Girouard A5 Studio Mandolin 2016

A hand-built boutique mandolin from one of the most talented builders on the mandolin circuit, and in beautiful condition too. The Girouard A5 Studio combines premium tonewoods with exceptional craftsmanship, and you'll hear it the moment you play the first note.

Max and Lauri Girouard build their instruments from Rhode Island, where they've been steadily building a name for themselves in the mandolin community for years. Their love of vintage mandolins and years of experimenting with shapes and tuning have built a reputation for crafting instruments with a lively, balanced voice. Girouard is primarily a custom shop, building instruments to order; a wait time of eighteen months is not uncommon. That such an instrument is available is a rare opportunity.

The A5 Studio is built around a spruce top and a flamed maple back and sides; a classic combination that delivers warmth in the low end and clarity in the high register. The flamed maple neck complements this seamlessly, while the ebony fingerboard and bridge deliver a tight, defined tone with plenty of articulation. The V-neck profile is comfortable to hold and perfectly complements the traditional playing feel you expect from an A-style mandolin. The sunburst finish, framed by ivoroid binding, completes the look.

The mandolin was built in 2016 in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and has only minor varnish marks on the back of the body. There are also a few minor scratches in the finish on the front of the headstock, but the mandolin is otherwise in very good condition. It comes with a TFOA passport and comes in a hardshell case.