Search:

Sitting here with a 23" scale Vega banjo on my lap, I think I'd be quite happy with a similar size OM. I jump back and forth with fingerings, but it only takes a few minutes to settle in. So I...

Thanks for coming back to my question. Along with mandolin, I play tenor banjo in GDAE, with 22.5 to 23" scale lengths and switch to one finger per fret. I've been interested in this discussion,...

With a 20" scale, do you still play two frets per finger or switch to one? I also play tenor banjo with a slightly longer reach and switch to one finger per fret. I'm itching to try an octave. ...

As you suggest, the size is probably more about having robust threads.

My building experience with a grand total of three mandolins includes one with a single eighth-inch aluminum bar and two with single eighth-inch carbon bars. For those using two carbon bars, do you...

Okay, deeper it is! I must have remembered incorrectly. Thanks, John.

Okay, deeper it is! I must have remembered incorrectly. Thanks, John.

After building three mandolins with graphite bars, I'm thinking I'll try a single action truss rod on my next one. A couple of years ago I followed a discussion about how the bent Gibson rods...

While I can read music, I prefer to learn by ear. Can someone recommend a good recording?

Nice setup. I recently dove in and bought one of the Stewmac cutters and just a couple of the bearings. My setup posted above, based on the Lynn Dudenbostel site worked well enough, but the ball...

Graham now sends out the plans electronically, which works great. I can print the whole thing full scale at an office supply, allowing templates to be made easily.

That was one of my concerns with the Stewmac tool. I didn't have a good way to hold the mandolin and attempted to hold it between my knees while guiding the Dremel with one hand and steadying the...

Here's what I made up for my modest router table. This is based on ideas from Lynn Dudenbostel. The ledge allows instruments with arched tops and backs to be routed parallel to the rim or sides by...

I went through that a couple of years ago and got lots of ideas here. Most don't care for the Stewmac tool. After using it for my first build, I understood. If you have a router table, there are...

Just to follow up on Richard Hustings' question, when you do a micro bevel, you're only working the cutting edge at a slightly increased angle, correct? That would explain not seeing a shiny surface...

I considered trying the .020" plastic binding. When you say it softens with acetone, are you referring to gluing it with acetone, or do you apply acetone to the entire strip to make it more pliable...

Peter, I'm happy to hear that you use walnut. That's what I've been considering as I've had no luck finding a wide 1mm plastic binding. I considered celluloid but don't want to pay the hazmat fee...

That sounds great. I hadn't thought about a wider piece. Since there is so much contouring around the hole, it would be much easier to align. So it's reasonable to stick with plastic binding?

After completing three flat tops, I've jumped into my first carved top project. The top plate looks like it's worthy of continuing on to the rest of the build. My question is about how to add a...

There is a used Mid Missouri / Big Muddy mandola for sale in the classifieds here.

I have similar interests and curiosities about the mandola. You might check out Pomeroy Instrument's website. He's posted lots of sound files of completed instruments and you can hear the...

My primary interest is playing Irish music on mandolin and GDAE tenor banjo. I really like where the mandola sits sonically. I mostly learn by ear. Is it reasonable to play mandola solo with the...

I'd love to see some details about attaching the wood handles. I understand the threaded rod and ball type, but I haven't found details of attaching the contoured wooden handles.

Hi Roger,

I meant to reply before this. I'm bending just A-style rims, so thankfully I don't have quite the issue with tight bends. I will certainly try two straps next time and try to hold them...

I've been using a simple aluminum strap on the outside only. So I should be using one on the inside as well? I'll give that a try. I'm using a propane heated brass pipe. I was using black iron...