Mandolins in progress

[Clyde Clevenger]

Okay, the psyco cello was a project for a troubled youth group in our area. It was donated for them to paint and was raffled off at some function that my wife bought tickets for, being a good hearted Norwegian woman and all. Well she won. It's a student model/plywood cello that is playable but, like me, not ready for the big time.

[Skip Kelley]

Nice work Clyde!! That is one awesome Christmas present!!

[Doug Edwards]

Making a mess and loving it.

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[oldwave maker]

Hogged tops: dolas, parlor archtops, goms. Nice to get back into the sawdust/scraper groove now that the days are getting longer in the mando cave:

[Clyde Clevenger]

I gave the mandolin to my son today, he was thrilled but not as thrilled as I was. It sounded great, the kid can pick a little.



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[Steve-o]

I gave the mandolin to my son today, he was thrilled but not as thrilled as I was. It sounded great, the kid can pick a little.



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What a great gift, a mandolin that dad built! No, that's a family heirloom. I'm sure you son is very proud and happy.

[Steve Sorensen]

Clyde,
Pictures have nice soft focus . . . like Dad's eyes got a little misty while taking the shot. Well done.
Steve

[hank]

Congratulations Clyde on your build and your family to enjoy it with.

[Clyde Clevenger]

Yes, dad got a little misty eyed. I'm a little proud of the mandolin, but more of my son, he's a good one.

[Ed Goist]

Clyde, that's a beautiful mandolin and a great story all around. Congratulations and enjoy!

[Skip Kelley]

Yes, dad got a little misty eyed. I'm a little proud of the mandolin, but more of my son, he's a good one.

That is awesome!! We have some of the best folks in the world here!!

[Magnus Geijer]

Merry Christmas to me, from myself. Almost done.

[hank]

Interesting pattern in the wood up around the neck. Almost looks like wood inlay. Very nice looking lectric skillet.

[DBedwell]

This is my serial number 1.

It still needs fillets at the neck joint, the binding needs scraped, the french polishing is barely started, the mother-of-pearl headstock inlay blanks aren't cut out yet, the truss rod cover isn't fitted, etc. etc. but I couldn't wait any longer; I strung it up for the first time on December 25. Then I removed, reworked and reglued the fretboard, levelled it, and set it up.
Now it actually makes music. I was shocked!

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It's based on the 2004 Siminoff book. The bigleaf maple and sitka spruce are from Don Barnes at Grandpa's Workshop; I ordered an "A" grade mandolin wood package and was very pleased with it. Grover tuners, ivoroid single-bound body, hand-rubbed finish with Fiebing's Leather Dye in yellow, dark brown and USMC Black.

Pretty much everybody who's ever posted good advice here deserves part of the credit.

Darren Bedwell

[crazymandolinist]

Love that dark, smoky burst. Great job for no. 1. Especially if it's a first attempt. And an F5 at that.

[Earl Gamage]

Nice work dbedwell

[Ed Goist]

This is my serial number 1.
...snip...
Darren Bedwell

Congratulations! Really fine job, Darren. I, too, really like the look of that burst. Nice!

[Clyde Clevenger]

Very nice work Darren. I, too, got much help from the folks on this list. I really appreciate it.

[Kramster]

Very beautiful indeed Darren....nothin' bettern playable art.

[bropete]

Applying a little hand rubbed varnish to the next White Dove A5.

http://www.hutchinsonhandcrafted.com/images/100_Blonde_2.jpg

http://www.hutchinsonhandcrafted.com/images/225_Blonde_6.jpg

http://www.hutchinsonhandcrafted.com/images/225_Blonde_15.jpg

[TDMpicker]

Sharing a few photos of my latest Army-Navy - Flatiron style mandolin.

This one has an Engelmann spruce top, red-curly maple back sides and neck. Ebony fingerboard and peghead overlay. The body is bound front and back in black. The top and back have a 96" induced radius. 1 1/8" bone nut with a standard mandolin 13 7/8" scale length. Grover 309, 18:1 tuning machine (nickel plated). Fitted with a Cumberland Acoustics adjustable bridge. A scalloped nickel plated tailpiece, Crystal Forest M.O.P. inlay on peghead. I am going to do a classic sunburst stain on this one.

[Skip Kelley]

BroPete, Terry, those mandolins look great! Nice work guys!!

[hank]

Terry has the induced arch changed the voice of your Crystal Forrest designs?

[TDMpicker]

Hank,

I've never built one without some induced arch so I can't say how much it effects the sound.
It probably has some effect but the primary reason for the arch is to resist the downward pressure of the bridge
and help keep the flat top from sagging. Keeping the neck angle to the body low so the bridge height is .5-.625 has
worked well for me. I haven't noticed any "sagging" on my mandolins.

[Steve Sorensen]

Got to love it when the plan starts to come together.

[Max Girouard]

Here are some of my latest...... and for all of you whom like wood, check out the size of that board those mandos are sitting on!

[Mike Black]

Max, the A5 at the bottom looks great!!! Love the back woods and stain! Great job.

[JEStanek]

Those look stellar, Max. Love the floor too.

Jamie

[Ed Goist]

Here are some of my latest...... and for all of you whom like wood, check out the size of that board those mandos are sitting on!

Max, those are magnificent! My personal favorite is the 2-Point...A very unique finish on a very original design. Nice!
Also, I agree with Mike about the A5 on the bottom. That burst finish is just stellar.
Really nice work! Congratulations.

[hank]

Thats a nice litter of pups you got there Max. Can you tell us more about that very large slab of knotty pine? I've always heard about tall Georgia pine trees but thats a mighty serious chunk of wood.

[Max Girouard]

Thanks guys. I cant take credit for the stain. I just build them. My wife dresses them up!

Hank, to answer your question about the slab, I am not sure what type of pine it is. It was here when we bought our old 150 year old farmhouse.

