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Thanks! They are basically an F-5 with the scroll cut off. I started with my F-5 drawings and modified them, so they are braced the same and have a great sound, just look different. I always liked...

I've hit a milestone for me, and I am completing instruments numbers 99 and 100. I wanted to do something very different on both of them. If nothing else, I achieved that. There are more photos of...

I contacted them several years ago about a warranty issue with my '83 Flatiron. Gibson said they do NOT cover any Flatirons made in Montana before the purchase.

When I started building, I used "The Flinthills" as my logo, having grown up on the eastern edge of the flinthills in Kansas, and it is where I plan to be scattered some day. After several requests...

Took the last shot as the sirens were blowing. Got in the van with pillows and blankets. We were in the pecan grove and had some tents full of water, but everything was still standing. I had never...

I use dyed black veneer as a layer under a maple veneer under the peghead overlay of ebony, rosewood or whatever to create a side stripe effect. I don't use it as the overlay itself. I get it from...

The main thing is to get them consistent thickness or you'll have trouble keeping them square when you bend them. There are lots of ways to get good results. You can make a jig to fit a sanding drum...

I wouldn't normally post about my own instrument here, but it is a benefit auction to provide scholarship money for music students to attend Irish music camp or a music school or other Irish music...

I got one like that on ebay a few years ago, but I can't remember what I paid for it. It seems like there are always a couple listed. I would check and see what they are going for and compare the...

I love the color of this one Mike. I spent more time playing your Octave at Fiddlin and Pickin last Sunday and didn't get to play that one.

That's a really pretty neck, Jim! Nice work, and thanks for the inspiration!

I don't think I could live without the belt sander. I also have a 4x36 I keep fine grit on for small parts. I do love the spindle sander, but if I had to I could probably live without it easier than...

When I use a white/black purfling with the fingerboard binding, I glue the fretboard onto the neck unbound. Then I put the white/black on and it is perfectly flat and straight since it is resting on...

I just finished the mandolin that will be auctioned off at the KC Irish Fest over labor day weekend. The money from the sale will be used for scholarships for youth to learn to play Irish music. More...

This coffee shop just opened up in the Western Auto Lofts on Grand Ave in midtown Kansas City, MO. I walked in today wearing my Mandolin Cafe cap and the owner thought that was very cool. There were...

Trevor contacted me out of the blue after seeing my listing on the Cafe. He ordered an A-4 sight unseen. Since then, he has ordered several more, and sold most of them. I have gotten emails from...

Beautiful work, Dan! And beautiful website! Nicely laid out, and the music is great.

I did mean "up" to pitch. I started typing something different and deleted part of it and didn't read it over. I saw that right after I posted it. Anyway, I check the pitch and remove a little from...

I always string up in the white and almost always take a little off the neck. Even though I use a contour gauge, I adjust by feel. I also tune the sound chamber by opening the f-holes until it comes...

Inspiring work, Jim!

That is in the white. It will have a french polished varnish finish, but I am still undecided about color. I like the contrast with the maple and ebony, but I also like using a darker color to set...

I received a grant from the KC Irish Fest to build a custom mandolin that will be auctioned off and the proceeds will go toward funding a scholarship. I wanted to use some Celtic style "knot work"...

It's always inspiring to see your work Andrew. Nice job! I know what you mean about getting them shipped off. From the final buffing through set-up, everything has to be handled so carefully. And...

I use a gauge similar to Hans' above, that lays on the flat part of the neck and has a wooden pin at the other end. When the pin touches the top, the neck is at the right height. I glue the neck on...

Roger recommends those measurements as a starting point for your final graduations and tap tuning. You should end up thinner than that after final shaping.