Mandolin Build kit on stewmac.com

[Froglips]

Anyone tried this one out?

Does anyone make a kit that does not shave off the top layer of wood on the peg head for a veneer?

Why do they do this?
Other than for looks, it seems to me that this 'veneer shave' makes it weaker, as well as takes a slight bit of bass tonality off of the total sound quality. No?

Edit:
My Logic is Mass = Bass.

[John Bertotti]

Hm, I actually thought it would strengthen the peghead. With the veneer, you get a good looking long-grain over a grain cut at an angle, unless the headstock was scarfed onto the neck. I don't think there is a large tonal difference but I do wonder about mass in a headstock affecting sustain.

[Br1ck]

I have one on order, but they seem to have the same due in 5-7 days notification on their web site continually. I finally just called stewMac up and said ship me one whenever they come in. I would have gladly bought another Arches, but they were discontinued even before the fire destroyed the shop.

I would think the veneer would make a peg head stronger if anything. Besides, that is what a majority wants. Doubt I could tell any tonal difference.

[fscotte]

Shouldn't notice any difference at all.

To prove your theory, just put a clamp on the peghead, or use a large ball of clay to add mass.

[John Bertotti]

I tried a small clamp once on a guitar and it did seem to add sustain but was that all in my head? I have not tried on a mandolin, have you? I should and record both to see which if either change but I'm too lazy to take the time from other projects to do that.

[fscotte]

I have and what it normally proves is that any differences in tone/sustain require a somewhat significant amount of mass to be added or removed.

More important is where the mass is added or removed. The most noticeable change in tone/sustain will be heard when mass is added or removed from the center of the top/back plate.

[John Bertotti]

I have and what it normally proves is that any differences in tone/sustain require a somewhat significant amount of mass to be added or removed.

More important is where the mass is added or removed. The most noticeable change in tone/sustain will be heard when mass is added or removed from the center of the top/back plate.

Sounds like I need to look for some old threads covering this then start a new thread with questions. Thanks!

[HoGo]

I'm perhas missing something but I see the kit includes headstock veneer.
The front veneer does add very little to strength as 99.9% of headstocks break from the rear side.
The final thickness of headstock is basically same whether you use veneer or not (tuner posts dictate that) so difference in weight is just tiny - between your neck wood and ebony/rosewood.

[Jacob Hagerty]

I did a stewMac kit, it’s the middle one in the picture. I learned a lot, the peghead is made of 3 pieces traditionally, the veneer hides this. You could always put a nice maple veneer on.

Anyone tried this one out?

Does anyone make a kit that does not shave off the top layer of wood on the peg head for a veneer?

Why do they do this?
Other than for looks, it seems to me that this 'veneer shave' makes it weaker, as well as takes a slight bit of bass tonality off of the total sound quality. No?

Edit:
My Logic is Mass = Bass.

[Froglips]

I did a stewMac kit, it’s the middle one in the picture. I learned a lot, the peghead is made of 3 pieces traditionally, the veneer hides this. You could always put a nice maple veneer on.

3 pieces? Is this a normal thing for strength used to manufacture even the best Mandos of our day? Or is this a cheap way to produce?

Because just for time, cost, sound quality, durability... I can not understand why manufacturers shave off 1/16th to 1/18th off the top of the peg-head just for looks.

[John Bertotti]

3 pieces? Is this a normal thing for strength used to manufacture even the best Mandos of our day? Or is this a cheap way to produce?

Because just for time, cost, sound quality, durability... I can not understand why manufacturers shave off 1/16th to 1/18th off the top of the peg-head just for looks.

Not being a pro my take is most don't scarf a piece on they use a long piece that will be neck and middle of the peghead then build out the sides with extra glued on. No right or worng and I don't perceive a significant change in strength. I do however like a nice veneer on the top and even on the back sometimes.

[Br1ck]

Rather than waste a four inch width of maple, it is more prudent to add "wings" to the headstock to get the width. I imagine there is no reason other than cosmetic to have the veneer.

That stewmac kit build is a good lookin' mandolin. Intentional or not, I really like the irregular grain dye absorption.

[Jacob Hagerty]

That’s what happens when you hand stain spruce

Rather than waste a four inch width of maple, it is more prudent to add "wings" to the headstock to get the width. I imagine there is no reason other than cosmetic to have the veneer.

That stewmac kit build is a good lookin' mandolin. Intentional or not, I really like the irregular grain dye absorption.

[Br1ck]

Vs. how else? Dye in the finish?

[Jacob Hagerty]

Vs. how else? Dye in the finish?

Spraying.