[Skip Kelley]

Max, Awesome work!!! I love the sunbursts on those mandolins as well! Looks great!
You have to let us in on how your wife got interested in this with you. That's wonderful!

[hank]

Woaaaa! 1861, the real deal!

[Jim Hilburn]

Just getting started on some new A style orders.
Here are 2 fingerboards, one narrow and one extra wide. I usually do this 12th fret inlay and you can see how I glue 2 abalone blanks together to get a set with one cut.

[Glassweb]

pretty purty Jim...

[Max Girouard]

That's a great idea on the inlay. How wide is that board????

[Jim Garber]

Nice inlay and I like the patterns on the abalone dots too.

[Steve Sorensen]

Dang, Jim, no need for jeweler's files when you cut like that. Lovely work.

Steve

[Jim Hilburn]

The board on the left is 1 1/16" and the one on the left is 1 3/16" at the nut.
I try to pick dots that match but by the time you sand it to final they look totally different.
Believe me, there's plenty of filing to be done.

[Max Girouard]

Max, Awesome work!!! I love the sunbursts on those mandolins as well! Looks great!
You have to let us in on how your wife got interested in this with you. That's wonderful!

My wife loves to paint so staining and color are right up her alley.

[Kirk Albrecht]

Max, love all of them! Really nice, some great bursts.

I see your wife is hand staining? Any secrets you can let out about her technique / materials?

Are any of these for sale? Do you have website?

[Max Girouard]

Max, love all of them! Really nice, some great bursts.

I see your wife is hand staining? Any secrets you can let out about her technique / materials?

Are any of these for sale? Do you have website?

Hi Kirk,

Yes she usually hand stains our mandolins. She uses both water based dyes as well as trans tint dyes. She rubes them on with cotton cloth. I included our website in my signature if you want to take a look. We are still working on it. Thanks!

[Skip Kelley]

Jim, Nice inlay work in the fretboards!

[swampy]

Thanks guys. I cant take credit for the stain. I just build them. My wife dresses them up!

Hank, to answer your question about the slab, I am not sure what type of pine it is. It was here when we bought our old 150 year old farmhouse.

we bought a 240 yr old house a little South of you. Nice wide floors, but the slew of mandos were nowhere to be found :)

[Jill McAuley]

Jim - inlays look lovely!

Max- lovely selection of mandolins there, how awesome that your wife helps with the finish!

Cheers,
Jill

[hank]

Way cool flying Yin Yangs at the 12th Jim. Great idea the added thickness of the two joined prob. helps make them stiff enough to prevent some of the push pull breakage when cutting thin shell with a jewelers saw. Anyone here using a laser cutter? I would love to see one and try to clone it on the cheap.

[F-2 Dave]

Really nice looking mandolins there Max. Your wife sure gets a good scald on those sunbursts.

[Kramster]

My Gypsy's Music critters are coming along... can't stand it I want them now... but will be worth the wait for sure

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5170/5328717768_6776877cc9_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5121/5328717494_39c2a4c2a3_z.jpg

[Jim Hilburn]

I had someone try laser on MOP years ago. It was too reflective and would just burn it instead of cut a fine line. Maybe you could paint it black or something but i never went very far with the experiment.
I wasn't there but I bet it made a big stink.

[F-2 Dave]

Looking good Kramster. I love the matching figuring on the backs. They'll make a cool set for sure.

[Skip Kelley]

Kramster, Those look awesome! I love the walnut!

[amowry]

French polishing a mandola...66881

[Max Girouard]

French polishing a mandola...66881

Nice binding scheme Andrew, and that glass smooth finish sure is something to look at!

[Skip Kelley]

Boy, Andrew that finish is slick! Nice work!!

[Pete Heady]

Andrew,That mandola looks great!
I hope it makes somebody very happy ;)
Pete

[Denny Gies]

Beautiful work, Darren.

[amowry]

Thanks folks, and I hope so too, peter ;)

[Skip Kelley]

Here is the back to #032 I am finally getting around to polishing out the oil varnish. Sorry for the glare and smudges. Thanks to all for your continued inspiration!:)


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[nobullmando74]

Andrew/Skip thanks for the MAS booster ;)

[hank]

Both beautiful workmanship and finishes Andrew and Skip. I agree Matt this thread is not for the faint of heart.

[MandoNicity]

Nice looking work everyone. Andrew that 2-point is stunning! MAS is a horrible thing to suffer for one with an empty pocketbook!


JR

[Steve-o]

Skip,
Fabulous looking flamed maple back. I always appreciate your posts. You win the award for the most positive, encouraging posts, and great MC community attitude.

[Jim Hilburn]

Skip, that looks great! In love the sunburst!

[Max Girouard]

Skip, Thats awesome!!!!!!!!

[JEStanek]

Skip is always such a supportive cheerleader for everyone else, I forget how good his work is. Looks great, Man!

Jamie

[Steve Sorensen]

Skip and Andrew,
Pure inspiration. Oh, to someday have the level of finesse you both achieve so consistently! Wow.
Thank you for posting.
Steve

[Doug Edwards]

Love that burst Skip!
Andrew, your work really inspires me.

[oldwave maker]

mandola mandala, actually only the bottom left and right are dolas, with a couple of pieces of scrap ablam used to make the rosettes

[Jill McAuley]

Awesome photo!

Cheers,
Jill

[JEStanek]

Bill, I love the grain on that one on the bottom.

Jamie

[pickloser]

Skip Kelley's #32 has the sound to go with the looks. I had the privilege of taking it for a short spin, when I took a guitar for some work. That mandolin is going to make somebody wildly happy.

[bernabe]

2-pointer, #18

[MandoNicity]

Very clever Bill, and Jamie is right, that wide grain looks awesome! @ James, that 2 pointer looks lovely.

JR

[Max Girouard]

Bill, I love the grain on that one on the bottom.

Jamie

I really like that one too. Could it be Doug Fir?

