Dudenbostel F-5 "Dude #5"1998, Sunburst

This 1998 Dudenbostel F-5 #005 in Sunburst, known as “Dude #5,” was completed on July 9, 1998, and is one of Lynn Dudenbostel’s earliest F-5 mandolins. For many years, Dudenbostel #5 served as Chris Thile’s primary performance and recording instrument, accompanying him through countless concerts with Nickel Creek, Punch Brothers, as well as his solo performances and collaborative projects. It has appeared in major venues and festivals including Carnegie Hall, the Ryman Auditorium, Telluride Bluegrass Festival, MerleFest, and RockyGrass, along with nationally broadcast performances on A Prairie Home Companion, Austin City Limits, and numerous other radio and television appearances. Tonally, “Dude #5” is remarkable for its combination of warmth, projection, responsiveness, and complexity. It has impressive volume and projection while maintaining exceptional balance, with chords remaining clear and transparent even under an aggressive attack. At the same time, it responds instantly to a light touch, giving the player an incredible range of expression. Comes with a letter of provenance and a Calton hardshell case. A truly important piece of modern mandolin history with an extraordinary legacy and story.