Age of builders

[Dale Ludewig]

There's been a thread going on in the general mando discussion area for a few days with huge response about how old to people on the cafe are. It appears there's a lot leaning over the 50 year fence. Or getting very close to it.

So I said I'd ask the question here. If I'm not getting too personal, which I doubt I am. How old are we who attempt to make a mandolin, especially as part if not all of our living wage doing it?

Me first- 55. 56 in October. Built about 35 instruments in the late 70's. Then did furniture and such for the duration until about 5-6 years ago and then the mando thing bit me again. Now it's about 50% of my time. I'll be glad when it's all I do.

[labraid]

Well, I'd been chatting with friends about how it'd feel about being a big round 28 years old, just the night before a nice Sunday conversation with MikeB. I was all in a big-boy (:D) 28-year-old mood, which is why when he asked me, I blurted out 28 by accident. When he erupted into a wild frenzy, I dared not speak the truth, but only 27 Summers have I seen.
It all started out as a young boy collecting wood shards on the beach to one day build a large sailing vessel, which, loosely quoting Robin Williamson, "eventually, never got built."

[MikeB]

Hey, I erupted in a frenzy because you SEEM so old, Brian!! (Actually, it was because I was amazed that anyone 28 (or 38!) years old could do what you do!) http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[mando_pete]

Dale,

I'm not a luthier by any means. I'm just attempting my first A4, but if it counts, I'm 40.

-- pete

[Dale Ludewig]

Pete- it all counts. I think this discussion will interest a lot of people. Not just those who make it all or part of their living. I wish I would have phrased it that way when I first posted. Because I think it will be of great interest to those, like you, who are just starting their first, at whatever age. I think it's wonderful for anyone of any age to "do it". Build an instrument. It's magic to string that box up and hear what it sounds like. Whether you start from scratch or a kit. Anyone who's done it in any fashion knows- magic. Then........maybe you do it again. And again... Oh, maybe a few more.? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[sunburst]

Dale, I found Mike's old thread (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=7;t=25567;hl=age+luthier) about builders' age. I recon luthiers are a little more vain than the rest of the mando public. It didn't get very far. I'm surprised how many people have responded to the other age thread.
Oh, and I'm 49.

[Michael Lewis]

61 this year. I'll be doing this until I don't want to any more. There is probably enough tonewood in my shop to keep me busy for about that long. Life is good.

[Stephanie Reiser]

Well, they say that women shouldnt reveal their age, or at least a lady doesnt. But I dont care. I guess I am not stereotypical. I just celebrated the 15th aniversary of my 39th birthday (54). I almost responded to the other thread, but feel more comfortable here. Building stringed instruments - now mostly mandolins - has been a great way to relax. The mando-building has 'taken off' more so than I had ever expected. I built my first instrument back in highschool shop class. When the guys were building shelves, I received an A for creating my version of a banjo. College was spent studying Early American Industrial Arts which had given me an appreciation for fine handwork. Then I switched majors to English with an emphasis on creative writing. Afterwards, in the spare bedroom of an apartment, I built a classical guitar. Then it was on to dreadnaught guitars. Nowadays I have so fallen in love with the F-model mandolin's shape, and also its tone.

[french guy]

51 years old next 20 of october , please take note and don't forget to wish me a happy birthday ( hahaha ).

[Antlurz]

Spoze I'd be called a hobbiest, as I'm only working on my third one. Even if I start full time, I'm 63, so probably wouldn't/won't get many done, but I've begun working at it.

.......and having lotsa fun.

The nice part is, I have more than enough tools already to build about any musical instrument/furniture/house of about any sort you could name from previous projects. That's a huge plus.

Ron

[Jim Hilburn]

I'll be 55 next week and my first mandolin is 25.

[Stanley Cox]

I turned 70 in May.
A wanna be builder.
Stanley http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif

Happy Birthday Jim H.

[Steve Stahl]

I just turned 55 on 05-05-05.

[Rob Grant]

Might have to cut a leg off and count the rings!<g>

Fifty-six.

[Arlen]

Future builder / talkative wannabe.

Just shy of 43, unfortunately so is my belt.

[Bill Snyder]

I certainly would not call myself a luthier (I have finished three instruments and started three others), but I would like to be. I am 42.

[Mario Proulx]

I'm 39, but for the first few hours of the day, I feel, and walk, like I was 103....

Rough childhood....:(

[BadeInBulverde]

I would call myself an enthusiastic hobbiest ... hardly a luthier ... I turned 53 7/22/05 ... 4 acoustic guitars, 5 electric guitars and an A5 under my buldging belt.