[Steve Sorensen]

James,
LOVE the first shot. It beautifully conveys one of those thrilling moments when you know all the details are coming together as you had hoped.
Steve

[Max Girouard]

Here is an idea I've been toying with. Finaly got the templates cut. Shapes inspired by Jerry Garcia's Rosebud and Tiger guitar. Should be a fun project!

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[Ed Goist]

Max, as you know, I love this particular new 2 Point design of yours!
I would like to officially suggest the model name 'The Timber Wolf' for this mandolin!
Really cool!

[hank]

Whoa! That's thunder koo for sure. Definitely a Starship shape Max.

[Larry S Sherman]

Here is an idea I've been toying with. Finaly got the templates cut. Shapes inspired by Jerry Garcia's Rosebud and Tiger guitar. Should be a fun project!

Love it! As a Deadhead I approve!

Larry

[oldwave maker]

Jamie, Max, that prominent grain stuff is compression grain Colorado engelmann spruce from Don Musser, wider grained but somewhat similar to some compression Appalachian red spruce I got from John Arnold at the y2k asia convention, engelmann on right, red on left

[Don Grieser]

Max, that is really cool. Kudos.

Bill, I know you've told me before but I don't remember. What exactly is compression grain? I think you said my octave was made with it.

[JEStanek]

Thanks for the detail, Bill. I like the way Engleman tops sound. Those both sure are pretty. I hope they're destined for one of you Scotch or corn liquor finishes.

Jamie

[Clyde Clevenger]

Now that's purty right there. I've always admired your work, Andrew.


French polishing a mandola...66881

[Clyde Clevenger]

That's just beautiful, Skip. Thanks for your encouragement, makes me want to keep at it. My #2 was much better than #1. When I get to #32 I hope I'm half as good as that.



Here is the back to #032 I am finally getting around to polishing out the oil varnish. Sorry for the glare and smudges. Thanks to all for your continued inspiration!:)


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[Jim Hilburn]

In the middle of cutting out a name with a completed one in the background.

[ShaneJ]

Wow, Jim. Nice! That's some delicate work right there. Don't sneeze! LOL

[Andy Miller]

In the middle of cutting out a name with a completed one in the background.

Jim, is the block under the saw there to keep the saw frame from smacking the blank, or is it just there to keep the saw in its pose for the photo?

[billhay4]

It's there to support the pearl while you cut.
Bill

[Bill Snyder]

The block under the saw frame is not supporting the pearl. That is a different board.

[Jim Hilburn]

It was just for the pose so the saw clamp didn't block the view.
Here's the one I was cutting finished but not filed yet. The one on the bottom is mostly filed and ready. there's probably an hour or so filing to be done.

[Max Girouard]

It was just for the pose so the saw clamp didn't block the view.
Here's the one I was cutting finished but not filed yet. The one on the bottom is mostly filed and ready. there's probably an hour or so filing to be done.

That is really amazing the difference the filing makes. What are you using for files?

[Jim Hilburn]

Needle files. I have about 4 favorites for different approaches to the area's that need attention.

[Jill McAuley]

In the middle of cutting out a name with a completed one in the background.

I always wondered how folks did that! I love how informative this thread is - looks awesome by the way!

Cheers,
Jill

[Ed Goist]

In the middle of cutting out a name with a completed one in the background.

Jim; this is very cool to see! Thanks for posting.
Do you folks use simple tracing over a template, or do you use some sort of CAD program that drives the jig to ensure that each piece is cut out exactly the same?

[Jim Hilburn]

I used a font that has become very popular now. I see it in all kinds of advertising now but in my print software I angled it and then did some modifications to make it easier to cut and it doesn't end up looking like like all that advertising.
I print it in a business card format and get 10 per sheet although I could use a label format and get 50 on a sheet, but I just don't make that many mandolins. Cut it out and glue it to the pearl and cut away.

[Max Girouard]

This one is going out in the mail tomorrow morning! Carpathian Spruce top Red Maple back/sides/neck, tortis bound, Cocobolo fretboard with gold frets, gold hardware, gold James tailpiece, spirit varnish finish and custom inlayed truss rod cover.

[Ed Goist]

Very striking, Max. Great work. Congratulations. Someone's going to have a beautiful mandolin in a few days!

[amowry]

Time for setup!

[Jim Roberts]

Incredible workmanship as usual, Andrew. This picture would make a great jigsaw puzzle once the instrument is strung up!

[Max Girouard]

Here is my first attempt at inlaying a tuner button. I don't see me making many of these as it took over an hour to do one side of one button.

[Mike Black]

Here is my first attempt at inlaying a tuner button. I don't see me making many of these as it took over an hour to do one side of one button.

But it does look nice! Keep it up. :)

[Larry S Sherman]

...custom inlayed truss rod cover.

Another cool Grateful Dead touch!

Larry

[crazymandolinist]

Here is my first attempt at inlaying a tuner button. I don't see me making many of these as it took over an hour to do one side of one button.

I love decorated tuner buttons. Shows exquisite attention to detail. Do you think it would be quicker to do that in wood? I find that the first time I do anything takes a while but by the third or fourth I'm flat out bookin'. Hopefully this is one of those.

[Toycona]

Hey there!

I've posted pictures of my new, yet to be received Manndolin (by Jonathan Mann) on the "2 Point Mandolins?" thread. Come by and take a look.

Tom

[oldwave maker]

Amazing to think that there's still stuff actually made in this country. I really yen to do some necking to stifle this yuan......

[John Hill]

C'mon Bill, get to work and quit slackin'!

[crazymandolinist]

Dang I just spent the whole day getting just HALF of ONE rim assembly fitted (not even glued!) I can't imagine working on that many at once!

[oldwave maker]

It gets easier after the first few hundred, last time I caught up with Steve Gilchrist he was french polishing a litter of 12 F5's, while doing touchup work on 4 loars. He seemed to have a lot of energy for a younger guy!

