Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 28

Thread: 5 String E-Mandocello Anyone?

  1. #1
    Ben Beran Dfyngravity's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Richmond, VA
    Posts
    1,459

    Default 5 String E-Mandocello Anyone?

    This is also posted in post a picture of your mandolin section as well, but it fits in nicely in the electric section as well....as it is an electric 5 string mandocello. It is being built by Steve Holst. It is my second instrument Steve has built me, the first being the acoustic/electric jazz guitar body mandolin.

    It's coming along nicely and he is now shaping the neck and headstock. Being that is it a semi-hollow body we were able to use some really nice burl maple....pretty cool eh?
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

Name:	bb1.jpg 
Views:	228 
Size:	288.8 KB 
ID:	78483  

  2. #2
    Work in Progress Ed Goist's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    Northeast Ohio
    Posts
    6,001
    Blog Entries
    3

    Default Re: 5 String E-Mandocello Anyone?

    Very cool!
    I assume the 5th string is on the treble side (e)?
    What will the scale be?
    I really look forward to watching the progress on this one!
    c.1965 Harmony Monterey H410 Mandolin
    "What a long, strange trip it's been..." - Robert Hunter
    "Life is too important to be taken seriously." - Oscar Wilde
    Think Hippie Thoughts...
    Gear: The Current Cast of Characters

  3. #3
    Ben Beran Dfyngravity's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Richmond, VA
    Posts
    1,459

    Default Re: 5 String E-Mandocello Anyone?

    Quote Originally Posted by Ed Goist View Post
    Very cool!
    I assume the 5th string is on the treble side (e)?
    What will the scale be?
    I really look forward to watching the progress on this one!
    Yes, it will be tuned CGDAE. Scale length of 25". I messed around with a bunch of different scale lengths and you really need to be up around 25" for the C to really be viable. I have fairly slender, long fingers so it isn't too bad. There are a few long stretches, but being that it is a single course instrument, it makes fretting just a little bit easier....also it's electric which makes it even easier.

    I have tuned up a guitar with just five strings CGDAE which is how I settled on the scale length and one thing that it has really done is develop the pinky finger. Also I have developed a little habit/technique of using middle finger as some added "weight" or "force" on top of the ring finger when I am forming a 2 finger bar cord using the ring and pinky finger.

    Steve Holst is a great guy to work with and really enjoys doing things outside of the box. I have given him free reign on this build and so far he has nailed it. The headstock and tuner setup is really going to be sweet and I can't wait to see it.

  4. #4

    Default Re: 5 String E-Mandocello Anyone?

    You could get crazy and call it an electric cittern . nah never mind that would be just silly . can't wait to see more pics . i can not buy any new instruments so my mas will have to be vicarious through you , if you do not mind .

  5. #5
    ISO TEKNO delsbrother's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Caulifonya
    Posts
    3,098

    Default Re: 5 String E-Mandocello Anyone?

    Mine is pointier.

  6. #6

    Default Re: 5 String E-Mandocello Anyone?

    is made of pressed sawdust and epoxy coating and is only 22''

  7. #7
    Ben Beran Dfyngravity's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Richmond, VA
    Posts
    1,459

    Default Re: 5 String E-Mandocello Anyone?

    Ok, Steve just sent me some picture updates! Check out that headstock! I designed it and Steve really nailed it. I wanted something that would literally make you look twice to see what's going on. At first glance it looks a bit unusual, but after a close inspection you see that it is a traditionally shaped headstock, just with a little twist. And yes, Steinberger tuners will be utilized with this design. I really can't wait to see it with the finish, I know that burl is going to be amazing!
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Mandocello Body.jpg 
Views:	245 
Size:	257.8 KB 
ID:	80957   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Mandocello Headstock.jpg 
Views:	207 
Size:	174.1 KB 
ID:	80958   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Mandocello1.jpg 
Views:	198 
Size:	229.7 KB 
ID:	80959  


  8. #8
    Luthier&Pickup maker ret. Soundfarmer Pete's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Grantham U.K.
    Posts
    517

    Default Re: 5 String E-Mandocello Anyone?

    Quote Originally Posted by delsbrother View Post
    Mine is pointier.
    Now that`d get a thumbs up from me if the Cafe had a Facebook style like button

  9. #9

    Default Re: 5 String E-Mandocello Anyone?

