I'm currently building two mandolins: (1) a standard 13.875 scale mandolin for a friend, and (2) an 11" scale mandolin for my three-year-old daughter. These are identical, with the exception that mandolin (2) will be scaled down 80% and will have only 4 strings.
I'm having trouble selecting a bracing pattern. I am more concerned with the standard scale instrument, since the smaller copy will have, by design, very low string tension.
Here are what I think are the relevant specs:
(a) the mandolins will have flat tops. I will try to induce a slight arch (15in radius) with the braces. I'm planning on leaving the top thickness at around 0.125".
(b) the mandolin will only have a single treble sound hole. It's really four individual holes, but I'm treating them as one unit. See pics.
(c) the mandolin will have an elevated fingerboard. For all intents and purposes, it will be an A-5 with a flat top and back. I know this will probably increase the break angle and tension.
Here are the bracing ideas I am considering. The red lines are the braces. The black cross section indicates the location of the bridge.
TONE BARS
X BRACE
MODIFIED X BRACE
H BRACE
X BRACE WITH TRANSVERSE BRACE
Any feedback is greatly appreciated. And I'm very much open to other ideas as well. Thanks!
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