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I've been studying the early 16" L5's this last year. I've built about 20 F5's and A5's combined and started gathering materials over the last year. I've got big leaf maple and Sitka spruce on hand...

I expect there will be a bit of experimentation. I got my spec's for deflection tunning for the mandolins from the Cafe and American Lutherier mag. Thought someone else may have explored some on the...

I'm beginning my next build, a guitar body octave. I've been using deflection tunning for my A and F models but I'm not sure what I should expect or shoot for building an octave. Any help or...

Thanks Joe, I think my regulator on my gun is out of wack. I increased pressure and dropped the volume and went for a lighter coat. The problem seems to have cleared up. I don't do this often enough....

I'm having a problem with micro bubbles in my finish. I using Target EM6000 my gun is an Walcom EGO. I can't seem to get it to atomize smoothly. I could do a better job with my air brush but it would...

Hey TJ, I shared some emails with Rolfe Gerhardt a couple years ago regarding the varnish he was using. He was using Target brand finish EM 2000 (http://www.targetcoatings.com) and he recommended the...

Hey Folks,
I've been trying to learn or rather want to learn Biscuits and Gravy. I've been listening to a version of Don Julian's and I just can't get it started by ear. Extremely frustrating. So...

I've been using an electric blanket, mandolin rib size from LMI. I didn't want to spend the money because I figured I could bend the sides easy enough just with a 2" pipe and a torch. It worked OK....

Yeah, way beautiful. I'm still intimidated by french polishing, I guess eventually I'll have to give a try. Is the body shape closely similar to an L5?

Thanks Jacob for jarring my memory. The older I get.... So, what I was referring to as being in Italy was wrong. It was a Saz being built. Here is a link to the Youtube video. This segment was part...

Hey, it's worth a shot, have fun doing it. The top will have a lot to do with the sound anyway. I'd avoid plywood. Continue doing more research in the construction end of bowl backs. I've seen a...

How fantastically gorgeous! I've been wanting to build an L5 styled Octave also. I'm looking forward to see how your adventure unfolds. Please, post updates and pictures often. Thanks for sharing....

Hi Neil,
Take a look at this http://www.mandolessons.com/ The lessons are free. Yes, really free video lessons just asking for donations to help support the site.

Thanks Tom got your email. As for interested Cafe members, the mandolin had been left in an overly dry environment (air conditioning). The seam from bridge to tail piece separated. I received some...

Nice picking, I wouldn't be able to pull that off. I liked #3 though all 3 sounded great.

One of my most embarrassing moments showing around a new instrument at a party of pickers.

Try this this (link)

Ya all are great, Nabanita's voicals are so sweet

Warning: No mando content
149510
couldn't help it, new grand-daughter and new salmon

Every day is a beautiful day when things go the way you plan. If you want to know about the agony just try building one of these beasts. I'd rather share my successes as they arise.
---Gary

Got one of my earlier A's back after it was overly dried out due to air-conditioning. The center seam opened up so this is the attempt to reclose it. There are also a couple cracks that developed on...

Hey Dan, I don't use Endurovar but I do use Targets EM6000 also a waterborne finish. I made the mistake of using a "tack rag" with miserable results ended up having to sand back. Many fish eyes where...

Thanks for the comments. The thread in particular I was searching for had to do with the formulations of Titedbond and interaction with certain finishes. Thanks for the responses.

I've been doing searches for the last hour trying to locate an old thread about finishes sinking in on glue seams. An older instrument of mine has come back and joints have sunk in. I remember...

Arnt, The transverse brace makes sense. I'm planing to build an oval A with a fingerboard extention and using a transverse brace at that point hadn't occurred to me. Thanks for the detailed reply....