Plans?

[Igor The Cat]

could somebody recommend some plans for a mid-mo type mando?

Thanks http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Michael Lewis]

Contact LUTHIER (Don Kawalek) for this. He has plans, kits, materials, and lots of helpful enthusiasm.

[Luthier]

Thanks Michael. I am looking over the final prints for the OM plans and will have them ready very soon. I will more than likely place them in the classified section. The standard mandolin plans with the induced arch X bracing will be out shortly after that. I got behind a little. They were supposed to be out last March but time being the commodity that is is....well say no more, nudge nudge, know what I mean??
There are about 14 pages, full size, and plenty of design alternatives to choose from. I believe in self expression and indiviual interpretation. Hang tight. They will be here soon.

Don

[thistle3585]

When is the video coming out?http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Luthier]

Boy, Andrew. You got me on that one. That is something I had not even thought about. I might have to give that some serious consideration. I have been repairing and building and teaching and just never gave it a thought but I do think that is a great idea.

Don

[sunburst]

Don,

If you decide to do a video, I know a pro videographer here in VA who is also a picker.

[Bill Snyder]

I don't know how good the plans are but John Troughton's The Mandolin Manual (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1861264968/002-1150434-4834425?v=glance) is supposed to have plans in it and these are for flat top mandolins similar to Mid-Mo's. Although if Mr. Kawalek is going to have his plans available soon there might be benefit in waiting for his as he seems to be very helpful here on the cafe and apparently via email for those that have purchased from him.

[wtaylor]

Troughton's book looks quite good. There are scaled plans for one each flat-top mandolin, mandola and octave mandolin, with detailed measurements and construction details. Overall shape similar to the Mid-Missouri instruments.

btw, a plug of support for flat-tops - I play a custom Mid-Missouri mandolin (koa back/sides, adirondac spruce face), I chose it over a gorgeous Breedlove oval-hole A-style for nicer tone and saved a bundle at the same time (no put-down of the Breedlove, a gorgeous instrument itself, just the Mid-Mo was even nicer to my ear). My son plays a Mid-Missouri octave mandolin (rosewood/spruce), another truly great instrument. I do celtic/old-timey, he does celtic/punk, so at least we overlap a bit ;^) .

[Igor The Cat]

thanks guys!! ive looked at ttruoghton's book its deffenitly on my wishlist, i would love to get some plans from you,don!(i really like the shape of the om!)

[Luthier]

...They are being worked on and will be out soon. I think people will really like them. They have a great format, are pretty clear cut and easy to read. I will be able to clarify anything that may seem cloudy just as I do with my kits.
When I first started building, I too wanted to start from scratch and since I had an extensive wood facility at my fingertips, there were many hurdles that were easy to jump over. I truly understand the "from scratch" builders. There is so much involved when you go that route to do it correctly. Hence the kits evolved and I am pleased at where they are now. I would just like to add that solid wood makes all the difference in the world in the final product's sound. Be aware of laminated wood. If you are going to build, use quality materials.

Don

[Steph]

Don on video!!!
Love to be there when they filmed that - I'd envision a Tarantino type of thing with all sort of surreal things going on around the shop - Niles wandering around in Finnish National costume doing his martial arts moves whilst playing polskas left handed. And then Don grabs the fret file out of my hands in exasperation....
No wait, that already happened for real

Seriously Don - a video would be great;-)

[Luthier]

OK Steph. #You can hold the story board and cue cards for me?

Don

[John Zimm]

I'm picturing somebody holding cue cards and tossing them randomly as Don makes a mandolin and Bob Dylan sings Subterranean Homesick Blues.

-John.

[Igor The Cat]

lol http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif