All of our "VBD" Artist and Tribute Series models feature the following specs and options:

Specs:

  • specially selected well seasoned, hand graduated, and tap tuned Adirondack spruce tops
  • well seasoned and tap tuned select Adirondack bracing
  • premium aged, hand graduated, and tap tuned eastern maple back and sides
  • ebony fingerboards and peghead overlays
  • 1 1/8" bone nut
  • speed neck
  • soft V neck profile
  • engraved James tailpiece
  • fully adjustable truss rod
  • radiused fingerboard
  • individually compensated Loar period adjustable ebony bridge
  • ivoroid binding with side perfling top, back, fingerboard, and headstock
  • pearl logo and Wienman classic headstock inlay
  • hand applied Cremona sunburst and varnish finish of our own making
  • custom setup
  • hard case (Bobelock molded supension case when available)
  • warranty 

Options:

  • 1 3/16" nut width...........................................................n/c
  • flat fingerboard............................................................n/c
  • custom neck profile...................................................n/c
  • abbreviated pickguard.............................................$200
  • full traditional tortoise pickguard......................$300
  • hardware upgrade......................................................market price
  • 1 piece back....................................................................market price
  • Wienman Mountain Fern inlay............................n/c
  • Wienman Twin Leaf inlay........................................n/c
  • trad A3 inlay...................................................................n/c
  • Bourbon burst finish..................................................n/c
  • Dark burst finish...........................................................n/c

F Style Inlay Options

828-551-5097

         or

We have temporarily closed our list, and we anticipate re-opening it sometime after the first of the year.  Delivery times are running at around 24 months for commissioned builds, and of course we aim to build a few builder's choice instruments per year.

At the time of placing an order we require a deposit of $1,000.  The deposit is fully refundable up until the time that we start your build.  When we start your build, $500 becomes non-refundable.  The balance is due before delivery.  Of course, if you receive your Wienman and you are unhappy with it for any reason, you can return it within a few days for a full refund less any shipping expenses.

Please get in touch with us if you'd like to commission a build, if you have any other questions, or if we can help you in any way.  We always look forward to hearing from you!

WIENMAN "VINTAGE BY DESIGN" INSTRUMENTS

 

All of our Vintage By Design "VBD" instruments are the result of decades of study and a lot of trial and error.  As a result of our own unique design and approach to building, these instruments share a consistent feel, response, and voice that is different from the great majority of instruments being built today.  All of our "VBD" models are well suited for any genre.  The model you choose would probably be best informed by the ways you plan to use the instrument (recording, leading a band, playing large or small venues or festivals, on the couch or porch jamming with friends, etc.) and most importantly by what inspires you.  Depending on how you apply the pick, all of our instruments are capable of a wide range of volume and tonal variations.  We have tried to capture the essence of our "VBD" instruments in recordings and videos, but the only way to appreciate what makes our instruments special is to get one in your hands.  The signature response and magic of our instruments can't be fully understood or appreciated by looking at pictures or listening to recordings.  They truly are unique.

Finish Options

Cremona Open Light Burst

Bourbon Burst

Dark Burst

Cremona Tight Dark Burst

Wienman Flowerpot

Wienman Twin Leaf

Wienman Mountain Fern

Trad A3

 ARTIST SERIES AND TRIBUTE SERIES MODELS

There are two models in the "Artist Series"; the F-5 Artist (F-5 A) and the F-5 Artist X Braced (F-5 AX), and two models in the "Tribute Series"; the tribute to Will's March 31, 1924 Fern Loar, the T-24, and the tribute to all of those mandolins out there that have ended up with names like Hoss and Crusher, the T-HC. Each different model is distinguished by subtle differences in tonal characteristics, and the way the instrument interacts with the player and feels under your hands.

These models are set apart from each other by the design of the instrument, our distinctive way of approaching the build of each specific model, the tonewoods, the voicing, the way the instrument interacts with the player and feels in their hands, and the sonic characteristics unique to each model and not by the level or intricacies of appointments such as binding and inlays.

 ARTIST SERIES INSTRUMENTS

 F-5 A AND A-5 A

The "VBD" Artist model is avaialable in both A style and F style configurations. This is our workhorse and the model that all of the four "VBD" models are based on.  The signature voice and response of these instruments is often described as dry, balanced, woody with a focused midrange, powerful, and "Loarish".  What stands out to us the most when we hear the F-5A mic'd on stage is how well it cuts and how incredibly dry its voice is.

Artist Model Specific Specs

 Artist Model Base Prices

F-5 A:  $9,850

A-5 A:  $5,650

Artist Model Specific Options

  • Carpathian top.................n/c
  • Hand graduated and tap tuned aged adirondack tone bar bracing
  • Well seasoned hand graduated and tap tuned premium eastern red maple back and sides

Jarrod Walker on an F-5A

Wienman F5-A / Lloyd Loar comparison with Daniel Ullom

David Benedict on an A-5A

 F-5 AX AND A-5 AX

The "VBD" Artist X Braced instruments are available in both F and A configurations.  The Artist X Braced models have a more modern sound, a different feel in your hands, add a little more low end, are a little more open right out of the gate, and offer the possibilities that come with Engelmann and Carpathian top woods.  If you are a guitar player and looking to get into playing mandolin, you might want to consider one of the X braced models: they are easy to play and have a quality voice. These models are just what you'd expect from a "VBD" X braced instrument.

Artist X Braced Model Specific Specs

  • Hand graduated and tap tuned aged adirondack X bracing
  • Well seasoned hand graduated and tap tuned premium eastern red maple back and sides

Artist X Braced Model Base Prices

F-5 AX:  $9,850

A-5 AX:  $5,650

Artist X Braced Model Specific Options

  • Engelmann top.................n/c
  • Carpathian top.................n/c

photo coming soon!

Troy Daniel Boone on a VBD F-5 AX

 TRIBUTE SERIES INSTRUMENTS

 T-24

Our Tribute Series models are not physical copies of any specific instrument. Rather they are designed, built, and voiced to deliver the highly sought after sonic qualities of the instruments they are a tribute to.

  • Private stash specially selected limited supply aged adirondack top
  • Private stash hand selected and well aged red maple back and sides

T-24 Base Price:   $11,500

Jarrod Walker on a T-24

T-HC

The limited production Vintage By Design T-HC model is a Tribute to all those mandolins that end up with names like Hoss and Crusher.  We think the model name pretty much says it all.  If you need to walk out on stage in a rowdy 40,000 seat arena and keep up with a late 30s D-28 sharing one Ear Trumpet mic this just might be the instrument for you.  The T-HC is available in an F-5 configuration only.

T-HC Model Specific Specs

  • Private stash specially selected limited supply aged adirondack top
  • Private stash hand selected and well aged sugar maple back and sides

T-HC Base Price:   $11,500

Jarrod Walker on his T-HC

ORDERS

The limited production Vintage Dy Design T-24 model is a tribute to Will's rare March 21, 1924 Fern Loar.  There Were only a handful of these mandolins built, most estimates put the number at around 24.  Often regarded as the most refined and evolved incarnations of the f-5 model, many feel that this small group represents the apex on Lloyd Loar's deisgn and Gibson's build quality.  These intruments are prized for their rich and expressive tone while still maintaining that cherished Loar fidelity.  Our T-24 model has been described as warm, round, and lush, yet still sporting plenty of power when desired.  The T-24 is available in an F-5 configuration only.

T-24 Model Specific Specs

A Style Inlay Options