[strings777]

Amazing to think that there's still stuff actually made in this country. I really yen to do some necking to stifle this yuan......

...with all those HOT bodies hanging around, I'd want to do some necking too! :))
Looking at that photo reminds me of the Temptations song, "I Can't Get Necks To You". :grin:

[PhilipD]

I am building an Octave Mandolin from a kit by Don Kawalek.

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[Steve-o]

I am building an Octave Mandolin from a kit by Don Kawalek.

Looks nice Phillip. Hope you are enjoying the project.

[bernabe]

#17 and #18 enjoying some 60 degree fresh Carolina weather after the first coats of finish.

[Ed Goist]

Beautiful work, James!

[oldwave maker]

peghead mando mandala for aforementioned necking nonsense

[Ben Milne]

#17 and #18 enjoying some 60 degree fresh Carolina weather after the first coats of finish.

Nice!!... Though now you have me searching for a front shot of these two... are these two ff hole or oval hole?

(and it's the headstock on the 2 point makes me wonder about soundhole shape... go figure.)

[Marc Berman]

Here's my Smart - Got a few more months to go!

[bernabe]

Nice!!... Though now you have me searching for a front shot of these two... are these two ff hole or oval hole?

(and it's the headstock on the 2 point makes me wonder about soundhole shape... go figure.)

Ben, these both have ff's. I just placed these outside for a pic carefully on the taped fretboard so front wasnt an option at the time. I will post more as I finish.

[Doug Edwards]

About have the necks ready.

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[Ed Goist]

Doug, those are really neat peghead veneers...What type of woods are you using?

(Edit: Never mind, I just saw the answer on your Facebook page...:)...KOA on the armadillo and Madagascar Ebony on the A5)

[Doug Edwards]

Curly KOA and Madagascar Ebony. I'll have matching TRCs, pickguards, & armrests when done. Got to get these done so I can start the KOA A5 & two point.

[bropete]

Nice Doug! Pete http://www.hutchinsonhandcrafted.com

[Max Girouard]

Made some progress on my Garcia two point. Sliced some veneer on the band saw. Can you believe how red that Padauk dust is!!!

[Ed Goist]

Made some progress on my Garcia two point. Sliced some veneer on the band saw. Can you believe how red that Padauk dust is!!!

Wow. Looks like you've been drilling in Alabama clay!
I'm looking forward to seeing the progress of this one, and hearing the finished mandolin.
Will the sound chamber be sized appreciably different than that of an A or F style?
Custom designs are very cool!

[Max Girouard]

Wow. Looks like you've been drilling in Alabama clay!
I'm looking forward to seeing the progress of this one, and hearing the finished mandolin.
Will the sound chamber be sized appreciably different than that of an A or F style?
Custom designs are very cool!

Hi Ed,

The sound chamber is simillar in size to an F5, which is what I based the design of the mandolin with the exception of the points. I havn't actualy measured the chamber size but looking at it I think it is slightly larger.

[Marc Berman]

Here's a couple shots of the cover of the Bill James tailpiece going on my Smart. Engraving by Weldon Lister (http://weldonlister.com/).

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[Jim Roberts]

Marc...that looks really cool. Did you design it? And what a great mandolin it is going to grace!

[Marc Berman]

I gave Weldon some clip art I found on the web. It consisted of a basic drawing of the thistle and the ring. I asked him to come up with something and I got the photo today. I have to say my jaw hit the floor when I saw it. It goes to Bill James for plating then to Lawrence.

[JEStanek]

Marc, that looks great. Hats off to Weldon.

Jamie

[Steve-o]

Here's a couple shots of the cover of the Bill James tailpiece going on my Smart. Engraving by Weldon Lister (http://weldonlister.com/).



Amazing detail on that engraving! Such artistry!

[Steve Sorensen]

That engraving makes the best tailpiece in the world worthy of only the best mandolins in the world. Awesome ! ! !

[Jim Hilburn]

This is probably a waste of time and bandwidth but I thought it was cool.
I recently rough carved 3 tops and backs on my Marlin duplicarver. I screw big sheets of cardboard to the table to try to contain the chips and sawdust.
I first did the outside of the 3 spruce tops, then the outside of the 3 maple backs. After thicknessing the rim on all of them I went back and did the same order for the insides. This is the pattern of sawdust that accumulated between the edge of the table and the cardboard. I may have vacuumed the earliest stuff out, I don't know, and this is just from the last inside passes. I don't know but it was kind of interesting. To me anyway.

[Andy Miller]

Mandolin geology, a previously-unexplored field.

[Paul Statman]

Beautiful thithle! Seriously, though - a unique tailpiece cover indeed. Well done!

[Ed Goist]

Highland Strings #047 - Orpheus 2-Point Mandolin

Jason Harshbarger is keeping a very detailed photo record on my Orpheus 2-Point build.
There are already 34 pics. Instead of posting them in batches, I thought it best to post this public link to the album (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2099221&id=1307520521&l=2598f0bd8d) containing all of the photos. (Just click on the link and you will be taken to the album)
As more photos are taken (including during my shop visit next Saturday), I'll be sure to re-post this link.

[Marc Berman]

Latest photos of my F5 from Lawrence Smart

[bernabe]

Cool. I like seeing the different ways people do things. Hope you'll enjoy it for many years.

[Doug Edwards]

My two latest in the white. One Armadillo A5 and a from scratch a red spruce/birdseye maple A5.

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Armadillo MP3 (http://hillcountrystringworks.com/media/armadillo3.mp3)

Birdseye A5 MP3 (http://hillcountrystringworks.com/media/bea5.mp3)

[bernabe]

Nice. Of the two, I think Im partial to the birdseye tone.

[billhay4]

Nice, Doug, but what the heck is an Armadillo A5?
bill

[Skip Kelley]

Doug, very nice work brother!! I like the grain on the one in the first pic. Sweet!

