In the mandolin world, the name "Nugget" is synonymous with the utmost level of quality. Every "Nugget" mandolin is built entirely by master luthier Mike Kemnitzer, and every effort is taken to assure that each aspect of the instrument is of the highest quality. The mandolins speak for themselves! Each Nugget is an inspiring instrument with its own unique character, more than capable of pushing your playing lightyears ahead.
The Nugget design is steeped in tradition. Over the years, Mike has had the great fortunate to study, repair, and learn from Loar-signed mandolins of the 1920s. These iconic instruments are a tremendous inspiration, and Mike seeks to capture some of their spirit and character in each of his mandolins.
From there, Nugget has a reputation for only using the finest aged tonewoods. No matter what you're building, the surest way to positive results is to start with the right materials, and Mike takes great pride in his wood selection. Over the years, he has amassed quite the collection of Spruce and Maple, and he only uses old, properly-seasoned wood that is exceptionally resonant and holds up to his exacting standards.
Perhaps the greatest strength of Nugget mandolins is the meticulous care Mike puts into tuning the top and back plates. His goal is to maximize the tone quality, responsiveness, and balance. What he's able to achieve is extremely impressive. Every Nuggets rings clear and true all the way down the fingerboard, and each note blooms with complexity and musicality. These are serious mandolins for serious players.
The Nugget A is essentially an F5 without the points and curl. The delicate arch and gradation of the top and back—as well as the f-hole placement and scale length—are identical to an F-5. The result is tone that sweet and round but still projects and cuts like an F-style.
While Nuggets sound fantastic when they're brand new, mandolins do need time to break in, mature, and reach their full sonic potential. Because of that, many Nuggets are still on their way, but this 1985 Nugget A (#98) sounds like it has fully opened up. It has the character and subtlety of a treasured heirloom mandolin.
In the mid-'80s, Nugget was building prize mandolins for the National Mandolin Championship in Winfield, Kansas. This Nugget A matches the specs of those prize-winner mandolins, which had the interesting combination of Brazilian Rosewood fingerboards and Ebony bridges. This mandolin shows an exceptionally high level of craftsmanship, and its balanced, refined tone is a testament to Nugget's reputation.
This 1985 Nugget A shows some honest playwear, and it appears to have been played extensively without a pickguard. It was recently refretted by Nugget, and Mike also added a new Ebony pickguard that matches the design he adopted a few years after this one was built. There is also a filled screw hole on the side from where the original, older-design pickguard was attached. Used Nuggets are hard to find, and good luck trying to secure an order on Mike's extensive waiting list. Whoever ends up with this mandolin in their hands will be glad they did. Hardshell case included.