A new mandolin

[Graham McDonald]

A new A model with jazzy 'moderne' soundholes. Body is New Guinea walnut (dracontomelon mangiferum ), soundboard Englemann spruce and the neck Black walnut. The soundboard and back are carved without any recurve and the edges kept to 3mm thick with black ABS binding. Thicknesses are pretty standard, except for the edges, with X bracing. The NG walnut is a light, yet quite resonant wood, noticeably lighter than mahogany for example and the sound is quite delicate while loud and sustaining. All part of some ongoing experiments with making them as light as possible. Tuners are basic Rubners and the tailpiece a cast one bought on-line from somewhere in China. Oil finish.

There is a Blackwood/Sitka F-5 just strung up as well, but that will wait until the owner gets his hands on it.

[Steve Sorensen]

Really nice work Graham. Love the aesthetics of this build.
Steve

[Frankdolin]

While it is verry pretty, if tone has a look this looks verry toney.

[Jim Garber]

Very nice, Graham. I love your description of the NGW wood. Very elegant looking mandolin.

[Steve Ostrander]

Very nice. How does it sound?

[Randi Gormley]

that is a pretty thing -- i really like the wood/color combinations and the sleek look. I'd love to hear a clip.

[Jim Garber]

Graham: that NG walnut resembles koa or acacia a bit. It sounds like it might be softer than those two. I love koa and American walnut in guitars and flattop mandolins.

[JEStanek]

Just beautiful!

Jamie

[Jim Garber]

Hi Graham: What kind of bracing does this have?

[Graham McDonald]

Fairly standard X bracing, crossing about halfway between the bridge and the neck join. The soundboard graduations are again fairly standard F style thicknesses, the only real difference is that the edges just flatten out rather than curve up again. The NG walnut is certainly lighter than Koa or American walnut.

Cheers