[hank]

Most excellent Marc, why did you choose cross bracing as opposed to parallel bars? Seems like I remember Matt Flinner's Gilcrest being cross braced as well. Great looking & sounding mandolins Doug.
I've never played a mandolin in the white. With all the hipe about Varnish finishes what is most affected by the finish as compared to in the white? Volume? Treble tone? Bass tone? response characteristics? Etc. Etc.

[Doug Edwards]

The Armadillo is from a Chinese body and neck. I worked with a violin luthier that would get chinese violins and reworked them to his specs. He called them Moonshine violins because he used moonshine with the spirit varnish when he first started them. Just marketing.

I totally rework what I use and upgrade the instrument. I also put a MOP armadillo on the back of the headstock.

http://hillcountrystringworks.com/sitebuilder/images/armadillog-404x540.jpg

[Marc Berman]

Most excellent Marc, why did you choose cross bracing as opposed to parallel bars?

Lawrence builds using cross bracing. I'm not sure if he ever builds with tone bars. Two good friends of mine play Lawrence F5's and they both have the sound and tone I'm looking for. So for me it wasn't even consideration to ask him to do something different.

Here's a quote from a Lawrence Mandozine interview -

I still do vary the angle of the X to steer toward various tone. It should be noted that in the bracing I generally use, the X crosses forward of the bridge so that a brace runs under each foot of the bridge. The brace angles are limited by the F hole placement and the need for them to support the bridge feet. I like this bracing because I believe it combines the attributes of both tone bar (quick attack and punch) and X bracing (complex overtone structure). Closing the X means that the crossing point is usually moved closer to the neck and this will help enhance the mids and trebles and quicken the attack, similar to tone bars. Opening up the X helps the bass response and the ability to generate overtones giving a more warm or dark tone.

[billhay4]

Thanks, Doug,
And, you ARE from Texas...
Bill

[Mike Black]

I have your mandolin hostage!!!! :))

[Tavy]

I have your mandolin hostage!!!! :))

Mandolin bondage? Could be a whole new sub-genre :)

[hank]

I found the owner.6887468874
:whistling::whistling::whistling:

[Chris Oliver]

I recently started a small batch of f mandos. I'm way early in the build but here are some fretboards, cut, slotted and shaped.. ready for fret markers and binding this weekend.


http://www.infinityluthiers.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/fretboard10-300x270.jpg

(http://www.infinityluthiers.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/fretboard10.jpg)

[Ed Goist]

Highland Strings #047 - Orpheus 2-Point Mandolin

Jason Harshbarger is keeping a very detailed photo record on my Orpheus 2-Point build.
There are already 34 pics. Instead of posting them in batches, I thought it best to post this public link to the album (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2099221&id=1307520521&l=2598f0bd8d) containing all of the photos. (Just click on the link and you will be taken to the album)
As more photos are taken (including during my shop visit next Saturday), I'll be sure to re-post this link.

I Had an informative, fun, and productive visit with Jason Harshbarger of Highland Strings (http://www.highlandstrings.com/) today.

I got to play a couple of Jason's remarkable mandolins, one of his ukuleles, and we tied-up pretty much all of the loose ends regarding my Orpheus custom build.

Here are the finalized specs:
Body Style: Custom two-Point, f-hole
Soundhole: Custom Highland Strings Segmented S-hole
Bracing: tone bars (Red Spruce)
Soundboard: Engelmann Spruce
Neck, Back & Sides: Curly Cherry
Fretboard: Radiused Custom Bocote - (12" Radius) with shortened fretboard extension (no pickguard). Fret markers on board & side
Nut Material: bone
Neck Width at the Nut: just under 1 1/8" (1 3/32") with the edges of the nut rolled for comfort and appearance.
String spacing at Nut (outside G to outside E): Just a hair under 1" (31/32")
Neck Shape: Slight V profile
Frets: large (Gold EVO - .080X.043)
Neck Construction: one piece Cherry with wings at headstock
Neck Reinforcement & Joint: (1/4" x 1/2" carbon fiber with handcut dovetail)
Headstock: Custom - Imbuya Burl vaneer with abalone inlay HS logo.
Tuners: Grover tuners (Gold with white pearloid buttons)
Tailpiece: Highland Strings custom wood and brass (to match appointments: gold & Bocote)
Bridge: Custom Highland Strings adjustable (with 12" radiused saddle) Bocote bridge / Ebony saddle
Colors: Opaque Blackface on Soundboard, Natural blond on sides, back and neck
Finish: Oil Varnish (with custom varnish application on back of neck for speed and feel)
Point tips: Bocote
Additional Inlay work/appointments: Top & Bottom Bocote wood binding, plus double purfling.
Strings: set-up with J74 strings.
Armrest: Highland Strings original to match appointments (Bocote)
Strap Buttons: 2

Here are some pictures I took during the shop visit today (these and many additional pics of the build can be found at the link referenced above):

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[barry k]

One of the next ones out of the corral. Kinda fun to build these.

[dcoventry]

Barry,

That bubble quilt maple pack beauty in the classifieds is out of sight. I believe someone looked at it, and I can't believe they sent it back! For we the sausage fingered, do you ever do wider nut and banjo frets?

dave

[barry k]

Yea , that was unfortunate with that deal, the mandolin never left the shop, he just couldnt find the money, but I understand that times are tough. Fortunately I dont depend on selling mandos to live, I had great military career ( 36 YEARS) and Uncle Sam is now very good to me. Yes I build with a wider board if the customer wants it, bigger frets too. Thats the wacky world of custom building. I had played that quilt mandolin today at the Randy Wood Shop jam, and I really like that mandolin a lot, it plays like butta ,lol and has a great pop to it.

[Nonprophet]

Looking good Ed! She's gonna be a beaut!


NP

[Ed Goist]

Beautiful work, Barry! Love the headstock shape and the inlay work. Nice.

[Skip Kelley]

Barry, that is a great looking mandolin! Love the peghead shape!

