early teens. Damn, I'd never even seen a mandolin 'til I was 20. And it was a piece of junk that would have made better firewood than anything resembling music. My how the times have changed. ( about the only good thing in this century so far) Yeah, there are a bunch of craftsmen all over the country making high quality mando family instruments. Now, If the rest of us could just afford to purchase at least one of them, our lives would be that much sweeter. Bob in Montana, not exactly the mando capital of the country, but we try.
Come on , dude, Jerry Rosa in MO has got to be in at least the top 10. His are sought after from all over the world. They are one of millions built by luthiers that know what they are doing. The woods and craftsmanship is world class. I can't believe there are other luthiers building a better mando than my friend Jerry Rosa. What would it take ?
That tone is incredible. Mighty Powerful
Yes, man, Mandolins ARE born with a soul. Even the worst ones, problem children at best deserve respect and corrective care. The best (the Loars of the last century) have an old soul and spirit unique to the time it was born. They deserve to be played by people that understand the soul that is inside these instruments. Mandolins can save the world.
Conner, I love the Apitius Mandolins!!! Oliver Apitius is at the top of all the golden age mandolin builders!! Love that tone you only can get with Apitius Mandolins!!!
A beautiful mandolin Forrest! Kate Lee and Forrest you are both a lot of fun! Thank you for the videos, I really look forward to them every week!
Thank you Jake, really glad you're enjoying it!
I saw the Oconnor family at Walnut valley...great set(s) ,Mark s birthday is 2 days before mine a bit of a mentor to me, I started mandolin 1977. my bouzouki is from Joe Foley ( if he is still alive)in Church town Dublin. Cute clever rendition of Whiskey * breakfast which i think is the 2nd Irish tune i ever learned. thank you Forrest.
I first became of aware of Oliver via David Benedict, then I heard another played by then Matt Whittler and now you’ve just pretty much convinced me to pull the trigger on one myself. I’m getting on his wait list today, thanks for making my decision that much easier!
Hey Drew, that's great to hear! You will be glad you got on his list -- they're incredible mandolins.
Poor Matt Whittler. Sad that he chose to rebel against God.
The mando sounds great! And that was truly the most nerdy video that I enjoyed in spite of itself since ages. Trés amusante, mes amis....
That was very fun!
Apitius mandolins!!!
excellent
Loved geeking out to the 5 Favs!
Dude! Hope you're doing well! Who's your top 5??
@@KateLeeForrestOConnorMusic man, its a toughy! My fiddle player is a guitar builder for Froggy Bottom and has recently gone off with a side hustle building mandolins under 'Muleskinner Instruments'. His are absolutely beautiful and sound incredible. Then Austin Clark, Andrew Mowry, a relatively unknown gent named Tyler White (White mandolins, I played one of his F5s and it was honestly the best mandolin I've ever played) and finally, of course the wonderful folks who built my mando, Girouard. Hope you are well too bud. Looks like you and Kate are having a ball with these videos. Keep them coming!
@@redlineroots5863 Those are are some great builders -- and we'll have to try a White mandolin soon! Hope to see you in Boston again before too long!
@@KateLeeForrestOConnorMusic I am actually in Vermont these days. We moved up about 2 and a half years ago and haven't looked back!
I love O'Connor band and the new channel
Bravi bella coppia grande mandolinista e grande voce.
Daniele from Venice Italy
Looking forward to hearing it live!
That was "live"?
That's a beautiful mandolin and sounds great !
Nice axe and a cool rendition of Whiskey!
I have a 1978 Henderson mandolin and I have played 4 Loars and will put it up against them any time. I gave 750 dollars for that mandolin in 1978. It's a killer!
One you didnt mention who builds outstanding mandolins is Jonathan McClennahan in Tennessee.
Yes we've heard great things about his instruments!
First of all why the fund for Kate, if you don't mind me asking. Second what kind of strings are you using for your Mando. Thanks and God bless🙏
Hi Denis, I usually use D'Addario medium coated strings for mando! And there is more information on the GoFundMe page regarding Kate's health situation. Thank you!
I'm sorry for what ever health issues she has. God bless you both and prayers for you and your wife 🙏
I’ve played several pre-war Martin guitars through the years, but the best sounding guitar I’ve ever played was built by Altman. It had that mid 30’s D28 sound with great playability! I’ve never played or heard a mandolin he built in person.
Yeah Bob Altman is amazing! His mandolins are just as good as his guitars. They're hard to come across, but occasionally you'll see one pop up on Mandolin Cafe or at Carter Vintage Guitars here in Nashville.
I love super nerdy mandolin stuff.
