Brad Van Loenen, Luthier

While cutting Engelmann Spruce for a log home he was building in Dolores County, Brad's father would comment to him, "There are 2,000 violin bellies in that tree!" This fine source of Southwestern Colorado high-elevation Engelmann Spruce was the inspiration to begin building mandolins. Brad's father, Rich, continues to be the Main Spruce Hunter and Tool Modification Expert, and prepares the rough stock from which the mandolins are built.

Brad began building mandolins in 2002, in a workshop at the top of an old, woodstove-heated barn. No CNC or computer-aided tools are used. Brad is a self-taught Luthier who realized immediately that only experience and being in a constant state of evolution would produce the highest-quality instruments.

Brad earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Music Performance at the University of Colorado at Denver, and has played bass professionally for over twenty years. He discovered a love for the mandolin in 1991.

Sweet Feedback

I had the opportunity to play several very nice mandolins over the past couple of months and I am proud to say that I wouldnÕt trade my Turkey Creek #57 for any of them! The rich, full tone that came out of mine right after it was finished sounded far better than ones that had been around for years. It's a pleasure to play such a fine instrument.

Joshua Boyle
The Way Low Down

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