I started this process in December 2017. So it's taken me over a year-and-a-half. A lot of people on this site have helped with a lot of good advice and support, so I am very appreciative for all of that.
My goal throughout this process was to build an instrument that worked so that I could learn to play the mandolin. Yes, I'm one of those people who doesn't know how to play. But I taught myself how to build one, and now I'm going to teach myself how to play it.
Despite its appearance (which I realize is VERY non-traditional), I've tuned it up and it sounds acceptable. So I'm looking forward to learning.
I intentionally used run-of-the-mill maple and spruce because I figured I would ruin the wood. Truth be told, this is the third version of this mandolin, being that I DID ruin parts of it (initially the neck, which I threw out, and then the top plate, which I also threw out). So it's a good thing I wasn't using expensive, highly figured stock!
My intent was to make something similar to a Gibson Jam Master in appearance: no sunburst (because I'm nowhere close to being able to produce that kind of finish), slightly dark coloring on the top. But unlike the Jam Master I wanted darker (like walnut or espresso) sides and back. Unfortunately the coloring on the back didn't work out, thus the "smoky" and blotched color job on there.
For all its warts and imperfections and "off" details, the thing works. So I'm looking forward to learning to play while I build my next one...and the one after that...and the one after that...
Mark
Bookmarks