Looks like a new Celtic mandolin model

[nkforster]

Earlier this year I put together a blog article called "What is a Celtic mandolin?" Glad I did too as it really helped me understand what players want, and how that ties in with what I make.




I've been back at the bench after a long trip away, and the work began this Autumn with a pair of experimental mandolins.



If they perform as well as I hope it should mean a more affordable carved top Celtic mandolin.

The link below takes you to a blog post about them.

Nigel

http://www.nkforsterguitars.com/blog...ltic-mandolin/

[CelticDude]

I have a question for you: why is the sound hole so high up, near the edge? Is there an acoustic reason, or a construction design one? Or is it just aesthetics?

It's pretty, and it'll be nice to hear some sound clips.

[nkforster]

I have a question for you: why is the sound hole so high up, near the edge? Is there an acoustic reason, or a construction design one? Or is it just aesthetics?

It's pretty, and it'll be nice to hear some sound clips.

The further away from the soundhole the better for structural reasons. Plus the area above the hole to the neck and ribs is solid - it's going nowhere.

nigel
http://www.nkforsterguitars.com/blog...ltic-mandolin/

[Dave1066]

Looking good! I'll be watching with interest!

[Bill Snyder]

I like the endpin. Easy to hook a strap to and no worries of it falling out.

[James Rankine]

Really beautiful Nigel. The rounded edges give the impression the whole thing has been carved from a solid piece of wood. Binding is definitely over-rated! Now if you do a blond with f-holes I'll be heading up the A1 to see you.

[Russ Donahue]

Gorgeous Nigel. Looking forward to sound clips and pictures of her strung up...

[nkforster]

Really beautiful Nigel. The rounded edges give the impression the whole thing has been carved from a solid piece of wood. Binding is definitely over-rated! Now if you do a blond with f-holes I'll be heading up the A1 to see you.

Ah James, the object of this exercise was making them quicker (and cheaper) doing a blonde is harder, much harder. That's why Gibson invented the sunburst!

Mind, a "fiddle edge" blonde is possible....

nigel
http://www.nkforsterguitars.com/blog...ltic-mandolin/

[Nick Quig]

Looks great!...sound clip asap please!

[Ron McMillan]

The further away from the soundhole the better for structural reasons. Plus the area above the hole to the neck and ribs is solid - it's going nowhere.

I'm confused. I love the look of the mandolin, but also still wonder why the soundhole is so close to the edge of the top plate.

ron

[DavidKOS]

I'm confused. I love the look of the mandolin, but also still wonder why the soundhole is so close to the edge of the top plate.

ron

To allow the lower section of the soundboard below the hole to be large and thus I assume more effective as a plate resonator.

[JeffD]

That is a very very pleasing design. Its different, but it doesn't "require an open mind" to appreciate.

Really lovely, graceful. The sound hole up by the neck, the reverse curve to the back, such a graceful heel. Really nice.

I really would love to try one. I speculate that the "sweet spot" might not be over the sound hole as we often expect.

Very good job.

[JeffD]

The only difference between a luthier and a magician is whether I can play "Kid on the Mountain" on it afterwards.

[Dagger Gordon]

I'd be interested to hear how loud it is with this soundhole design.

[Pete Jenner]

Interesting.

[Randi Gormley]

An interesting looking instrument. Not sure why there's a burst, though. Wouldn't it be easier to make it a solid color? but if I'm being honest, I'm not a big fan of bursts (minus a few specific versions). I'd like to see it strung up -- what kind of bridge are you planning? Is it designed for more sustain? More ring? A dryer, concise sound?

[Shelagh Moore]

I like it... very aesthetically pleasing. I'll look forward to hearing a sound clip in due course.

[nkforster]

An interesting looking instrument. Not sure why there's a burst, though. Wouldn't it be easier to make it a solid color? but if I'm being honest, I'm not a big fan of bursts (minus a few specific versions). I'd like to see it strung up -- what kind of bridge are you planning? Is it designed for more sustain? More ring? A dryer, concise sound?

It's a 'burst because I like them! Randi, if you order one, you can have whatever colour you like.

Sound wise, I'd expect it to sound like this but with a little more projection.





Funny, I've made loads of these without a 'burst and with binding, and no one has mentioned the soundhole being high. Its at the end of the fretboard, right where it normally is! Maybe the sunburst makes it look higher still?

nigel
http://www.nkforsterguitars.com/blog...ltic-mandolin/

[James Rankine]

Funny, I've made loads of these without a 'burst and with binding, and no one has mentioned the soundhole being high. Its at the end of the fretboard, right where it normally is! Maybe the sunburst makes it look higher still?

nigel
http://www.nkforsterguitars.com/blog...ltic-mandolin/

Partly optical illusion due to the lack of a bridge I would say.
Ian Stephenson can sure pick a mandolin.

[Pete Jenner]

Is that in tune?

[Nick Pooch]

The heel of the neck is gorgeous. It's like when you've got a favorite car and are used to its curves and chassis and consider those the only way the car can be. Then the new model comes out and makes you forget all about everything.

[James Rankine]

Is that in tune?

Old joke alert:

It was in tune when he bought it!

[sgrexa]

Reminds me somewhat of Marty Jacobson's mandolins, but I am sure they are night and day when it comes to how they are constructed. Best wishes to you and your new design!

Sean

[mandroid]

Counting Frets .. of course the 17 fret finger board, when you put the sound hole at the end

It is going to look different than Vs a 20 fret one, Ala Gibson pre Loar Ovals .


though , Of course, the use of those Upper, Mosquito pitched notes is Limited..

[DavidKOS]

though , Of course, the use of those Upper, Mosquito pitched notes is Limited..

Unless you play classical mandolin or some transcriptions of violin music- or even balalaika music - those upper frets are not important.

If you do, then you need them! 4 octave range, low G to way up there.