Full, airy, three-dimensional voice on this Lawrence Smart F5. Picking this one up, it's easy to see why his instruments have made their way into the hands of so many top-flight, pro players.

Just in, this sunburst Smart F5 that is sure to turn heads. With A models, two points, and other mandolin-family instruments having occupied our recent build slots, it has been a little while since our last scroll mandolin from the famed Idaho maker.

This mandolin came to us in trade, and is a great sounding example of Lawrence's work. Smart harvested the Engelmann spruce himself—not many luthiers doing that these days! That pairing with a highly figured, maple back and sides prove a particularly potent combination, offering a unique voice that is warm and round, open and airy, while maintaining plenty of definition. This is a very fun instrument to play, with an engaging depth and a springy buoyancy to single notes and chords alike.

Smart's in-house varnish finish offers a wonderful, handmade look that nicely complements his slightly modern take on the F5 design, while enhancing the overall responsiveness of the instrument. Playability is excellent, with a comfortable, fuller, super-soft-v neck carve, superb fret-work, and speed neck finish. Sharply dressed in tortoise binding offset by white/black purfling, with a very attractive, flared headstock design and fern inlay, the look is classy, and elegantly understated.

Includes Hoffee case.