Bade

[superc_1]

I WISH I HAD NOT WAITED TIL I WAS 45 TO BUILD MY FIRST ONE ABOUT ONE YEAR AGO. THERE WAS AN OLD MAN IN TOWN WHO LIVED DOWN THE STREET WHO WANTED TO TEACH ME TO MAKE VOLINS AT THE OLD AGE OF 17, BUT BEING 17 I WASN'T REAL SMART AND THE PROBLEM WITH THAT IS THE OLDER I GET THE LESS I KNOW. I'M PRACTICING NOW FOR WHEN I RETIRE AND I HOPE THAT IS SOONER THAN LATER.

[Frank Ford]

61 & counting. . .

[austin]

38, been building 2 years and am working on #'s 12 and 13! I certainly don't make a living at it, but pocket money is pocket money these days.... I don't know why, but I love building instruments, so I think this is more of an avocation than a hobby. #Now, the question is, why after this many mandos, (I have built some violins too..) why do I still not have one for me!!! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif
-Austin

[bryce]

I guess I ain't so old after all. I'm 45, been building instruments (mostly banjos) since 1995. I left the builder I used to work for in May of 2004. I'm doing mostly mandolins now. Only 18 so far,but loving it. Bryce

[Stephanie Reiser]

#Now, the question is, why after this many mandos do I still not have one for me!!! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif
-Austin
Austin, in my case it's because I cannot afford them! When I reach the end of my people-who-wants-one list, then maybe I will build myself one. But look at it this way: when we finally get around to building ourselves one, think of how much more skilled we wll have become. Or at least in my case.

[sunburst]

when we finally get around to building ourselves one, think of how much more skilled we wll have become. Or at least in my case.
Come on Stephanie, how old are ya?

Your statement applies to all of us. I can see that I'll keep improving until advanced old age or injury keeps me from being able to do as well. I have an old mandolin that I built for myself years ago. It has problems, and I wouldn't sell it to anyone, but if I built myself one now, it would be only a matter of time before I could build myself a better one.

Go ahead and build yourself a mandolin, and sell it later and build yourself another.

If Columbus had waited for better ships instead of going out in that little boat... well, who knows.

[arbarnhart]

I just turned 55 on 05-05-05.

I heard a story about a guy who turned that age on that day; maybe it was you? When got off work he went to the track. He got a great parking spot - space 5 in row 5 opened up when he came in. He got inside at 5:55, just 5 minutes before the 5th race started. He made it to window 5 just in time to bet all his money on the number 5 horse. He came in 5th...

Anyway, #I am 46. I don't know if I can be called a builder yet; I have built a couple of string instruments from scratch successfully, but neither is a mando. I almost completed an octave mando, but set it aside after the top caved to think about the best option for salvage. I will be starting an F soon.

Here is my best effort to date:

http://home.nc.rr.com/abhobby/images/butterfly-strum.JPG

[Ron C]

I'm 68 and the first mando I ever built is 14 yrs. old this last Spring.... #Michael says "life is good" #an understatement for sure Mike # # #Ron C

[RJinRI]

'have just recently started #1 at 57..one is never too old to learn new tricks !

[Mark Franzke]

OK, you talked me into it. I am turning 50 in Oct, and have done some instrument work, but never built a complete mando. I was thinking it is too late to start, because I could be 70 by the time I finally "get it." Maybe I'll take the plunge.

[Dale Ludewig]

Here's a funny idea, just a mental exercise, especially because of the turnout for the last thread to deal with this idea. Go back to the first post and pretend we're all whispering. Quietly in a small room where we all happen to be at the moment, and anyone can walk in..........maybe the room is dimly lit by a beautiful sunset and we've all had a glass of wine.......... Sorry- just a thought! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[JEStanek]

I am 36. I will build my first one (IV kit) this fall. I plan on changing the binding, and maybe getting some inlay or relief carving in the headstock.

Jamie

[Gavin Baird]

Well, well, It's great to see that there some of the builders that are my at least close to my age of "70". Best regards to all, young and older...Gavin

[Stephanie Reiser]

Come on Stephanie, how old are ya?

go ahead and build yourself a mandolin, and sell it later and build yourself another.
Well, I do have this billet of Red Spruce on the shelf that I have been saving for that 'special' mandolin. Maybe, if I build two at once, I could do it. So far I've been playing 'ol number one, with the bowed neck and all. I cant let that one go.

Just turned 54.

[dstretch]

I am 38, built #1 in February and started #2 about 3 weeks ago. Plan to retire from the army in 6 years and build Mandolins full time for the fun of it.

[labraid]

Hey that's what we need lots more of, army servicemen across the world laying down their bayonets and picking up chisels, this could be a solution. (psst..they still use bayonets, don't they? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Chris Burt]

54. Studied violin making with a French maker for two years at 20. Kept studying until I was 35, building violins (baroque and modern), violas, a cello, viols d'amore, viols da gamba and a standup electric bass called the Oregon Bass. Along the way I repaired almost everything with strings on it. At that point, my computer interests got out of hand, but now I'm luthing again. All the mandolins I wanted to buy were way expensive and this voice in my head said, "Hell, I can build one of those." First one was very encouraging and now I can't stop. Life IS good.

