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There is an ancient old place just a few block down the road from me, United Saw and Tool. Ken Woody runs it and has been in the same location for something like 47 years. He makes the blades for my...

Two more: a crisp new herringbone D18 dovetail with Brazilian rosewood binding and a BAAAAAAADDDDDDAAAAAAA$$$$$$$$ 1932 ALCOA bass that I spent about 45 hours polishing.

j.
www.condino.com...

I use #6-32 set screws and hex nuts. That way you can put a little 1/4" wrench on them and adjust while under string tension. Lots of folks are doing this now, it definitely makes adjustment easier....

All of that said and understood and respected, I still like Brazilian rosewood mandolins!

j.
www.condino.com

Sblock is correct, and I have been saying the same thing over and over on guitar forums. Don't panic, your personal mandolin, guitar, etc, is exempt so long as it contains less than 10kg of...

"Rosewood " is pretty generic. It would be more helpful if we differentiated between the specific dalbergia choices- at least the common names like Brazilian, Honduran, Indian, Cocobolo, et cetera. I...

You won't think curly maple is so cool after you try to bind an f5!

Here is a new striped ebony one under the Y30 and another African blackwood ported one from about ten years ago that was in my...

I've made bridges from ebony, wenge, maple, kingwood, padauk, and African blackwood. More out-there materials I've used include carbon fiber, bone, and aluminum. I have not been able to discern or...

Just followed your Facebook page - thanks for being so generous with the pictures, and the updates! It's encouraging to see folks who are willing to be open about the setbacks.

I have absolutely no need for these, but that doesn't stop me wanting a set :)

Not finished yet. The future owner had some serious health problems, and the associated serious financial problems, so we sort of put the 'cello project on the back burner. I have done some more work...

I've cut my neck blocks at more of a slant so that the narrow section that connects the actual heel and scroll has long grain. This puts the actual dovetail area at an angle. Maybe the best of both...

It really doesn't matter what you call it so long as it looks good, you make good use of it and you're happy with the results!

Since you mentioned it, I'll give new examples and write a few more...

One of the best sounding guitars i ever made was made from the headboard of a cast off mahogany bed. The second best sounding guitar i ever built was made from a perfectly vertical grain piece of...

Hey Bluetickhound, best of luck with #6!

My advice. Get something going to feed your family and build in your spare time. I've been where you're at and I didn't take care of business first. It cost me dearly. I know it seems harsh but it's...

Why not!

Nice

When you add the distractions of bridge, tailpiece, strings, (pick guard) and such to the top, it will look better yet.

My experimental mando has had 12 different backs on it. Newspaper works great.

don't know if this filmed at home interview has seen any air over in the US, but thought i'd share it to those who haven't seen it.
sorry, but can only share this Facebook link..
done quite...

Nice Jacob and thanks for sharing the tip with us. When I read your first post I immediately brushed the spruce with 500 grit and it really did help with taking of stain. Next time I'll try the 600...

I sand the back neck and sides to at least 220. 320 max. the top I sand to 600 maybe more depending on the wood.

here is a picture of my first mandolin and first hand rubbed finish.

Personally, I'm wayyyyyyyy more concerned about how an instrument sounds and plays than how it looks.

I've seen some of the first and very early mandolins and finishes done by some of the finest...

James demonstrated this, and quite a bit of other information. one was how to find which color's work with your particular piece of wood.

Your back and neck look great, I probably would have...