View Full Version : My #1 mando (IV kit) finally finished
Darren Kern
Apr-01-2006, 10:17pm
After taking way too long on this, I can finally say I'm done. I made a lot of mistakes, but what I've learned greatly outweighs the negative, and the bottom line is that I've got a mandolin that I'm pretty proud of, and that sounds absolutely fantastic. Thanks to everyone for all the advice, I really do appreciate it. Here's a few pics.
Darren Kern
Apr-01-2006, 10:18pm
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Darren Kern
Apr-01-2006, 10:19pm
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Darren Kern
Apr-01-2006, 10:19pm
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Darren Kern
Apr-01-2006, 10:20pm
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Steve Cantrell
Apr-01-2006, 10:26pm
Way to go Darren. I've enjoyed watching your progress. That mando looks great!
sunburst
Apr-01-2006, 10:34pm
Done at last! Cool!
Good job of staying with it, rolling with the punches, and turning out a mandolin to be proud of. Congrats!
arbarnhart
Apr-01-2006, 11:15pm
It looks really good. Hard work pays off!
Jonathan James
Apr-02-2006, 12:06am
Great work, Darren! Can't wait to hear it in person sometime soon.
dstretch
Apr-02-2006, 12:32am
Darren
Looks nice. I like the stain job. It really has a nice tint to it. How does it sound?
Danny
Antlurz
Apr-02-2006, 1:15am
Much better that you took your time and ended up on a very positive note. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif For someone who claimed to have little woodworking experience, you did a really nice job, Darren. You need to buy the builder a drink!! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
Congrats!
Ron
Burner
Apr-02-2006, 3:00am
Well done that looks a fine job. Upgraded them thar tuners by the look of it.
grandmainger
Apr-02-2006, 4:07am
Wow Darren! That looks really good! Well done!
Stephanie Reiser
Apr-02-2006, 5:40am
Great job, Darren! I mean, you turned out a really terrific instrument there. Love the stain job.
csstanley
Apr-02-2006, 7:14am
Nice looking job Darren. Good looking mando.
Darren Kern
Apr-02-2006, 12:08pm
Thanks for the comments, a lot of you are the ones that have been helping me and encouraging me along the way, so again- I really appreciate it. Danny- it sounds really good. Great volume, great chop, and a very well rounded tone throughout. Neil, you're right, these are Schaller's. I think they make a big difference. I also upgraded to an ebony bridge over the rosewood one that it came with.
ShaneJ
Apr-02-2006, 12:29pm
That looks really good, Darren! The burst is beautiful.
Milan Christi
Apr-02-2006, 1:20pm
Man, that looks nice! I really respect your dedication - it shows.
Enjoy!!
Bill Snyder
Apr-02-2006, 2:37pm
Way to go. Just think how much easier the process is going to be on #'s 2,3,4 ..... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Cary Fagan
Apr-05-2006, 7:28am
A nonbuilder like me can only be fully of admiration. Must be a great pleasure to play! Congratulations
olgraypat
Apr-05-2006, 9:11am
Let me add my congrats to all the others. Very nice looking, and I'm sure very nice sounding as well.
Jim Rowland
Apr-05-2006, 9:13am
So fine,Darren! Caring,determination,persistence..and,obvously some building talent have paid off for you.
Jim
Jonas
Apr-05-2006, 10:09am
Very nice Darren! It's been interesting to follow your blog.
fatt-dad
Apr-05-2006, 10:56am
Watch out, fatt-dad's next and I really don't have any woodworking experience. Your mandolin really does look great! Thinking that it sounds great is just too much to hope for, but alas I'm keeping my hopes up. . . .
fatt hey-I-just-made-a-thickness-gauge dad
Stanley Cox
Apr-05-2006, 4:28pm
Darren, I go with all the others said.Good work.
Stanley http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif