kit options

[Kyle Baker]

I hope to build my own instrument in the not too far off future. I play Irish bouzouki, but I'm looking into kit's for either bouzouki's or octave mandolins.
I know music maker makes a bouzouki kit, but I think it uses laminated woods... I'd like to find one that uses solid wood.
I remember seeing a nice OM kit from the member "Luthier" , on this forum that used really nice woods like walnut back and sides but those are about the only ones I can think of. If anyone knows of any other kits, I'd love to hear about them.

I was considering doing one from scratch, but a kit would probably be a good way to start out.

Thanks

[JEStanek]

Luthier is Don Kawalek (http://www.donkawalek.com/)and more can be learned on his web page. All solid woods in his kits.

Jamie

[Andy Miller]

I'll second that plug for Don Kawalek. I built his Mill Creek octave mando kit a couple years ago, it was a nice kit - good materials, parts, instructions and plans, well worth the price. I've since built two more starting from scratch (one pictured here), using his plans.

I believe he still sells the kits, they're 20.379" scale length. Give Don a call!

Andy Miller

[otterly2k]

I built one of Don's in a workshop with him... it's a nice instrument and the quality of the kit is great... and Don is very helpful. He has changed his design a bit to a more rounded body shape. I've played one... definitely worth it.

[Kyle Baker]

I just received the Bouzouki book by Graham McDonald for Christmas :) Maybe I'll be trying one from scratch with the plans from the book. A good project to plan for!
Merry Christmas everyone!

[IanB]

And I'll also plug Don Kawalek. I built one of the new model Octave Mandos as my first ever attempt at building - a couple of snaps taken today are attached.

At some point I'd like to build another now that I am a little more confident in what I am doing but for the present I am really happy with the end result

Ian

[alanz]

Ian,

Thanks for posting the photos of the OM. I'm trying to swing the time to take Don's workshop this year, and yours is just what I'd hope to come home with. Is that the natural wood color (and if so, what is the wood), or did you stain it?

[IanB]

Ian,

Thanks for posting the photos of the OM. I'm trying to swing the time to take Don's workshop this year, and yours is just what I'd hope to come home with. Is that the natural wood color (and if so, what is the wood), or did you stain it?

Hi Alan. Back and sides are American Walnut and the soundboard is Redwood. I didn't stain it - I sealed it with a couple of coats of shellac then several coats of Danish Oil, sanding between coats.

I'd quite like to do one of Don's workshops too but there is the small matter of the Atlantic Ocean gets in the way....!

[Kyle Baker]

And I'll also plug Don Kawalek. I built one of the new model Octave Mandos as my first ever attempt at building - a couple of snaps taken today are attached.

At some point I'd like to build another now that I am a little more confident in what I am doing but for the present I am really happy with the end result

Ian

Great pics! Thats a nice looking unit. I like how he changed to more of a tear drop style. Very nice!
The other thing I've noticed about Don's kits are that they are made from really nice quality woods. Probably well worth the money.
If I do go for a kit, that's the one I'd do.

[otterly2k]

Kyle.... if you can swing the workshop, do it! I built my first instrument with Don and had a really great experience. You're right... he does provide very good quality woods with his kits. And he is a good and patient teacher. I have raved about my experience in his workshop in previous threads and will just echo it again here.
KE

[MikeEdgerton]

Hey Karen, it's good to see you here.

[otterly2k]

Thanks, Mike...
It's been a rough year or so in my work and personal life. I hope to be back here more often, soon. Still getting used to the new board format!

[MikeEdgerton]

Thanks, Mike...
It's been a rough year or so in my work and personal life. I hope to be back here more often, soon. Still getting used to the new board format!

So are the rest of us :)

I hope everything gets better for you in the new year.

[Luthier]

What a wonderful looking instrument, Ian!!!! You did great.
Don

[Kyle Baker]

Kyle.... if you can swing the workshop, do it! I built my first instrument with Don and had a really great experience. You're right... he does provide very good quality woods with his kits. And he is a good and patient teacher. I have raved about my experience in his workshop in previous threads and will just echo it again here.
KE



Unfortunately I wouldn't be able to swing the workshop as I live in Ontario Canada.
Wish I could though!

[Geno]

I just finished one of Don Kawalek's OM kits, without the benefit of attending a workshop. My only previous experience was building a Stew-Mac A5 kit about 25 years ago. This project was challenging but tremendously rewarding. The kit was first class and Don was a pleasure to deal with. I decided to use Tru-Oil for the finish, and I was quite happy with the results. I think I could do alot better next time, if I don't wait 25 more years.

[newf playing a mando]

would love to try and build a nice octave for myself. those ones that everyone built are very nice. good job.

[Luthier]

You did a beautiful job!!!!
Don