Chris

[Ken]

55 - Started building dulcimers in 1976, mandolins in 1980, got away from it for a while in the 90's, back to it now but slowly.
Ken

[Gavin Baird]

How about pictures of the young and older!..Gavin

[Gavin Baird]

How about pictures of the young and older!..Gavin

[M. Montgomery]

43, My first mandolin is 19 years old and I gave it to my oldest daughter so I do not own one of my mandolins. I am working on 12 and 13 and plan on keeping number 20. So how old will I be when I own one of my own mandolins.

[peter.coombe]

Fell over the 50 fence in October last year. Been making mandolins since 1993. Celebrated #100 this year, currently working on #102. #101 I liked so much I kept it. Started woodworking at the age of 13 and made all sorts of things, furniture, boxes, model boats, Hi Fi loudspeakers, but always wanted to make a musical instrument. Started making a mandolin in 1993 because I thought it was a reasonably simple instrument to make. Boy was I wrong. Still learning how to make em sound better 12 years later, and will still be learning the same thing in 12 years time. I just wish it was the only thing I do.

[Dale Ludewig]

Gavin, you barely look 30. Cheers! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[chipotle]

wow, i guess I am on the young side.....I just took up the mandolin 2 years ago at age 45. Just started my first crack at buiding with the great IV kit. I have reasonable woodworking skills but my experience is cabinet style not instrument building.

I don't have high hopes for my first attempt and while I don't have the critical ear of most here I hope mine will sound well to me. If not, well maybe a keepsake for my daughter who really can play.

Thanks all for all of your support and input, you have no idea how much I have learned here.

[testore]

38, I've been building violins,violas,cellos and mandos for 20 years now. Still love every minute of it.

[Ellie]

I'm older than mud
but younger than dirt
addicted to sawdust
I carve till it hurts
no maven of wood shavin'
just mandolin misbehavin'.

[Mandopickr]

I'm 44 goin on 15...least that's what my wife says. I am finishing #5, and starting a fiddle. I Built a banjo in high school, about the same time I started playing bluegrass. Then I borrowed a book from a library "Country Instruments, Makin your own", from a certain inlay supply person,(Andy DePaule) and ended up buying it from the library....well....from a collection agency acting in behalf of the library...but that is a different story. I really couldn't find that book...Really.

My wife recently asked me how many mandolins I need, I told her,All of them.

[oldwave maker]

56, working on #s 370-384, same as the beginning of stradivari's golden period, I'll quit just as soon as I find steady work as a sex object.....

[Ragamuffin]

OK...why not! The Ragman mandolin was born last year, the year in which I celebrated my 50th birthday, from a Stew-Mac A kit. Since then two more Ragman A's have been completed from scratch, plus tons of errant parts and kindling. I am clearly hooked and in for the long haul. I've been woodworking, mostly furniture, since Jr. High, and don't know why it took me so long to give instrument making a try. Oh yeah, being a lefty, my bent is lefty mandolin's. My next one will be an F5. Glad to know I'm in good middle aged company!

Steve Ragsdale
aka Ragman

[mandowoulfe]

Not yet a builder; I will be starting a Stew-Mac F kit this fall with my dear ole Dad. I'm 32, and the "brains" of the project.(I have spent about 5 months lurking here absorbing everything I can, and reading the Smirnoff book over and over) Dad is 51, and the "brawn". He has 30+ yrs. woodworking experience. Thanks to all of you for your open, sharing attitude to us newbies!!!

[Chris Burt]

My wife snapped this while I was playing in the NEFFA Festival Orchestra last April.

[mandoman15]

phishphan was sixteen when he built his first...sorry baron

[mando_pete]

Gavin,

The A4 you are holding in that picture is absolutely gorgeous.

-- pete

[Luthier]

age....51.........shall I digress???
hair color....bald
eyes....hazel
shoe size....(this will kill ya...7 1/2)
favorite color....building instruments

Don

[PaulD]

I hadn't read this thread until today... I don't know why. I'm not a luthier... just a lowly woodworking, mando-playing, computer geek... and builder wannabe. I'm 44 this year; same as Mark O'Connor but he's a helluva lot more talented than me!

As a geek I thought it appropriate that I compile the following statistics based on the responses to this thread. I did a quick skim back through so I might have grabbed the wrong number in cases where folks wrote things like "built my first two years ago at age 10", but it should be close.

Average Age: 49.37
Median Age: 50
Max: 70
Min: 27

Since there are many first timers and I'm below the average, I guess I'm not too late to start yet. Still... I'm chomping at the bit. I've got the tools, I've got the material, I've got books and been reading for years... now if I can only carve out the time. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif Oh well... Life IS good!
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[Gail Hester]

I just turned 47 and have been building and repairing for several years. I have a new batch of mandolins almost finished including an H5 style mandola and hope to post some pictures soon.