    WOW! That's really nice..and a 25" scale length! You must have long fingers! I'm struggling with the tenor guitar stretch, but I think the neck on mine is a bit wide. I may have to add a high E to make a real instrument again!!LOL!! I've become a really big fan of the CGDAE tuning. Now, if I could only stretch out my fat fingers I'd be okay....

  10. #10
    Ben Beran Dfyngravity's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Richmond, VA
    Posts
    1,459

    Default Re: 5 String E-Mandocello Anyone?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry Turberville View Post
    WOW! That's really nice..and a 25" scale length! You must have long fingers! I'm struggling with the tenor guitar stretch, but I think the neck on mine is a bit wide. I may have to add a high E to make a real instrument again!!LOL!! I've become a really big fan of the CGDAE tuning. Now, if I could only stretch out my fat fingers I'd be okay....
    I've been playing with this tuning on my acoustic guitar and yes it is a stretch at first, but it's definitely a different technique than you typically use. I find it a bit different than even playing guitar. The pinky gets used as much as the first finger really, and it has actually helped to develop my pinky for even better mandolin playing. Slides also seem to be very helpful too.

  11. #11
    Ben Beran Dfyngravity's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Richmond, VA
    Posts
    1,459

    Default Re: 5 String E-Mandocello Anyone?

    Here are some new photos. Steve thought it would be cool to do a Maple Leaf inlay on the fingerboard as the top is Big Leaf Maple. As always, I gave him complete freedom as I know he will always deliver something awesome. I believe he oriented the grain of the wood to imitate the viens in the leaf. I think it turn out perfect...what yall think?
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Holst2.jpg 
Views:	180 
Size:	104.4 KB 
ID:	82487   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	holst1.jpg 
Views:	172 
Size:	149.3 KB 
ID:	82486  

  12. #12
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Groton, CT
    Posts
    117

    Default Re: 5 String E-Mandocello Anyone?

    Sweet. What strings--what gauges--will you use? Ball-end electrics?
    Cornelius Morris

  13. #13
    Ben Beran Dfyngravity's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Richmond, VA
    Posts
    1,459

    Default Re: 5 String E-Mandocello Anyone?

    Quote Originally Posted by Cornelius Morris View Post
    Sweet. What strings--what gauges--will you use? Ball-end electrics?
    Yes, ball-end electrics....it will a string-thru body.....at least that is what we are going with at this moment. Gauges, not sure on the exact gauges right now. I have my acoutic guitar strung up at a 5 string cello right now, but the gauges are a bit more than the electric will be, most likely.

  14. #14
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Groton, CT
    Posts
    117

    Default Re: 5 String E-Mandocello Anyone?

    Dyfn,
    What gauges do you use on your acoustic for that? That's worth trying out.
    Cornelius Morris

  15. #15
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Location
    Outer Spiral Arm, of Galaxy, NW Oregon.
    Posts
    17,103

    Default Re: 5 String E-Mandocello Anyone?

    One issue with string thru the body in use is what is the bridge piece offset?
    the staggered string ferrules following the intonation requirement
    is better than having them all in a row, crossways, but the bridge pieces don't line up.
    writing about music
    is like dancing,
    about architecture

  16. #16
    Ben Beran Dfyngravity's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Richmond, VA
    Posts
    1,459

    Default Re: 5 String E-Mandocello Anyone?

    Quote Originally Posted by mandroid View Post
    One issue with string thru the body in use is what is the bridge piece offset?
    the staggered string ferrules following the intonation requirement
    is better than having them all in a row, crossways, but the bridge pieces don't line up.
    I have full confidence in Steve. He is a master builder and has been building guitars and mandolins for quite a while. He suggested the string thru and I trust him....but it's not too late to change.

  17. #17
    Ben Beran Dfyngravity's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Richmond, VA
    Posts
    1,459

    Default Re: 5 String E-Mandocello Anyone?

    Quote Originally Posted by Cornelius Morris View Post
    Dyfn,
    What gauges do you use on your acoustic for that? That's worth trying out.
    You can use a regular set of acoutic guitar string (I'd go with heavy). The high E stays at E, the B string tunes down to A, the G strings gets saved, the D stays at D, the A gets tuned down to G and the E gets tuned down to C. Doing this, you are going to have to do one of two things

    1. if you have a spare guitar and you don't mind doing some filing to the nut and saddle then you can keep the high E and B (tuned to A) where they are and widen the nexts 3 slots to accomodate there larger strings

    2. or you can keep the lower 3 strings (C, G, D, where the E, A, D) normally go on the guitar and move the A and E strings up. This makes it a little harder on the left hand but it's how I do it as I only have but one guitar.

    You can also do what is known as NST (new standard tuning) and tune the whole guitar in 5ths.. ie. C, G, D, A, E, B. You will have to get a .006 alloy steel string for the B. I think Octave4Plus sells them.

    NST

  18. #18
    Ben Beran Dfyngravity's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Richmond, VA
    Posts
    1,459

    Default Re: 5 String E-Mandocello Anyone?

    Frets are on and a nice light coat of boiled linseed oil to really make that burl pop. Incredible figure!!
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

Name:	done1.jpg 
Views:	168 
Size:	174.8 KB 
ID:	82528   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	done2.jpg 
Views:	169 
Size:	201.3 KB 
ID:	82529  

  19. #19

    Default Re: 5 String E-Mandocello Anyone?

    I'm really liking the offset body shape.

  20. #20
    Ben Beran Dfyngravity's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Richmond, VA
    Posts
    1,459

    Default Re: 5 String E-Mandocello Anyone?

    Quote Originally Posted by Cobra View Post
    I'm really liking the offset body shape.
    Thanks! I had a vision of what I wanted so I started drawing it out on paper and after a few tweaks here an there I eventually ended up with this design. Steve really liked it too so that's what we went with. I think he tweaked it a little as well, definitely different and something you won't see anywhere else.

  21. #21
    Ben Beran Dfyngravity's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Richmond, VA
    Posts
    1,459

    Default Re: 5 String E-Mandocello Anyone?

    Another pic update from Steve...crazy figure.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Mandocello.jpg 
Views:	157 
Size:	260.9 KB 
ID:	82963  

  22. #22
    Ben Beran Dfyngravity's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Richmond, VA
    Posts
    1,459

    Default Re: 5 String E-Mandocello Anyone?

    Steve just e-mailed me to let me know that he is in the final assembly stage. Here is a couple of new pics after he buffed it out and one of the custom Kent Armstrong pickups.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

Name:	bb2-21.jpg 
Views:	184 
Size:	163.3 KB 
ID:	87017   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	bb3-11.jpg 
Views:	147 
Size:	99.8 KB 
ID:	87018   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	pickups1.jpg 
Views:	128 
Size:	82.4 KB 
ID:	87019  


  23. #23
    Work in Progress Ed Goist's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    Northeast Ohio
    Posts
    6,001
    Blog Entries
    3

    Default Re: 5 String E-Mandocello Anyone?

    Incredibly striking!
    ...and I bet this beauty is just gonna' sing!
    Cant wait to hear it...again, Congratulations!
    c.1965 Harmony Monterey H410 Mandolin
    "What a long, strange trip it's been..." - Robert Hunter
    "Life is too important to be taken seriously." - Oscar Wilde
    Think Hippie Thoughts...
    Gear: The Current Cast of Characters

  24. #24
    Ben Beran Dfyngravity's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Richmond, VA
    Posts
    1,459

    Default Re: 5 String E-Mandocello Anyone?

    Quote Originally Posted by Ed Goist View Post
    Incredibly striking!
    ...and I bet this beauty is just gonna' sing!
    Cant wait to hear it...again, Congratulations!
    Thanks Ed. It is definitely a one of a kind instrument. The mahogany he used for the back and neck is really stunning too. I can't imagine how incredible it is going to look in person.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

Name:	bb4.jpg 
Views:	142 
Size:	209.1 KB 
ID:	87054  

  25. #25
    Work in Progress Ed Goist's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    Northeast Ohio
    Posts
    6,001
    Blog Entries
    3

    Default Re: 5 String E-Mandocello Anyone?

    That back is gorgeous!
    This is certainly one of the most striking instruments I have ever seen.
    I've said it before in this thread, and I will say it again: That peghead design is the coolest I've seen!
    Very nice.
    c.1965 Harmony Monterey H410 Mandolin
    "What a long, strange trip it's been..." - Robert Hunter
    "Life is too important to be taken seriously." - Oscar Wilde
    Think Hippie Thoughts...
    Gear: The Current Cast of Characters

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •