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Thread: UK Luthier to build 4 String Solid Body Electric Mandolin

  1. #1
    Registered User mandrian's Avatar
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    Default UK Luthier to build 4 String Solid Body Electric Mandolin

    Hi,

    I have been actively advertising for and trying to buy a Schwab 4 string emando for most of this year, with no luck. The only one that I found was in Carters, but they could not ship to the UK because of CITES rules pertaining to the rosewood veneer on the headstock.

    I was wondering if anyone knows of any well thought of UK luthiers who could build a similar quality and style (telecaster) instrument.

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    I have a 5 string by Dave Farmiloe which I love, but Dave is not in a position to make one for the foreseeable future.

    I believe that Pete Mallinson (Almuse) is semi-retired now and just making pickups.

    I am considering placing an order in the US with J L Smith or Andrew Jermayne, but the present poor exchange rate, potentially high shipping costs and then 25 per cent to cover VAT and import duties might break my budget.

    If anyone has any leads either in terms of a new build or an existing instrument, I would be much obliged.

    Regards

  2. #2

    Default Re: UK Luthier to build 4 String Solid Body Electric Mandolin

    I think that you could ask a guitar builder in the UK to build one that is familiar with the design of instrument that you are interested in. You'd just need to provide an awful lot of information such as nut width, width at neck joint, thickness of neck at nut and 12th fret, type of pickup, wiring diagram, body thickness. With that info any skilled builder could do it. I'm surprised Carter's wont ship that to you. You might touch base with Martin at Emando.com to see if he might have a lead on one.

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  4. #3
    fishing with my mando darrylicshon's Avatar
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    Default Re: UK Luthier to build 4 String Solid Body Electric Mandolin

    I have 2 solidbody octave mandolins one 4 string and the other 5. I found the 4 on reverb it was a custom order that someone changed thier mind. After talking to the seller Northfield Guitars i ordered the 5 string. Wasn't too expensive. I had him make it in the shape of a ibanez jem. Here are some photos of them. He was very easy to talk with said he would make what ever i wanted. I'm thinking about having a flying made next. To my surprise my 5 string came with a amuse pickup.

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  6. #4
    Martin Stillion mrmando's Avatar
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    Default Re: UK Luthier to build 4 String Solid Body Electric Mandolin

    Paul Shippey might take this on.

    John Maddock is actively building electrics, often posts them on the Cafe:
    https://jzmaddock.000webhostapp.com/
    Emando.com: More than you wanted to know about electric mandolins.

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    Lord of All Badgers Lord of the Badgers's Avatar
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    Default Re: UK Luthier to build 4 String Solid Body Electric Mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by mrmando View Post
    Paul Shippey might take this on.
    I did ask him about him doing an electric octave mandolin (he made a beautiful rickenbacker influenced one once - he used to advertise normal electric mandolins in the same vein)

    I don't know if he will. I got the impression it's just not his thing now. Never known him make a four string but you might be able to persuade him again.
    My name is Rob, and I am Lord of All Badgers

    Tenor Guitars: Acoustic: Mcilroy ASP10T, ‘59 Martin 0-18t. Electric: ‘57 Gibson ETG-150, ‘80s Manson Kestrel
    Mandolins: Davidson f5, A5 "Badgerlin".
    Bouzouki: Paul Shippey Axe
    My band's website

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  10. #6
    Lord of All Badgers Lord of the Badgers's Avatar
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    Default Re: UK Luthier to build 4 String Solid Body Electric Mandolin

    I personally would approach an existing electric luthier and ask them. I'd recommend Tom Waghorn - granted he makes metaaaaaalll guitars but he is a lovely chap and may well consider making a less pointy four string
    My name is Rob, and I am Lord of All Badgers

    Tenor Guitars: Acoustic: Mcilroy ASP10T, ‘59 Martin 0-18t. Electric: ‘57 Gibson ETG-150, ‘80s Manson Kestrel
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    My band's website

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    Registered User mandrian's Avatar
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    Default Re: UK Luthier to build 4 String Solid Body Electric Mandolin

    Hi,

    Thanks for the replies. I'll try to follow up some of the leads in the next few days.

    I'm sure there must be some UK builders out there who built these in the past or maybe Almuse had such a good reputation they cornered the market.

    I was surprised by what a lovely instrument my Dave Farmiloe 5 string was when I got it on EBay. I'm just hoping there's a similar 4 string somewhere. Here's a picture of the 5 string;

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    Regards

  12. #8
    Mangler of Tunes OneChordTrick's Avatar
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    Default Re: UK Luthier to build 4 String Solid Body Electric Mandolin

    Gary Nava makes some beautiful looking instruments as well. http://www.navaguitars.co.uk/e_mando.html

  13. #9
    Registered User mandrian's Avatar
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    Default Re: UK Luthier to build 4 String Solid Body Electric Mandolin

    Hi,

    I'm keen to get a Telecaster style mandolin (as shown in the photo in the original post) so I have not contacted the likes of Gary Nava, John Maddock, Paul Shippey as I don't see any evidence that they make that sort of emando.