[Jill McAuley]

Ed, your Highland Strings 2 pointer is coming along nicely there!

Cheers,
Jill

[Jim Hilburn]

Just finishing up this neckset.

[Jill McAuley]

Great stuff Jim!

Cheers,
Jill

[Dan Margolis]

My hat is off to all of you talented builders. I couldn't do that even if you handed me a bag filled with $100,000!

[barry k]

Dan....sure you could. People start on this adventure every day who had thought it couldnt be done by them, some with great results, some with not so steller results .

[Skip Kelley]

Jim, that is perfect! Nicely done!!

[Chris Oliver]

A few fretboards, 2 dyed and 1 not in my current F5 build.

http://www.infinityluthiers.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/fretboard12-203x300.jpg

[Doug Edwards]

Sealer coat.

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[Dobe]

[QUOTE=Jim Hilburn;898626]Just finishing up this neckset.

Wow Jim, couldn't you get that joint any tighter !? Great work !!!

[Jim Hilburn]

Before making mandolins took over my life I used to make whatever came to mind for myself. I was going to make a Les Paul type flametop. I have the mahagony body which I may use for blocks someday and a neck blank that won't ever get used for anything, but this top has been laying around for about 12 years so I figured I may as well use it for a mandolin back.

[jasona]

Before making mandolins took over my life I used to make whatever came to mind for myself. I was going to make a Les Paul type flametop. I have the mahagony body which I may use for blocks someday and a neck blank that won't ever get used for anything, but this top has been laying around for about 12 years so I figured I may as well use it for a mandolin back.

Something poetic about that picture!

[Dan Margolis]

Dan....sure you could. People start on this adventure every day who had thought it couldnt be done by them, some with great results, some with not so steller results.

Hm.. maybe you're right. Now all I need is that bag 'o $100,000 and I can get started!

[Skip Kelley]

Nice work, Doug! The mandolins look great!

[Doug Edwards]

Thanks Skip. Photos don't always reveal the little things you see up close, but we're still learning.

I really appreciate the way you always have an encouraging word for everyone. You do great work as well.

[joec]

I know I'm late to the party, but, pay attention kids (to the build-photos from Lawrence). He's one of the modern masters of the mandolin family builders. Also, amazing engraving on that tailpiece.
Here's my Smart - Got a few more months to go!

[joec]

Here are some fun pictures of an F that I'm working on. If I scrape that Adi top just right, I can get each grain to cast it's own shadow. Under varnish, this is the grain texture that reminds you that yes, it WAS once a tree. Plus it feels nice--a tactile reminder of the same. In a hundred years, when it's accumulated some grime and dirt in those low areas, it'll really have character...
Joe
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[Skip Kelley]

Doug, Thanks!

Joseph, Those are super cool pictures! I love seeing the grain like that. That is one sweet looking top!

[billhay4]

Joec,
Quite stunning photographs and carving and scraping work! Am I correct that one pictures shows purfling on the inside of the top? If so, please explain why. I assume it's for crack prevention, but would like to hear from you on this. Of course, this may simply be an optical illusion.
Will this instrument have the protruding top a la violin design?
Thanks,
bill

[joec]

They're all pictures of the outside of the instrument...wood purfling 4.something mm from the edge glued with hide glue. And yes, all of my instruments feature the overhanging edge à la violin construction. The edge and the purfling in combination are very strong protection against cracks from impact at the edge and provide a rigid structure at the perimeter (think exoskeleton!). In addition there's none of the materials stability/incompatibility issues that you find with plastic binding (shrinking and cracking). Well, wood will shrink and expand of course, but many old instruments have issues with shrunken, cracked and crumbling plastic at the edge.

Binding? I'm just over it, and will be happy if I never use it again (been off the plastic since 2002). Also did I mention that I once got superglue in my eye? It flicked off a bit of springy binding. Another story for another time, but not inconsequential in the development of this design. Somehow I survived the incident with 20/20 in both eyes...
cheers,
Joe

Joec,
Quite stunning photographs and carving and scraping work! Am I correct that one pictures shows purfling on the inside of the top? If so, please explain why. I assume it's for crack prevention, but would like to hear from you on this. Of course, this may simply be an optical illusion.
Will this instrument have the protruding top a la violin design?
Thanks,
bill

[Jonas]

The grain on that top reminds me of the top on my A5 Joe. Love the way it looks. Modern and oldtimey.

[billhay4]

Joe,
That top center photo sure fools me. Great shot! and again a lovely job of carving and scraping.
Bill

[Jim Hilburn]

I once was squeezing a plastic bottle of CA when it split open and totally soaked my hand. I was smart enough to leave my hand open. Then I soaked it with acetone and it got real hot for a few seconds. But I was able to peel it all off.

[Dan Margolis]

off the plastic

ha ha ha

[Charles E.]

Joe, I like that look of the violin purfling. With no binding and an overhang it should make repairs alot easier for someone in the future. Heck, you could actually take the top off with little fuss.

[Marc Berman]

I know I'm late to the party, but, pay attention kids (to the build-photos from Lawrence). He's one of the modern masters of the mandolin family builders. Also, amazing engraving on that tailpiece.

Joe - It must have been great working Lawrence. I agree about him be one of the greats. I had the tailpiece done as a way of honoring my Scottish wife who is allowing me to get my mandolin of a lifetime. I love the shots of your top. Definitely that old world violin feel to it. The next time I'm in your neck of the woods I'll make a point of stopping by.

[Mike Black]

I've got my two oval hole A's strung up in the white. Now it's time to go on to the finishing stage!

The A4 on the left, with the Virzi, will be sunburst and the A2-(z) on the right will be a blacktop.

