Recieved wood today

[Nihilist37]

Start work on my first mando next week. Got a good deal on some wood, Engleman for the top and tas black for the back. As I mentioned before it will be a selmer gypsy style.

The plate thickness is just shy of 3mm. Dimensions are still not completely decided on. Body will be about 250mm wide X 330mm long, ~ 2" deep. Neck: scale length is 14.125", nut width 1 3/16", 12th fret 1.56", 15 fret join. Thankfully the neck is almost done so I will have time to work on the bending and gluing, eeek! I'm looking foward to it though. Still not completly sure on the bracing. Either the H style that G. McD posted in the other thread or the more popular X brace.

The wood was quite cheap so I'm too worried about the lack of brilliant figure, and well It's my first so I don't want to put too much money into it.

[Michael Lewis]

Allow me to suggest that you first make a full scale drawing of the front view and side view. Put EVERYTHING in it. Strings, nut, frets, bridge, machines, EVERYTHING. That will give you something to refer to during the construction process, and allow you to see any conflicting parts or design features. I have been making instruments for many years and still refer to my drawings, it is that important.

[mrdot]

Hi, I have started my first mandolin and was wondering what thickness to make the flat top ( western red cedar), and back (blackwood).
Thanks Bill Plant