    I suspect, as Rob said, the best prospect lies with an electric luthier and they were the recommendations I was looking for, if anyone had successfully found a luthier that currently makes the sort of mandolin I am looking.

    Again, if anyone has a used one that might interest me, then let me know.

    Thanks again.

  14. #10
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: UK Luthier to build 4 String Solid Body Electric Mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by mandrian View Post

    I was surprised by what a lovely instrument my Dave Farmiloe 5 string was when I got it on EBay. I'm just hoping there's a similar 4 string somewhere. Here's a picture of the 5 string;

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    Just curious... you have a 5-string but you want a 4-string. Is there a particular reason?

    Also, you like the 5-string you own made by Dave Farmiloe. Why not commission a 4-string from him?
    Jim

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  15. #11
    Registered User mandrian's Avatar
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    Default Re: UK Luthier to build 4 String Solid Body Electric Mandolin

    Hi Jim,

    I never quite get the hang of the 5 string, although I think I'm getting better with practice. I just finish up using the top 4 strings!

    In terms of Dave, he won't make one, although he did recommend someone who has still to get back to me. The last time he made the 5 strings he made them in a batch of six. He makes all the hardware (other than the tuners), so perhaps he got to make them that way for economic reasons. So maybe, if he makes one for me, he needs to sell another five and is not confident he can do that?

    Regards,

  16. #12
    Martin Stillion mrmando's Avatar
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    Default Re: UK Luthier to build 4 String Solid Body Electric Mandolin

    Steve from Almuse was talking on Facebook the other day about someone who might be poised to pick up his mantle. You could ask.

    This JL Smith has been sitting on eBay (in the States) for a long time at essentially what a new one would cost if you include the case. You might contact the seller and try to negotiate a better price. I don't see any rosewood, so there may not be a CITES issue.

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/J-L-Smith-E...IAAOSwsTJc1XbD
    Emando.com: More than you wanted to know about electric mandolins.

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  17. #13
    Registered User mandrian's Avatar
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    Default Re: UK Luthier to build 4 String Solid Body Electric Mandolin

    Hi Martin,

    Thanks for the EBay lead. That does look interesting, but it says that he won't ship internationally and when I try to contact the seller to check, it says he does not take questions.

    I"ll check out the Almuse lead.

    Thanks.

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    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: UK Luthier to build 4 String Solid Body Electric Mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by mandrian View Post
    Hi Jim,

    I never quite get the hang of the 5 string, although I think I'm getting better with practice. I just finish up using the top 4 strings!

    In terms of Dave, he won't make one, although he did recommend someone who has still to get back to me. The last time he made the 5 strings he made them in a batch of six. He makes all the hardware (other than the tuners), so perhaps he got to make them that way for economic reasons. So maybe, if he makes one for me, he needs to sell another five and is not confident he can do that?

    Regards,
    I understand the problem with 5 strings. I have tried 5 string fiddles and I have the same problem. On 5 string fiddles I am never sure which string I am playing.I suppose i could get used to it eventually. I had a Roberts Tiny Moore model but when someone offered to buy it from me I sold it and I assume she is playing it a lot more than I ever did.

    Interesting that Dave would not build one for you but I sort of understand that, too. Good luck im your search. I am sure you will find what you need.
    Jim

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    Mandol'Aisne Daniel Nestlerode's Avatar
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    Default Re: UK Luthier to build 4 String Solid Body Electric Mandolin

    https://www.facebook.com/pg/belvoirguitars/
    https://www.belvoirguitars.co.uk/

    Pete Malinson of Almuse, who may reply on his own behalf, has given his gear to the folks in the links above. Check them out.

    I completely understand the OP's reluctance regarding 5 stringers. It took me a while. Now that I've got the hang if it, I really don't want a 4 string. (I think of 5 strings as a mandola with a cheater on top.)
    FWIW, I'm happy with 8 string mandolins (both standard and solidbody electric) having no C course. Ten strings don't work for me. Not sure why. (If they did, I'd probably have more mandolins) But if its single string courses I always want 5.

    Right now I'm so deeply into 5 string electric, that my Mix F5 and my Vessel F5 are in cases in the cupboard and have not seen the light of day for months. I'm always looking at gear now! --As in "Ooo. Someone in Boulogne is selling their Fender Blues Jr. for less than 400 euros. hmmm."

