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Ellis Mandolins Learn More +
Tom Ellis of Ellis Mandolins, builds one of a kind, hand made mandolins in Austin, Texas. With a master’s touch and an artist eye for detail, Tom uses his 35 years of experience in instrument building, to create heirloom quality works of art.He has spent a great deal of time studying every aspect of the mandolin. It has only been through this research, that he has been able to acquire the best materials and crafts people to help with the process.Ellis mandolins are built one-at-a-time. Furthermore, Tom personally does all the hand carving, graduating, neck shaping and final setup. In modern times, it could be done differently. However, Tom insists on quality that he can be proud of for generations to come.
Tom Ellis grew up near Houston and enjoyed woodworking in his teens – mostly building surfboards. He built his first mandolin in 1972, which began the course of his career as a luthier.
The unique voice of Ellis mandolins was praised by David Grisman in a February '81 Frets Magazine article where he identied Tom as one of the top 5 mandolin builders alive. Tom and his shop were soon soon featured in the April '86 issue of Frets Magazine during the build of Ricky Skaggs' second Ellis F-5. That mandolin was also featured in Fine Woodworking Design Book Four.
Every mandolin returns to Tom's bench for final setup and inspection before it begins its journey to a new home.
The resulting instruments are beautiful, wonderful sounding works of art, enjoyed and played by musicians around the world.
Austin, Texas
Steve Smith, CJ Lewandowksi, Billy Bright, Baron Collins-Hill
F5 Tradition, F5 Reserve, F5 Special, Twin Point Special, A5 Special, A5 Deluxe, A4 Special
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