View Full Version : Strange carved top maybe a defect?
futrconslr
May-05-2004, 6:01pm
I have a mandolin that when you hold it top up at eye level, the "crown" of the top is back toward the tail piece. Also, it feels like it may be a little on the thick side. It sounds pretty good but I am thinking that if the top were a little thinner and/or crowned in the middle of the top like (I think) it s supposed to be then it would sound better. Any thoughts?
troika
May-05-2004, 6:16pm
What Make is your mandolin?
Alot of mandolin tops have arches higher back towards the bridge. Not a problem
Chris Baird
May-05-2004, 9:04pm
Many mandolins have the high point of the arch right under the bridge area without string tension then with tension that part of the arch sinks and the area behind it seems to be the high spot. As far as thickness goes it is impossible to say whether it will sound better any thinner; probably not. Just looking at the thickness around the f-holes doesn't give much info as to the overall thickness of the top.
John Zimm
May-06-2004, 7:44am
My Mk Firefly Flame seems to have the same sort of construction-the belly rises after the point where the bridge is set. Sounds great to me, and I have heard of this before so it should be normal if you have an MK.
-John.
futrconslr
May-06-2004, 5:18pm
Nah, the top is carved definately too thick. I had a guy who knows alot more about these things than me look at it. He thought it was a little fat. He is also the one who remarked that the bulge was back on the top. He thought it was how it had been carved. It does look strange and it doesnt sound bad. I am just wondering if it could sound better! lol I guess I am being a little greedy. Its not a MK. I still have my MK though. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blues.gif