[oldwave maker]

Mike- what could be finer than a traditional oval A?
A few big backs, Randys walnut gom, Jasons walnut gom, Jims walnut parlor archtop guitar, Bobs maple rigelesque cello, Jimmies maple gom. Walnuts from a deadstanding tree I traded a mando for in '91, Jimmies is from '99 cut old standard wood I bought a few years ago from violamaker David Rivinus when he switched to euro woods. Weather report? 100% chance of sawdust....

[Steve-o]

Mike - Those ovals are exquisite. Can't wait to see them stained. Bill, some tasty walnut there. You are feeding my Old Wave GOM OMAS for sure.

[Randolph]

Bill, Very nice looking walnut indeed! Sort of makes me want one for myself;)

[billhay4]

Bill,
Would you care to comment on the "Rigelesque cello" a bit more? I assume you mean mandocello, but I am intrigued by the design of this instrument. A lovely take on the two point. Will it have a "Rigelesque" rounded body or other elements of Rigel's instruments, too?
Thanks,
Bill Hay

[Max Girouard]

The wife is at it again. Here is a picture of her inlay for her "marinedolin"

[Ed Goist]

Max;
The artistic, freehand style of that inlay is wonderful.
It's warm, rich, and real. Just Excellent!
Please congratulate her for me.

[Skip Kelley]

Mike, Nice pair of oval A's! I have said it before and I will say it again, I think the script of your name is the coolest!!

Nice bunch of backs, Bill! I love the walnut!

Max, tell your wife that is a fine looking inlay! Wish I could get my wife involved!

[oldwave maker]

Bill- the 'rigelesque' body shape was influenced by the customers Rigel R200(?), has regular sides, is a companion piece to the guitar I built him as per his design a while back.

[oldwave maker]

Parts mando from leftovers after the big layoffs at the oldwave heavy industries and mandolin stamping facility.
Only email I ever got from Charlie Derrington was a request not to use the gibson flowerpot anymore, since they were claiming it as a proprietary design element. In honor of the legal department.....yes, thats a pipestone pot from the Arizona mine! no recon sacred ceremonial materials were harmed in the making......

[billhay4]

Thanks, Bill,
A beautiful design.
Bill

[Jim Hilburn]

I'll dot that "I" later.

[JEStanek]

I feel bad every time I post in this thread because I miss someone. All of the work is so good. Jim, I particularly like that design and I love everything Bill Bussman posts.

Jamie

[Jill McAuley]

I'll dot that "I" later.

lovely bit of inlay there Jim!

Cheers,
Jill

[hank]

Absolutely beautiful artwork everyone, thanks for sharing. I always look forward to your latest creations in wood, shell and sound.

[Dobe]

[QUOTE=oldwave maker;903096]Only email I ever got from Charlie Derrington was a request not to use the gibson flowerpot anymore, since they were claiming it as a proprietary design element.

Hope they don't go there with the whole 'Florentine" thing. That would be a bummer for a couple builders :0

[Chris Oliver]

One of the new fretboards gets solid silver plate inlaid as faux frets. Once the rest of the frets are installed and the binding is in place, it will be scooped.

http://www.infinityluthiers.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/fretboard17-300x274.jpg

http://www.infinityluthiers.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/fretboard18-263x300.jpg

[Max Girouard]

Getting some really nice shavings with my plane today!!!!!!

[hank]

That's an amazing sliver of wood there Max. What kind of wood?

[Charles E.]

What kind of plane?

[Max Girouard]

That was red spruce shaved with a Veritas 5 1/4 plane. I love that plane! I am getting another iron in the next couple of days so I can make some of the same shavings off of sugar maple.

[Max Girouard]

A bunch of rims. Three f5s, a three point and two custom Garcias.

[Marc Berman]

Latest photos from Lawrence. Fretboard will be scooped at the 22nd fret. Interesting how he leaves the neck unfinished so he has a clamping surface for the vise.

[Charles E.]

That was red spruce shaved with a Veritas 5 1/4 plane. I love that plane! I am getting another iron in the next couple of days so I can make some of the same shavings off of sugar maple.

Hey Max, good looking stuff. I also love my Varitas 5-1/4! Are you getting the new iron from Woodcraft? The new cryo-A2 blades they sell ( made in Canada ) are very nice.

[Max Girouard]

Hi Charles, I ordered the iron from Lee Valley. I couldn't find the cryo blade you are talking about. Sounds interesting.

[SteffeyGibson]

man those look great! how long you been workin on them?

[Paul Statman]

I've got my two oval hole A's strung up in the white. Now it's time to go on to the finishing stage!

The A4 on the left, with the Virzi, will be sunburst and the A2-(z) on the right will be a blacktop.

These are gorgeous, Mike! What tuners are you using?

[Mike Black]

Thanks! I'm using the Gotoh tuners from LMII (http://www.lmii.com/CartTwo/thirdproducts.asp?CategoryName=Tuning+Machines&NameProdHeader=Gotoh%99+Mandolin+Tuners). They are the only ones that look correct on a snakehead mandolin (and turn the correct way) that are available.

[Paul Statman]

I wondered - because although the gear orientation looked right, yours have screw-fastened buttons, which the Golden Age retro sets do not.

[Chris Oliver]

A few of the fretboards in the spring build are getting a scooped florida with Infinity inlay.

http://www.infinityluthiers.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/fretboard22.jpg

[Marc Berman]

Smart F5 and mandola

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[Ed Goist]

Jason Harshbarger (Highland Strings) continues work on my Highland Strings Orpheus 2-Point mandolin (# 047). Here are a few of the most recent pics:

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The entire album for the build up to this point (over 80 pics now) can be seen here (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2099221&id=1307520521&l=2598f0bd8d).

[D18dave]

Here's my latest attempt. I strung it up in the white last night. Very happy with the sound!

Hope the weekend is nice and I'll put a finish on it.

[bernabe]

Very nice Dave! Like the headstock.

[Skip Kelley]

Dave, very nice! I love your peghead shape!!!

[Steve-o]

Nice Dave. What type of wood is that on the face of the headstock?

[D18dave]

It's figured black walnut.

