You know this tone. We all love this tone. Built during the same, early period as the Dudenbostels owned by Chris Thile, the rich sonic character and ample dynamic range of this mandolin is undeniable.

Given the formidable challenge of learning to build an F5 mandolin, it is reasonable to assume it would take a builder many years, and many attempts, to achieve even a modest result. Yet a few of our favorite, celebrated luthiers of this current, golden age just absolutely nailed it right out of the gate, as evidenced by the modern mando luminaries who have owned and recorded on early serial numbers from those masters.

So it goes for this, Dudenbostel's serial #008, which falls in the middle of the early run bookended by Chris Thile's #005 and his previously owned #014. As you have by now surmised, holy smokes is this good! It has that beautifully dialed in balance we have experienced in other Dudenbostels, yet this one has its own, super appealing personality, with uncanny pop and chime. Remarkably, it sounds equally wonderful whether played lightly or driven hard. Suffice to say, you would be hard-pressed to find anything quite like this F5 with the same dynamic range and tonal capability, let alone from this vintage.