Randy Wood F5 #1695 “Ace”
Randy Wood F-5 #1695 was custom made for Mandolin Central in 1995 to the specifications and design of Frank Greathouse, founding member of the New Deal String Band. This one-of-a-kind mandolin features red spruce top with black finish; curly maple back, sides and neck in traditional “Cremona” sunburst: Rubner silver-plated, mother-of-pearl button tuners; custom engraved tailpiece "The Greathouse"; RW logo in Mother-of-Pearl and flower-pot inlay in abalone in peghead; MOP "ace of spades" position markers in fingerboard; Red "Superior" fiberglass case. The fingerboard is Randy Wood's custom design ebony board: compound radius (7° at nut, 11° at 12th fret); 0.08 width frets; 1 1/8 at nut, 1 1/2 at 12th fret (measurements in inches) and extension to the 20th fret with scalloped end.
Alternations from original include Fishman bridge pickup, clamp-on 1/4 inch jack and analog Fishman pre-amp; finish removed from peghead overlay; pick scratches on top below fingerboard and minor wear on back; and heavily tarnished tailpiece cover. (originally silver plated, most of the silver has worn away). Set-up with low action, this mandolin is in very good playing condition and structurally sound.
This mandolin has a very strong sound consistent with the "woody" quality associated with a much-played Randy Wood mandolin. Frank Greathouse and the New Deal String Band were active as early as the mid-1960s and were known for expanding the range of Bluegrass by blending material from Rock music into Bluegrass settings. They were a fixture of the early Carlton Haney festivals as well as venues unknown to Bluegrass at that time, such as rock festivals and Fillmore East. In addition to his role in that band, Mr. Greathouse became known as a blues mandolin player. Randy Wood #1695 has been his main instrument since it was built in 1995 and has seen a great deal of use, on stage and in session. It was his wish to have the mandolin advertised as he had last used it, but on demand we could arrange for a restoration to original specs or to custom order.
1995 Randy Wood Custom F-5 "Ace" is now available to find a new home. $8500 includes all accessories and delivery.