Brian Dean has been quietly building mandolins for some of the finest talents in mandolin today. His philosophy is simple: "don't complicate it". Each mandolin is brought to life from the rawest of lumber and metals, shaped unhurredly by hand tools, and tuned to resonant golden standards by ear and tuning fork.

Aged woods, natural adhesives, unrefined shellacs, and aromatic resins come together in musical instruments that sing with grace, power, and ease. Each instrument takes slightly over two months to complete -- "there is no hurry". Approximately eight instruments per year are handcrafted in Brian's antiquarian, roof-top atelier.

Brian holds a Bachelor's degree in Wood Science from Virginia Polytechnic, 2000, cum laude. His passions include gardening, early analog recordings, and Renaissance and Baroque vocal and chamber music.