Episode 4: Cedar Mountain Mandolin

November 15, 2024

Gary Lewandowski of Cedar Mountain Mandolin

A Meticulously Made Mandolin

📍 Renton, Washington

Cedar Mountain Mandolin's Website: https://cedarmtm.com/ 

Thoughts and Reflections

When I first was looking into Gary's instruments via his website, many of the curiosities I have about any particular instrument maker and their instruments were enthusiastically detailed on his website. 

It passionately explained his story, his instruments, and what made them special. It was clear that I had to visit him, and that he would be a joy to talk to. Boy was I right! He had boundless energy as he proudly showed his work and instruments. The visit was nearly 4 hours long and probably could've gone longer if given the chance. 

Coincidentally, my good friend Josh Mastel was going to be in town. He was a classmate of mine when we were both composition majors at The New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, and we were roommates for a bit too! We are very much alike that we are both fascinated in the same types of craftsmanship and multi-instrumentalism. Besides being a phenominal composer, he also is a great musician of mandolin, guitar, violin, saxophone, and piano. He almost nearly couldn't make it, but the stars aligned and brough so much insight to this visit. I knew very little about mandolin and mandolin-making, so he was able to be excited on my behalf about more of the terminology and jargon that Gary was talking about. He would also be a the person who would test-play the instrument to confirm it's superior craftswork. I also play, as you can see from the video, but nowhere nearly as well. 

Having Josh there definitely lessened any guilt I had about being such a novice visiting such a superb individual. 

Gary made us both feel welcomed and had so much heart and passion about his instrument.