I live in the pacific northwest and thought it would be fun to build a mandolin made entirely of local woods. I'm hoping some of the experienced builders can chime in.
For the back and sides - options:
1 - madrone - cracks while drying but stable once cured
2 - bay laurel - somewhat hard to work
3 - claro walnut - somewhat soft compared to hard maple
Top - options:
1 - port orford cedar
2 - western red cedar
fingerboard - options:
1- ????
Fingerboard is a tough one. I don't think there is a local wood hard enough to make a good fingerboard. I was considering one of the harder american woods (osage orange, persimmon or hickory).
Any opinions are welcome.
Bookmarks