Jonathan Mclanahan Embraces the Loar of the Luthier

McClanahan Trinity Model F-5 Mandolin Photos by Jonathan McClanahan In a relatively short time, Jonathan McClanahan has earned a place amongst the highest reaches in modern bluegrass mandolin building. His Trinity and Loretto F-5 models aspire to the loftiest standards of tone, projection, playability, and build quality. Played by C.J. Lewandowski, Danny Roberts, Wayne Benson, Jesse Brock, and more pros and top amateurs, the McClanahan F-5 offers bluegrass mandolinists an instrument that takes on the vaunted Loar sound and design in a subtly modern way.  Mandolin playing has evolved radically since the mid-1920s when Kalamazoo turned out the world’s most advanced, utterly radical mandolin family instrument designs. That quantum leap in design, sound, and playability is to many modern luthiers what the Lost Dutchman Mine is to treasure hunters.  For McClanahan, like so many contemporary luthiers, the challenge is to impart his own style and personal flair on the Master M