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Thread: Don Kawalek's Mando/OM Banjo Building Camp

  1. #1
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    Default Don Kawalek's Mando/OM Banjo Building Camp

    Here's a collection of photos from Don's camp in Appomattox that took place at the beginning of the month. Apologies to all the guys, I'd hoped to post these sooner.
    The camp was, as usual, a great time. Don was in top form rushing about answering rookie questions and helping out where he saw people struggling. I had a few friends along this time around, I'm hoping my liver recovers soon!!

    Click image for larger version. 

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    I've uploaded quite a few more photos into an album on my profile page if you want to see more.
    This camp really is fun, Don puts an incredible amount of effort into making sure people end up with a decent playable instrument. I'd recommend it to anyone who would like to try building but doesn't have the the tools or the confidence to go it alone.

  2. #2
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    Default Re: Don Kawalek's Mando/OM Banjo Building Camp

    Appomattox; ah yes, that's where they surrendered.

    Wish I could have been there


    ..............er, at the camp. Built a banjo and played Sherman's March.

  3. #3
    Registered User Luthier's Avatar
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    Default Re: Don Kawalek's Mando/OM Banjo Building Camp

    Another great workshop. Just Awesome. More instruments to bring sweet music into the world!
    Don
    http://www.donkawalek.com
    "The only thing achieved in life without effort is failure."
    Dum Vixi Tacui Mortua Dulce Cano

  4. #4
    Market Man Barry Wilson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Don Kawalek's Mando/OM Banjo Building Camp

    come on don, mandocello. ya gotta do one. it's the only way I will be able to afford one and I love my OM from you. all my guitar buds are amazed at the tone, so rich and deep.

  5. #5
    Registered User Luthier's Avatar
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    Default Re: Don Kawalek's Mando/OM Banjo Building Camp

    We'll talk....lol I am going to do a Zouk (24.5 scale length) neck for someone so a mandocello might happen this summer.
    Don
    http://www.donkawalek.com
    "The only thing achieved in life without effort is failure."
    Dum Vixi Tacui Mortua Dulce Cano

  6. #6
    Registered User Leroy's Avatar
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    Default Re: Don Kawalek's Mando/OM Banjo Building Camp

    Looks like great fun.
    Leroy Beal

    www.leroybeal.net

    Eat it all, use it up, wear it out

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Don Kawalek's Mando/OM Banjo Building Camp

    Leroy - it is fun - especially if you like pork/bacon - I guess it must be a staple in that part of Virginia. It's only a few miles away from Appomattox Court House National Park - well worth a visit.
    Here's a link to more photos -

    https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/1...3573208/albums

  8. #8
    Market Man Barry Wilson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Don Kawalek's Mando/OM Banjo Building Camp

    I was hoping a little gratuitous grovelling would work hehe

  9. #9
    Registered User Luthier's Avatar
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    Default Re: Don Kawalek's Mando/OM Banjo Building Camp

    Thanks Steph!! Very cool!!
    Don
    http://www.donkawalek.com
    "The only thing achieved in life without effort is failure."
    Dum Vixi Tacui Mortua Dulce Cano

  10. #10
    Registered User otterly2k's Avatar
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    Default Re: Don Kawalek's Mando/OM Banjo Building Camp

    I'd be interested in a mandola kit if you ever did one...
    Karen Escovitz
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Otter OM #1
    Brian Dean OM #32
    Old Wave Mandola #372
    Phoenix Neoclassical #256
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    If you're gonna walk on thin ice, you might as well dance!

  11. #11
    Registered User Jeff Oxley's Avatar
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    Default Re: Don Kawalek's Mando/OM Banjo Building Camp

    Wish I could have made it this year, looks like another quality build there, steph. I've been happy with my OM from last year...maybe next time, Don
    Jeff Oxley
    1994 Stiver F5 #230
    Washburn M-3SW/TS F5
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    1972 Martin D-18
    Ibanez electric/acoustic
    Fender 12-string

  12. #12
    Market Man Barry Wilson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Don Kawalek's Mando/OM Banjo Building Camp

    woohoo, Don's going to be coming up with a mandocello kit. get your orders in.

    I am excited as heck.

  13. #13
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    Default Re: Don Kawalek's Mando/OM Banjo Building Camp

    Hi Jeff - you should have dropped by one day to see how things were going, we would have kept some beer cold for you - good fun as before.
    Karen, I've been trying to convince Don for ages to make a shorter scale neck available, not sure of the sound but I think a mandola scale with his OM body would be worth a try and not require a whole new set of templates and jigs - he could even try a short 20' scale OM (hint to Don). I'd imagine a 'cello would need a bigger soundbox and attention to neck joints etc, but if Barry has convinced him to give it a go......

  14. #14
    Registered User otterly2k's Avatar
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    Default Re: Don Kawalek's Mando/OM Banjo Building Camp

    Steph- he already has a 20.5" neck scale template that he used for my OM.
    DK whether a 'dola design would require resizing the body...
    Karen Escovitz
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Otter OM #1
    Brian Dean OM #32
    Old Wave Mandola #372
    Phoenix Neoclassical #256
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    If you're gonna walk on thin ice, you might as well dance!

  15. #15
    Market Man Barry Wilson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Don Kawalek's Mando/OM Banjo Building Camp

    Don I just sold a kit on the e cig forum I go to. we have a musician's thread

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