Bowl backs

[John Bertotti]

Just looking for a source for some construction info, rib sizing, thickness, Etc... Any one know of a source or plans or even have some of this info. Thanks John
I guess the big question is how thick are the ribs in the back and are they graduated somehow or the same thickness the whole length. Thanks again John http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[vkioulaphides]

The short answer is: Yes, the ribs ARE graduated; the long (and far more complex ) question, however, is: Do you have a mold? What size/shape is it? Do you have the heating iron you will need?

And, of course, a personal curiosity: Are you building a bowlback from scratch? Commendable...

Best of luck with this project. Keep us informed.

Cheers!

Victor

[John Bertotti]

I want something different and something traditional. I have the wood to finish several Fs or As. I am into my first at the moment. I am also working on info gathering because I want to build a bowl. The main question was answered and I thank you. I now, of course, am curious about how they are graduated. I imagine I will be experimenting on a lot of backs when the time comes. I figure this is an additive hobby and since I don't know much it doesn't matter what I try it will all be a learning experience. I am also kicking around the thought of a scroll bowl with a carved top. Still don't have it worked out but trying to figure that out is part of the fun. I think I'll have to find a good bowl to buy but don't know what that will cost and money is a bit short at the moment. Any recommendations or comments are really appreciated about, bowls and costs if that's allowed, or my ideas. Thanks again John

[JeffS]

You might want to look around for plans/instructions on building a lute as they were around before the mandolin. Here is a link (http://www.crane.gr.jp/MakingLuteZero/004/CRANE_MANDORE_plan_A001.pdf) to a bowl backed mandore that I bookmarked a while ago. It is in Japanese but you can see the measurements and scale. It should give you a better idea on what you are looking for.

[John Bertotti]

Jeffs and Jacob, interesting links thanks. It will come in very handy. John

[grsnovi]

Materials will matter as well. My Vega has a beautiful back composed of rosewood separated by very thin strips of (probably) holly. The ribs are very thin (I think there are 35).

I did a repair on a much less ornate instrument that had very wide ribs of mahogony alternating with rosewood (they were the same width, but total there were probably only 8).