Getting started building?

[rowka]

What resources, books, plans, or other, are essential for learning how to make a carved top mandolin?

I’ve built quite a few solid body guitars and basses, and assembled a dreadnaught kit. I have all the tools and skills to use them (save the side bender).

The Siminoff book gets mentioned a lot. Is that the best place to start? Will that get me from lumber to a functional instrument?

[Clinton Johnson]

The Siminoff books, this CAFE, and Arches graduation maps have been very useful resources for me.

[Larry Nixon]

What resources, books, plans, or other, are essential for learning how to make a carved top mandolin?

I’ve built quite a few solid body guitars and basses, and assembled a dreadnaught kit. I have all the tools and skills to use them (save the side bender).

The Siminoff book gets mentioned a lot. Is that the best place to start? Will that get me from lumber to a functional instrument?

Siminoff book, by all means. This forum and YouTube.