Mandolins in progress

**Randolph** · May-19-2011, 11:54am

Nice looking group of GOMs from Mr. Bussmann. The maple sure looks nice, but I really like the color contrasts on the one to the far left. I'm guessing walnut body with wood binding, and a maple neck. Nice combination of woods. I bet they will all sound great in their own way.

**pickinpete** · May-19-2011, 11:39pm

Steve... Not into the mermaids but I really like those mandolins, love your style!

**burt50** · May-20-2011, 12:36pm

Here are a couple of pictures of my #2. #1 was an A so this is a lot more challenging as you know...
Red spruce and black walnut...
Far from perfect, but I'm learning a lot...
The quality of the building on this site is just amazing and the amount of information available here is invaluable.
Brian

**billhay4** · May-20-2011, 2:03pm

Nice, Burt!
Bill

**StevenS** · May-20-2011, 4:55pm

Brian,
As a lover of figured walnut . . . that is some really cool figure. Nice clean workmanship too.
Steve

**Steve-o** · May-20-2011, 4:59pm

Originally Posted by StevenS

Brian,
As a lover of figured walnut . . . that is some really cool figure. Nice clean workmanship too.
Steve

x2 with this Steve. That has tremendous character. I'd love to see the finished product. And only your second build! Mighty fine!

**burt50** · May-20-2011, 8:44pm

Thanks Bill & both Steve's for the compliments and encouragement. I'll have some more pix soon. I love that walnut too, can't wait to hear it's voice...
Brian

**burt50** · May-25-2011, 10:46am

Well I'm on to french polishing now - boy does that ever show off the warts!
So far so good - I'm not expecting perfection on #2
Hoping for a good sound...
Brian

**Steve-o** · May-25-2011, 1:03pm

Brian,
Wow, amazing staining and french polish job for #2. Save the perfection for #3

. I really like the "warts" on that back figure!

**bernabe** · May-25-2011, 2:40pm

Nice job Burt50. I really like the walnut back.

**StevenS** · May-25-2011, 8:14pm

Brian,
Did you use grain filler on the Walnut?
Steve

**Mandolin Architect** · May-25-2011, 11:46pm

Hey Guys and Gals ! This is Jonathan McClanahan. Here are some pics of a custom order A-5 I am building. This mandolin is a Quilted mandolin with Herringbone trim. Also, I am currently taking orders. Enjoy! Jonathan McClanahan

**dcoventry** · May-25-2011, 11:53pm

Ack. I love the quilted look so much! Especially with a clear coat that retains the beauty of the wood itself. Very nice.

d.

**Mandolin Architect** · May-26-2011, 12:05am

Hey Everybody! I just posted an A-5 I am working on so I thought I would post these pics of a custom F-5 with Herringbone trim that I am on also. Jonathan McClanahan

**Steve-o** · May-26-2011, 8:34am

Jonathan,
Exquisite workmanship and artistry on those mandos. Great photos too. That quilted back is just perfect - the figure, the stain and the fit are top shelf. Do you strictly build custom instruments, or do you sell any through music stores?

**dcoventry** · May-26-2011, 8:53am

Jonathan,

Jeez, quilted maple AND the herringbone? That's a low blow. Your mandos are already really pieces of art, and then you gild the lily. Sigh. OK, how much do I have to save for a one piece quilted back F-5........?

**burt50** · May-26-2011, 10:24am

Thank you for the comments. Steve, I tried using pumice and alcohol for a grain filler, ala the Milburn Bros., but I was wearing out my arm with questionable results. It filled the small grain OK but not the big grain. It helped but I'm not sure I could have ever made it perfectly smooth. I don't mind seeing some of the wood grain, it shows the contrast better. The walnut looked sort of flat after the filling so I called it good after going over it twice. Where it really worked well is on the neck - that really came out smooth. It's not so bad on a small area.
WOW the level of artistry on this site gives me something to strive for.
James, I looked at the pictures on your FB page - that is some beautiful work. Nice job building the shop too...
Brian

**amowry** · May-26-2011, 10:18pm

...

**Mike Black** · May-26-2011, 10:27pm

Lovely as always Andrew!

**Tavy** · May-27-2011, 7:12am

Some serious eye-candy coming out here!

Jonathan: I'm well impressed with the way you got that herringbone to go round that scroll!

**Ed Goist** · May-27-2011, 9:36am

I think this is a very cool comparison...
The headstock and the back/sides of my Highland Strings Orpheus 2-Point mandolin before & after Jason's application of the oil varnish finish: