KWB
Mar-08-2004, 3:28pm
I have only been a member of this forum for a short time, but I have been reading it for the last year. Thanks for the inspiration. #I am now in the process of building my first f5 mandolin. #
As I was reading this forum and books by Troughton and Siminoff, I realized that there was a lot of “science” going on. #As a high school physics teacher I am always looking for new ways to get my students to go beyond the cursory instruction (in this case on waves and sound) that is typical in high school physics texts. #With this in mind I wrote a grant proposal that would fund a mandolin building project by my physics students.
The good news is that my project has been accepted and I will be implementing it in the 2004/2005 school year. #This gives me several months to prepare. #I will be having students research everything from how the tonal distinctiveness of the wood will affect the sound quality of the mandolin, to string construction and finishing techniques. #My funding will allow me to purchase just the bare necessities (a few tools and some wood). #
What I would like to know from others in this forum is:
1) Does anyone have any used tools, equipment or wood (good, but maybe slightly flawed) that you might be willing to donate? #I am pretty sure that I can provide you with a tax-deduction for donated items.
2) If the students are to experiment with the sound quality of various woods, for the sake of time, I will need some type of duplicating machine. #CNC is out of the question. I’ve looked at the Marlin (Terrco), but does anyone have any experience with the Copy Carver?
3) Most importantly, as a new builder who has not even completed one instrument, I would like any advice that you can give me.
Thanks, Karl
As I was reading this forum and books by Troughton and Siminoff, I realized that there was a lot of “science” going on. #As a high school physics teacher I am always looking for new ways to get my students to go beyond the cursory instruction (in this case on waves and sound) that is typical in high school physics texts. #With this in mind I wrote a grant proposal that would fund a mandolin building project by my physics students.
The good news is that my project has been accepted and I will be implementing it in the 2004/2005 school year. #This gives me several months to prepare. #I will be having students research everything from how the tonal distinctiveness of the wood will affect the sound quality of the mandolin, to string construction and finishing techniques. #My funding will allow me to purchase just the bare necessities (a few tools and some wood). #
What I would like to know from others in this forum is:
1) Does anyone have any used tools, equipment or wood (good, but maybe slightly flawed) that you might be willing to donate? #I am pretty sure that I can provide you with a tax-deduction for donated items.
2) If the students are to experiment with the sound quality of various woods, for the sake of time, I will need some type of duplicating machine. #CNC is out of the question. I’ve looked at the Marlin (Terrco), but does anyone have any experience with the Copy Carver?
3) Most importantly, as a new builder who has not even completed one instrument, I would like any advice that you can give me.
Thanks, Karl