Cedar Mountain Artists
Recent Clients & Their Instruments
CJ Lewandowski (F5 Artist model mandolin, A5 mandolin)
- The Po' Ramblin' Boys
Formed ten years ago in the Smoky Mountains in 2014, The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys are at once exactly what you would expect and not at all what you would expect from a tattooed East Tennessee Bluegrass outfit. But they take pride in being ambassadors of their genre, and the group has brought their music from rural bluegrass festival stages to the rock clubs of Europe, with stunning results.
Eli West (Octave Mandolin, Rincon L5 Guitar)
As both a noted arranger, songwriter, performer, and composer, Eli West has been crafting a Northwest-centric roots music aesthetic through collaborations with Andrew Marlin (Mandolin Orange) on mandolin, Christian Sedelmeyer (Jerry Douglas) on fiddle, himself on mandolin, guitar, and banjo, and Clint Mullican (Mandolin Orange) on bass in addition to earlier collaborations with Cahalen Morrison and John Reischman, and recordings with Bill Frisell and Dori Freeman.
Don Julin (Octave Mandolin)
Don Julin, the author of the best-selling “Mandolin For Dummies” (Wiley 2012) and creator of Mandolins Heal The World (online mandolin school), has developed a reputation for being one of the most eclectic mandolin players/teachers on the scene today. Don has released over 20 CDs of original music and played on countless others. His original compositions appear in many network and cable television programs. Recent clients include HBO, NBC, Showtime, Bravo, National Geographic Explorer, and more. His 2024 release, Fractured Fiddle Tunes, is a collection of re-imagined traditional fiddle tunes.
Dave McMeekin (Custom F5 Mandolin)
– The Timber Rattlers
The Timber Rattlers are an energetic bluegrass band from Missoula, MT. They pull inspiration from their traditional roots but continue to push their boundaries in the realm of acoustic music.
Patrick Otto (Octave Mandolin)
Multi-instrumentalist, Pat Otto, was born and raised in the Chicagoland area. In true folk tradition, Otto has been influenced by his life experiences while also staying true to the roots of American music – creating an authentic and original voice on the acoustic music scene.
Known for his wide ranging collaborations – from Chicago blues clubs and bluegrass festivals to packed concert halls, choirs, and street performances – Otto has crossed into most major American music genres. He is a versatile musician who is known for his thoughtful arrangements, fiery mandolin solos, and improvisational chops.
Bob Phillips (Mandola, A5, F5, Octave Mandolins)
Pedagogue, composer, and teacher trainer, Bob is an expert in the use of large group pedagogy and alternative styles. He has presented clinics throughout the world and is a prolific author and composer, with over 200 pieces published for orchestras and bands as well as authoring 25 method book series. He is an award-winning ASCAP composer, and has a broad conducting resume including youth and all-state orchestras, and serves as resident conductor for the Wintergrass Festival in Seattle. He has served as president of the American String Teachers Association and, in 2013 Bob was inducted into the University of Michigan School of Music Hall of Fame. Currently he performs with the Michigan Mandolin Orchestra, a bluegrass duo, the Bass Brothers, and a Celtic trio, the Langford Lads.
The Wiretappers
– (F5 Mandolin, Octave Mandolin, Rincon L5 Guitar)
The Wiretappers are an acoustic string band from the Seattle area, playing a mix of Juke Joint music, Western Swing, classic country, dancehall honky-tonk, and hillybilly jazz, with a bit of bluegrass, jazz standards, gypsy, and funky folk mixed in. Our sound is groove-oriented and perfect for getting dancers out on the floor, with great instrumentals, lead vocals and lots of harmony singing. 3 of the 4 members (Jake Weber, Dave Smith, Mark Snyder) play Lewandowski\Cedar Mountain Mandolin instruments.
Josiah Nelson (Octave Mandolin)
– Mountain Grass Unit
Josiah Nelson is a multi-instrumentalist living in Bristol, TN. He splits his time between teaching in the Bluegrass, Old-Time and Roots music program at ETSU and touring with his band Mountain Grass Unit.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’ve seen enough and are ready to take the leap towards your very own custom instrument, the process begins with getting in touch with us!