If you get a chance, try out a John Hutto F5 or F45. Several of his F5s read "The Gibson" on the headstock such as Dempsey Young's F5. I took one of mine to Lynn for a fret job but he refused to work on it and told me that Hutto used odd building techniques, glues and was know to get his great tone by rubbing weird pixey dust into the wood. Hutto's are in the top of most player list but they are rare as only about 100 were built prior to John's passing.
A friend of mine has a Hutto with The Gibson on it. I have a Wayne Henderson with The Gibson on it and it is a killer mandolin, better than the Hutto. I will put the Henderson up against any Loar.
We've heard good things about Hutto! Haven't had the chance to play one but will keep an eye out for them at the shops here in town.
@@mandograssable The two Henderson mandolins we've tried were both incredible!
Yeah buddy!
Hey Forrest, what specific Blue Chip pick are you using?
I've been using the CT55 on mandolin for years -- it's my top choice!
@@KateLeeForrestOConnorMusic Thanks, Forrest. I have had the CT55 and the TP60 for 8 years. That material gives Blue Chip picks a unique combination of hardness and slickness, which gives the notes greatest clarity on uptempo picking. Still, the down side of that is loss of volume and roundness on the unwound strings of a cheap/medium priced mando (I have two Kentucky 200 series ones). So Wegen BG140 remains my top "pick." I do have tens of other boutique picks, and gypsy jazz thickness Red Bears have something to recommend for flatpicking on guitar. An old estate/antique "organic" pick that I have remains unmatched in all arenas, but I am afraid of losing it. So, I am looking to invest in one more Blue Chip. I am just trying to poll pros on their preferences. So, thanks a million!
@@longtalljay Sure thing, and I do like Wegen picks quite a bit as well!
Amigos, I really hope you break through to timeless memorability. Mark O'Connor's Heroes was a major album in my bluegrass journey from India to the hollers of Tennessee to Austin, TX, to Kentucky, to Vegas. I have looked very closely at bluegrass virtuosity, and it strikes me that the few who become legends outside a genre's context have something beyond virtuosic skill. Think Tony Rice or Dawg or Coltrane. On Mark's Heroes, most of the heroes were ones who had left their sonic mark on the universe, while the ultimate string virtuoso, to my ears, is not instantly sonically recognizable. Style, is defined by individual limitations and quirks. This is especially for Forrest to consider, if he will. I would not write this if I did not love y'all. Pat Alger, the Great, sent me here.
Thank you for your comments and thoughts! Glad that you found us through Pat -- he's one of our heroes. You've offered some food for thought!
Ortega?
Paul Schneider (Ex Gibson now Summit) needs a mention. Brilliant builder.
Only the five-figure range need apply. It's utterly, nauseatingly, cloyingly insufferable.
"Why did you pick mandolin over ukulele?"
"That does not count as a question." 😐
I felt that one.
Brad Easley. Oh come on, dude. Really? A uke? You are comparing a uke to a mandolin? Have you ever listened to one played next to the other....? Even by the same person who can play both equally well. Shimabukaru next to say Sam Bush ? For example. Both are masters, to be sure, but one is for plinking around a camp fire with marshmellows. The other is for driving home the Fireball Mail and Rawhide.
@@robertshorthill4153 lol. Notice the quotes. I was quoting the video. She makes the uke comment, the second quote is his response. My comment was "I felt that one" in the sense that I've been asked that before as a mandolin player. I think we're on the same page here.
Name dropper.... ha. Sounds great.
There is no decision to make when picking the mandolin over the ukelele--it's like picking the motorcycle over a child's bike with training wheels.
Another young dude with long slender fingers, been playing since early teens. Damn, I'd never even seen a mandolin 'til I was 20. And it was a piece of junk that would have made better firewood than anything resembling music. My how the times have changed. ( about the only good thing in this century so far) Yeah, there are a bunch of craftsmen all over the country making high quality mando family instruments. Now, If the rest of us could just afford to purchase at least one of them, our lives would be that much sweeter. Bob in Montana, not exactly the mando capital of the country, but we try.
Come on , dude, Jerry Rosa in MO has got to be in at least the top 10. His are sought after from all over the world. They are one of millions built by luthiers that know what they are doing. The woods and craftsmanship is world class. I can't believe there are other luthiers building a better mando than my friend Jerry Rosa. What would it take ?
What is apitius contact info?
You can contact him through his website! www.apitiusmandolins.com
Thank you!!!!
I play and that thing has a halo. My precious. You shouldnt play that thing if you want to keep it..
why arnt you folks posting a new vids….
Noticed this one for sale at Carters, why so soon?
Actually traded it to Oliver for one of his new Rosine F-5 models, which is based more directly on Loar specs. Both are amazing mandolins!
Jerry Rosa in Rola Mo.
Looking forward to hearing it live!
Looking forward to hearing it live!