Taran Springwell Mandolin

[Taran Guitars]

Hi All,

I'm new to the forum but wanted to let you know about a project that I've been working on for a while.

I've been making guitars and bouzoukis for 10 years now however until now I haven't made a mandolin. I have a very good friend named Kevin Macleod (kmmando) who lives in Edinburgh. He and I have been discussing mandolins for some years with a view to make one. This collaboration has been a wonderful process and Kevin visited this week to try the first one and do some videos. Kevin plays a 1983 Sobell which we used as a start point in the design. I use the Portuguese or Sobell style neck joint on my bouzoukis and was thus familiar with the building process. In terms of sound I was aware that the mandolin needed to have full bright trebles with a good amount of sustain and a strong bass with great balance across the range. We are both very happy with the result of the first one. I will post some videos when I get them.
The name Springwell is the name of Kevin's first album, we that it fitting to use it for my first mandolin.
I hope that this is of interest.
All the very best,

Rory

www.taranguitars.co.uk
www.thewoodshop.scot

[billhay4]

Nice looking instrument. I'd like to hear it.
Bill

[kmmando]

[kmmando]

[Bill Snyder]

Nice looking and sounding instrument. Nice playing as well.

[kmmando]

Thanks Bill, it was the first time it had been strung up and played!

[John Kelly]

Great instrument and great sound and balance. It really suits the music Kevin is playing on the videos here.

[BBarton]

Sweet!! 'Looking forward to seeing more "Springwell" details on Rory's website in future.

[Teejay]

Hi Rory

Happy Days! - I've really enjoyed watching Kevin's videos of your new mandolin - sounds absolutely great and I can see it becoming a "must have" for traditional music players. Do keep the news coming of developments and production.

Kevin - thanks for the videos and the fine playing.

All the very best

Tim

[billhay4]

Lovely, great sounding instrument, Rory. Good playing, too! Shows off the instrument nicely.
Bill

[kmmando]

It really was a joy to play, loud and a delight to hear, well worth the bucks, really good!

[Taran Guitars]

Many thanks to Kevin for all of his help with this new project and his fantastic playing! Thank you all for your kind words.

I've had a few emails regarding cost and build time on the Springwell Mandolin. Thought I'd put a wee bit of information up for those who are interested.

I will be making 5 a year as my guitar orders won't allow more sadly. This years will be ready in 4/6months and have a base price of £1399. If you would like more information on the options available please email me on rorydowling@taranguitars.co.uk for a price list.

Many thanks again.

All the very best,

Rory

www.taranguitars.co.uk
www.thewoodshop.scot

[Taran Guitars]

Hi all,
I spent some time today organising some wood for Springwell orders. This Scottish Rippled Sycamore which was cut in 2000. The logs came from Haddington in East Lothian. I've been saving this particular log for Mandolins and now the sets are cut ready for work to start later this year. Exciting times!

[David Houchens]

Nice sounding mandolin. Nice clean shop too!

[Dagger Gordon]

Good stuff. Can I ask why you are using sycamore rather than rosewood as in the instrument in the video?
I'm not criticising - rather wondering what differences you might expect. I assume you would still use European spruce for the top?

[Taran Guitars]

Hi Dagger,
Sorry for my delay, we had the first Wood Shop gig on Friday night, last week was a little busy getting ready.
I'm building 2 Indian rosewood, 2 Scottish sycamore and 1 Macassar Ebony Springwells later in the year. They are all orders, the Macassar is something I don't offer on the price list but the client is very keen to use it. Tonally the Sycamore is similar to Maple but a little more mellow but with that punch and woody tone you would expect. The Macassar has a more focused tone and a strong bottom end. All of the Mandolins will have a European spruce top.
I hope that this helps.
All the very best,
Rory
www.taranguitars.co.uk
www.thewoodshop.scot

[Shelagh Moore]

Hi Rory,

As I seem to have missed the boat for this year's production through tardiness, I'll be looking out for your next batch of Springwells!

Best wishes,

Richard

[Dagger Gordon]

Hi Dagger,
Sorry for my delay, we had the first Wood Shop gig on Friday night, last week was a little busy getting ready.
I'm building 2 Indian rosewood, 2 Scottish sycamore and 1 Macassar Ebony Springwells later in the year. They are all orders, the Macassar is something I don't offer on the price list but the client is very keen to use it. Tonally the Sycamore is similar to Maple but a little more mellow but with that punch and woody tone you would expect. The Macassar has a more focused tone and a strong bottom end. All of the Mandolins will have a European spruce top.
I hope that this helps.
All the very best,
Rory
www.taranguitars.co.uk
www.thewoodshop.scot

Thanks for that good clear answer. Glad to hear about the Wood Shop gig.
I must come down and see you sometime.

Regards

Dagger

[JeffD]

Great instrument and great sound and balance. It really suits the music Kevin is playing on the videos here.

Yes. I am taken by bow bright the high notes are, without getting brassy or tinny. Very impressive.

Kevin and the instrument are a matched set - the mandolin design seems to take advantage of how Keven plays, and Kevin is using the tool in all of its aspects.

I like it. A little different from the sound I expect when someone says "Celtic mandolin". Tighter maybe? (What does that even mean. I am trying anyway.) I love it.

[kmmando]

Thanks Rory - I look forward to seeing the other Springwells when completed - it would be good to perhaps do a short comparison video of all 3 different configurations. The sycamore looks beautiful, and an interesting sound. All very fascinating, and, with your ultra high standards of build and finish, the recipients should be thrilled, lucky fellows!

Catch up soon!

best
Kevin

[theCOOP]

Beautiful instrument! Too bad the videos don't show up on my phone so that I can play them through my stereo

[Taran Guitars]

Hi All,

Just a wee update on this years Springwells...

I've had an amazing amount of interest in the mandolin and I'm pleased/afraid that this years places are all sold out. I am taking orders for next years places now for those who are interested.

Many thanks to everyone who has been in touch. I hope to do a wee build thread of the next ones....

All the very best,


Rory


Taran Guitars

www.taranguitars.co.uk
www.thewoodshop.scot

[Dagger Gordon]

Are your orders mainly in Scotland?

[Taran Guitars]

Hi Dagger,

A few from Scotland but Germany and USA as well.

All the best,

Rory

[dulcillini]

Mr. Gordon: I am one of those that ordered the sycamore. An American builder, Rolf Gerhard of Phoenix Mandolins, has used sycamore on one of his models in the past. I also heard other positive comments about this wood a few years ago (don't remember where). I am really looking forward to this instrument. I have to confess that I am one who likes to try new things, so I ordered the sycamore. I was also wanting a native wood of Scotland in at least part of the build. No other reasons. I was very smitten by the sound on the clip. I was thinking about ordering an oval hole here in the USA, similar to the old Gibson A-4, which are very popular for Celtic, traditional, and classical play here. There are many excellent builders over here, but I kept going back to the Springwell clip, and placed my order. It was really a wonderful sound. It got in my head and I just couldn't get it out !!LOL