Re: A new prototype mandolin
Interesting. What are the pros and cons on a bolt-on neck?
Re: A new prototype mandolin
Really cool, Graham. IMHO, the tailpiece looks out of place though--needs something more modern to fit with the rest of the design.
Re: A new prototype mandolin
I'm a classicist who usually hates modern instrument design. But this grabs me. It just looks right. And cool. And lasting. All the good stuff. I would run with it and run hard.
Re: A new prototype mandolin
Re: A new prototype mandolin
Interesting Graham, thanks for sharing. Is it possible to share an audio file?
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Re: A new prototype mandolin
Pros and cons of a bolt on neck. The Pro is that your can take the neck off and adjust the angle and if it was a bit more sophisticated the overstand as well. The main Con is that you can see the bolt that holds it on. The number of bolt-on necks on guitars shows pretty conclusively that there is no appreciable acoustic downside, though I am sure there are those who will disagree.
I agree with Don about the tailpiece. The asymmetry of the body means it has to be clumsily attached and the next one will have one held by a vertical pin through the tailblock that will be self-centering and be adjustable for height.
It is an evolving project. While the body is the same 10" width of a standard A model I think the enclosed air volume might be less and that would tend to push up the body air resonance. The basic ring-mode tap-tones of the soundboard and back were about what I aim for and they were quite closely matched. One of the family remarked that the body looked smaller than usual and it might work visually and acoustically 1/4" or so wider and longer. Here is a pic of the mandolin side by side with an A style I made last year.
Attachment 184338
Re: A new prototype mandolin
Super cool!
Impressive.
Steve
Re: A new prototype mandolin
Graham - I always like to see non-traditional design elements and this is a real looker. Agree with the comments about the tailpiece, but that is an easy fix. Would love to hear a sound sample!
Re: A new prototype mandolin
I really like it. I hope it sounds as good as it looks, because it sure looks fine!
Re: A new prototype mandolin
Nice - keep up the good work!
Re: A new prototype mandolin
That mandolin looks fantastic - Modern styling but not completely detached from tradition. Love the sloped shoulders and cutaway.
Your family member mentioned making it 1/4” wider and longer.... from the pics, I would say deeper instead? Body depth looks more like my pancake than my F mandolin (relative to the neck size)... or is that just an aspect of a Jazz mando that I don’t know about?
Really eager to hear how it sounds!
Re: A new prototype mandolin
Graham, that mandolin is awesome! I love your style! When I was playing out a lot, I usually had some one refer to my mandolin as a “little bitty gee-tar”. That would fit the bill nicely!
Re: A new prototype mandolin
LOVE the Jetsons/50s jazz vibe! I can't wait to see the mandocello with the new tailpiece design, whenever that is completed.
Re: A new prototype mandolin
I totally dig the vibe this one is putting off. I wonder how it would look with some jazz box colors like red or blue or green. I also agree on the tailpiece design change but, you work with what's on hand as you develop, eh? Great look, Graham!
Jamie
Re: A new prototype mandolin
Along with the previous comments (I also think a different tailpiece will suit it better), the color of the burst is just perfect for the aesthetic. Great to see designs stretching past the norm.
Re: A new prototype mandolin
I love it also. Slightly reminiscent of a modernized Maccaferri-style design, which I also love. Would love to hear this one!
Re: A new prototype mandolin
Graham, you've made me realize that I can really get into something with a non-traditional look. You're on the right path. Looking forward to seeing more.
Re: A new prototype mandolin
Nice, but maybe a lightly glued plug over the bolt would be a bit better, my taste anyway.
Re: A new prototype mandolin
Great looking, you may be able to incorporate a strap button into the screw for the neck so it is not noticeable. I don't mind the screw, and don't usually like strap buttons there. In this case it would hide the bolt on for those that don't like it, and do double duty for a strap
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Re: A new prototype mandolin
Some audio, courtesy of my friend Tony Hunter https://soundcloud.com/graham-mcdona...-times-thunter
The tune seemed appropriate.
Recorded on a Zoom H1n
Attachment 184400
Re: A new prototype mandolin
Sounds really nice, and I love the shape of that instrument.
As for size, I think the cutaway there allows for a 12 fret body join with gives a bit of freedom to the body dimensions and sound holes. My own feeling anyway.
Re: A new prototype mandolin
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Graham McDonald
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Graham McDonald
Pros and cons of a bolt on neck. The Pro is that your can take the neck off and adjust the angle and if it was a bit more sophisticated the overstand as well. The main Con is that you can see the bolt that holds it on. The number of bolt-on necks on guitars shows pretty conclusively that there is no appreciable acoustic downside, though I am sure there are those who will disagree.
From what I can see is that your design also has a minimal neck heel allowing better access when in the stratosphere frets although I suppose that you can do that with a set neck too. Am I correct on that or not?
I, too, love the design. I love modernistic designs that work to my eye and sound good to my ear. I think this fits into that category along with Jacobson, Condino, Beardsell and LeStock. Wonderful! Keep up the work!
Re: A new prototype mandolin
The treble side of the body hits at the 15th fret, so better access to those who play high up the neck. The method of attachment does not really matter here. It could be a dovetail just as effectively. At the same I could quite happily have a mandolin with just seven frets. It would not limit my playing 8-)