NW Pony Express

In 1993, Robert Givens died.  The last remnant of his 30-year career was the number 675 written on the label inside his final mandolin.  A year later, a logger and former apprentice of Given's approached the heirs for permission to continue the work and purchased the jigs and select pieces of equipment to begin building mandolins under the name "Givens Legacy".   Thus begins the new era of the Weill mandolin, created in the precise and caring tradition of a the craftsman for which it's named. 

Of his mentor, Weill talks about the standards set years earlier.  Before he died, Givens raised the bar by turning out a series of especially powerful mandolins.  "They were atomic," Weill said.  "Nuclear.  They were so loud, they actually hurt your ears if you played them full volume.  I haven't built an atomic one yet, but mine are coming out very good." 

This absolutely beautiful "Givens Legacy" Mandolin was manufactured by Stephen Weill in Cocolalla, Idaho.  It is # 116 and is personally signed by the manufacturer.  It is in excellent condition but does show some minor signs of use.  It has a cedar top and the back, sides, and neck are sugar/maple.  The woods are specially selected from Pennsylvania.  It comes with a beautiful lined hard case.  Normally, a mandolin of this quality would sell for around $1900.00.