Thanks for the kind words guys

[JEStanek]

Dave, looks great.
Jamie

[Jim Hilburn]

Here's one in tortoise.

[thistle3585]

Jim,
I am always so impressed with the your work. You have such clean, sharp lines. Do you laminate your own bindings or buy them pre-laminated?

[Jim Hilburn]

i did all the laminations on this one but I use pre-lams when ever I can.

[Jill McAuley]

Here's one in tortoise.

One word: Awesome!

Cheers,
Jill

[Skip Kelley]

That's sweet, Jim! Nice looking back too!

[bernabe]

Here's one in tortoise.

Real nice!!

[Ed Goist]

Jason Harshbarger (Highland Strings) continues work on my Highland Strings Orpheus 2-Point mandolin (# 047). Here are a few of the most recent pics:
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Here are some more pics of Jason's on-going work on my Highland Strings Orpheus 2-Point mandolin (# 047 - The Raven).

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The entire album for the build up to this point (over 100 pics now) can be seen here (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2099221&id=1307520521&l=2598f0bd8d).

[Jill McAuley]

Nice, looking forward to seeing the completed project!

Cheers,
Jill

[oldwave maker]

Lacquer build coats, not sure how that scrolly thing snuck in amongst the ovalation, seems to have a testoresque heelbutton. Todays weather report- 100% chance of dust!

[Steve-o]

Nice. Delicious looking wood and mandos that we expect from you Bill, served up with the usual singular sense of humor.

[Ed Goist]

Here are some more pics of Jason's on-going work on my Highland Strings Orpheus 2-Point mandolin (# 047 - The Raven).
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The entire album for the build up to this point (over 100 pics now) can be seen here (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2099221&id=1307520521&l=2598f0bd8d).

Here are some pics of 'The Raven' in the white.
I really like the white purfling Jason has installed around the stylized raven's head headstock inlay.
Jason reports that the mandolin's voice is right along the lines of what we were shooting for: a very deep, rich tone with plenty of warmth.

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[Steve-o]

Nice lines on that one Ed. Looking forward to hearing how it sounds in your hands.

[D18dave]

...After a fun weekend of spraying.

[Ed Goist]

Hi Steve:
Thanks very much...
I, too, am filled with anticipation.

[Marc Berman]

New Smart photos. These are after a couple coats of spirit varnish. Last I heard he's been french polishing. Any day now!

[Ed Goist]

Marc; absolutely beautiful!
Love the unique headstock shape and inlay!

[Geoff B]

Boy that Smart looks good!

Here's a tasty inlay I'm doing for my mando-building class, the school logo.... made from cinnamon, paprika and pearl dust...

[Marc Berman]

Geoff - Very nice headstock. I like the mountain inlay. Lawrence's headstock represents the Idaho Rockies. The inlay is a columbine flower.

[fswaf]

Here's a picture of Paul Newsons first 2 pointer sans color. Picking it up this afternoon.

[eastmountain]

Here's my first attempt at building: Harlan #1 waiting on my lacquer order to arrive so it can shine!

http://www.kentium.net/mandolin/mandopics/harlan1.jpg
http://www.kentium.net/mandolin/mandopics/harlan2.jpg

Looks like Harlan #1 is awaiting his massuese, lol.

[Dobe]

Pretty darn nice for #-1 I hope we get to see the finished product. Isn't it amazing how many really nice 1st builds are coming out in the past few years ?!!

[Bill Snyder]

He finished it about 7 or 8 years ago and has built several since. The post that eastmountain has quoted is from July of 2003.

[roscoestring]

Not my first mando but my first neck. Has a piezo pickup.

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee210/roscoestring/001-161.jpg

[crazymandolinist]

:disbelief:

That's amazing

[Charles E.]

Well this is taking a lot longer then I expected but daily life keeps getting in the way. I wanted to show the ground coat that I use on the top. It is from Old Wood and is made for spruce and maple. It gives a lot of color before any finish goes on. I am using a pale baltic amber varnish from Joe
Robeson. It seems to dry fairly quick and hard in the UV box. I hope to have this done for Mt. Airy. :)
Oh, the back and sides are Aussie Blackwood and this is the first coat of varnish. The top is Engleman.

[Mike Black]

Starting another Loar style A5.

[Skip Kelley]

Mike, that is one sweet looking piece of maple! Nice work!

[Steve Sorensen]

Sorensen mando #2, is "Pacifica #1" -- sounds pretty good in the white.

Following my Pacific Coast muse, the top is really old salvaged sinker curly redwood, back and sides are curly claro walnut. "Pacifica" herself, is abalone and white MOP. Double-bound tortoise just to make that task as challenging as possible.

So fun to play, it's gonna be hard to take the hardware off and start the finishing process. Got to say, I love the Bill James tailpiece.

"Pacifica" versions #2,3,4 on the way (each has a different top wood and mermaid). Since I'm doing them in order, poor #1 has suffered a lot of learning. Can't wait to see how her siblings turn out!

Thanks to Walt for wave-theory inspiration and Bill "Old Wave" for curly redwood carving tips (to name just a few). This community is simply amazing ! ! !

Steve

[Skip Kelley]

StevenS, Nice work! How does the Claro sound? I have been wanting to build one for myself for awhile out of Claro. Looks great!

[Steve Sorensen]

Mike,
Congrats on the nice article in Mandolin Magazine. Seeing wood like that is sure sets the heart a-flutter!

Skip,
Love the curly claro. Wish nobody else felt the same way . . . keeps getting more expensive. The idea with this set of 4 is to find the top wood that marries with it the best (and to hone my process by repeating each step 4 times).

Steve

[Mike Black]

Mike,
Congrats on the nice article in Mandolin Magazine. Seeing wood like that is sure sets the heart a-flutter!

Steve

Thanks Steve! :)

[Marc Berman]

Getting Very Very Close!! Latest from Lawrence Smart!

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