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Thread: 10 string mandolin builder

  1. #1
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    Default 10 string mandolin builder

    I'm interested in having a 10 string mandolin made. I'm thinking maybe a two point body, 15" or so scale length, f-hole model. I'd like to keep the price no greater than $3000. Any suggestions? I'm in Toledo, Ohio, though I would certainly consider someone not local.

  2. #2
    Chief Moderator/Shepherd Ted Eschliman's Avatar
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    Default Re: 10 string mandolin builder

    Probably a little over $3K depending on your mods, but you might check in with Girouard Mandolins. They just did a dandy fanned fret 10-string recently.

    Ted Eschliman

    Author, Getting Into Jazz Mandolin

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    I may be old but I'm ugly billhay4's Avatar
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    Default Re: 10 string mandolin builder

    Marty Jacobson built me one. Probably more than $3K, but a great instrument!
    Bill
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  6. #4
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    Default Re: 10 string mandolin builder

    Are fan frets really necessary? I understand the theory, but if the scale length is chosen carefully, can't one get a good sound out of all the strings without resorting to this? I actually have a ten string that was made for me by Steve Wishnevsky. 15" scale length. If it were any cruder, I'd worry about splinters, but it's playable and doesn't sound bad. I wanted to get something cheap to test before I made a major investment. The strings it shipped with were way too light. I'm waiting for delivery of a set of D'addario EJ76's. Once they arrive, I'll be able to see for myself.

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    Registered User Timbofood's Avatar
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    Default Re: 10 string mandolin builder

    Would it be possible to “tidy up” some of the roughness and improve what you already have?
    Might be worth some investigation.
    Timothy F. Lewis
    "If brains was lard, that boy couldn't grease a very big skillet" J.D. Clampett

  8. #6

    Default Re: 10 string mandolin builder

    Quote Originally Posted by Varin View Post
    Are fan frets really necessary? I understand the theory, but if the scale length is chosen carefully, can't one get a good sound out of all the strings without resorting to this?
    You could argue that even with fanned frets, you can't get "good" sound out of all the courses. You can set up a 5-course 5ths-tuned instrument one of three ways:

    As a mandola with a weak, but functional E course
    As a mandolin with a weak, but functional C course
    As a something in the middle with weak C and E courses and killer midrange

    But you can't make 5-course instrument which is a superb mandola on the open C and a superb mandolin at the 15th fret on the E course

    I know someone will say, "but my 37-inch scale Sobell sounds amazing as a piccolo mandolin capo'd at the 20th fret", and that's not what I'm talking about. By "good tone" I don't mean "do you happen to like it". What I mean is, does it sound like a mandolin (or mandola). Which you can't do for all the pitches because in order to get that tone for the register, you would need multiple resonating chambers and sound port systems and then isolate them to the ranges they're intended for.

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    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
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    Default Re: 10 string mandolin builder

    Bernie Lehmann here in Rochester made this one for me.


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    Flamed koa back and sides, Adirondack spruce top. Five-on-a-plate tuners are Allparts inexpensive, but they work fine so far.
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    Registered User sunburst's Avatar
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    Default Re: 10 string mandolin builder

    There may be a builder, or builders, who regularly make a 10-string model, and perhaps even a 2-point with a 15-or-so-inch scale, but I have my doubts, and if not, that leaves the option of a custom build.
    There are probably plenty of custom builders who would be glad to take on the project, but if a good, experienced builder is willing to do it for under $3000, my opinion is he/she is not charging enough.
    Bottom line, I just don't think it is very likely that you can obtain a high quality instrument with your specs for your target price. You may have to do a little adjusting of your expectations.

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  14. #9
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: 10 string mandolin builder

    Some discussion on the topic at this ~2 year old thread.
    Jim

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  15. #10

    Default Re: 10 string mandolin builder

    Have a look at Paul Shippey's site, might give you some ideas. He does three different 10 string models & he's a great Mandolin player too so he knows what he's doing.

    http://paulshippey.co.uk

  16. #11

    Default Re: 10 string mandolin builder

    I'd recommend caution with fanned frets. I believe they are very useful on some bass designs but questionable on a mandolin.

    I had the opportunity to try a fanned fret tenor and found there was a significant difference in play-ability from a normal one. Chord shapes and patterns that naturally fall under the fingers on a mandolin (or other 5th tuned stringed instrument) I found to be very awkward and difficult with fanned frets. No doubt one could train themselves to overcome the differences, but it isn't the most natural transition.

    I'd suggest making sure it's what you really really want before plunking down north of $3k for a custom build.
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  17. #12
    I may be old but I'm ugly billhay4's Avatar
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    Default Re: 10 string mandolin builder

    I'd have to disagree with Verne. I found the transition to fanned frets to be easy and natural.
    Bill
    IM(NS)HO

  18. #13

    Default Re: 10 string mandolin builder

    Quote Originally Posted by billhay4 View Post
    I'd have to disagree with Verne. I found the transition to fanned frets to be easy and natural.
    Bill
    I will reiterate for the benefit of the OP - I found a significant difference in playability between a fanned-fret instrument tuned in 5th and non-fanned fret. While the differences can be compensated for with practice, be sure this is what you want before spending a significant amount of money on a custom build that will be difficult to resell without a significant loss.

    Like billyhay4 fanned frets may be your bees-knees, or you could be like me and find it awkward and difficult to form the chord shapes that work on an non-fanned-fretted mandolin.

    Try before you buy!
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  19. #14
    Registered User Mandobart's Avatar
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    Default Re: 10 string mandolin builder

    Tom TJ Jessen in Minnesota has built a few 10 stringers. I'm pretty confident he could build what you want in the price range you're looking for. Check him out at Cricketfiddle or here on the cafe.

  20. #15
    Brentrup Evangelist Larry S Sherman's Avatar
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    Default Re: 10 string mandolin builder

    I still love my Old Wave 10-string. It's mandola length, but I'm fine with the fel of the E string.

    Click image for larger version. 

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    This is a baby picture from Ted's site of the beautiful finish:

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    Larry

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    Default Re: 10 string mandolin builder

    Just thought I'd update this old thread. Just received this Blues Hardware custom 10-string mandolin from Tom Sheehy. The poor quality webcam picture doesn't begin to do it justice. It's a sweet playin' beauty. Wish I could say the same for the guy holding it. And the price was more than reasonable. Thanks Tom!Click image for larger version. 

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  23. #17
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    Default Re: 10 string mandolin builder

    Actually as a Mandola w/ a shimmery sounding E Course which has a special sound you can't get out of a Standard Mandolin. Fanned frets tend to balance out the tension for a more balanced tone. Also the 10 String Mandolin body is a tad bit deeper to help the lower pitches resonate.

  24. #18

    Default Re: 10 string mandolin builder

    Quote Originally Posted by Ted Eschliman View Post
    Probably a little over $3K depending on your mods, but you might check in with Girouard Mandolins. They just did a dandy fanned fret 10-string recently.

    That’s my mandolin! I love it! It was 3,500 but that was the last one he made at that price.

  25. #19
    Registered User John Bertotti's Avatar
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    Default Re: 10 string mandolin builder

    Quote Originally Posted by Varin View Post
    Just thought I'd update this old thread. Just received this Blues Hardware custom 10-string mandolin from Tom Sheehy. The poor quality webcam picture doesn't begin to do it justice. It's a sweet playin' beauty. Wish I could say the same for the guy holding it. And the price was more than reasonable. Thanks Tom!Click image for larger version. 

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    Very nice!
    My avatar is of my OldWave Oval A

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