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  22. #16
    Registered User mandrian's Avatar
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    Default Re: UK Luthier to build 4 String Solid Body Electric Mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Garber View Post
    I understand the problem with 5 strings. I have tried 5 string fiddles and I have the same problem. On 5 string fiddles I am never sure which string I am playing.I suppose i could get used to it eventually. I had a Roberts Tiny Moore model but when someone offered to buy it from me I sold it and I assume she is playing it a lot more than I ever did.

    Interesting that Dave would not build one for you but I sort of understand that, too. Good luck im your search. I am sure you will find what you need.
    Jim,

    Yes, that's my problem too in that I occasionally get into picking with my right hand the string next to the one I am fretting with the left hand. Funnily enough when I know the tune well and don't look at my fretting hand, I don't have a problem. Perhaps I should just play the 5 string in the dark!

    Daniel,

    Already spoke to Pete at Almuse and he told me to email Clive at Belvoir Guitars which I have done.

    Regards

  23. #17
    Luthier&Pickup maker ret. Soundfarmer Pete's Avatar
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    Default Re: UK Luthier to build 4 String Solid Body Electric Mandolin

    [QUOTE=Daniel Nestlerode;1729172]https://www.facebook.com/pg/belvoirguitars/
    https://www.belvoirguitars.co.uk/

    Pete Malinson of Almuse, who may reply on his own behalf, has given his gear to the folks in the links above. Check them out.

    Update on the Almuse situation........
    A while ago, I began suffering with hand problems and around about that time, bought a small CNC to help out.
    Clive of Belvoir Guitars was at the time, a local guitar maker who saw the opportunity of having his inlays machine cut to save work and rather than accept payment, he agreed to do some spray work on my unfinished instruments (the first one being completed a couple of weeks ago).
    Clive moved to Norfolk last year but came visiting the area (with a nice shiny mandolin body) and after a bit of in-depth conversation, I seem to have convinced him that although there are thousands of guitar builders, makers of Mandolin family instruments are pretty rare.......so to cut a long story short, if things go to plan (his painstaking luthery skills and my creative input, experience and electronics), there will be a new kid on the block....Belmuse!

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    Luthier&Pickup maker ret. Soundfarmer Pete's Avatar
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    Default Re: UK Luthier to build 4 String Solid Body Electric Mandolin

    P.S.
    Clive`s first project to see how it goes..... but I`m afraid he has a bit of a Les Paulish fixation ...... build updates on his Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/1456...7917648955147/

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  27. #19

    Default Re: UK Luthier to build 4 String Solid Body Electric Mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by Soundfarmer Pete View Post


    Update on the Almuse situation........
    A while ago, I began suffering with hand problems and around about that time, bought a small CNC to help out.
    Clive of Belvoir Guitars was at the time, a local guitar maker who saw the opportunity of having his inlays machine cut to save work and rather than accept payment, he agreed to do some spray work on my unfinished instruments (the first one being completed a couple of weeks ago).
    That's why I bought a CNC too. I've seen a couple luthiers slow down, and simply retire, because of hand problems. Trying to work smarter now. Looking forward to seeing what you two put together.

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    Default Re: UK Luthier to build 4 String Solid Body Electric Mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by Soundfarmer Pete View Post
    .......so to cut a long story short, if things go to plan (his painstaking luthery skills and my creative input, experience and electronics), there will be a new kid on the block....Belmuse!
    I think you missed a trick there, Bemuse surely

    I missed off the 'd' bemused is what I am when I pick up a 5 string.
    - Jeremy

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  31. #21
    Registered User mandrian's Avatar
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    Default Re: UK Luthier to build 4 String Solid Body Electric Mandolin

    Hi,

    Still trying to source a nice 4 string emando. Emailed six UK luthiers, but only one replied, Richard of Levens Mandolins.

    I had never really heard of Richard or his mandolins, so wonder if anyone had any playing experience with them.

    The LGL model priced at £750 (900 USD) looks nice, but at that price it's quite a gamble. I suspect if I bought it, did not like it and then tried to sell, I might get something like half the purchase price back.

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    Anyone played or owns one of these? What are your impressions of them?


    Regards

  32. #22

    Default Re: UK Luthier to build 4 String Solid Body Electric Mandolin

    Check out Belvoir Guitars. He is currently building a mandolin.

  33. #23
    Registered User mandrian's Avatar
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    Default Re: UK Luthier to build 4 String Solid Body Electric Mandolin

    Hi Andrew,

    I emailed him at the beginning of last week. No reply.

    Regards

  34. #24
    Martin Stillion mrmando's Avatar
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    Default Re: UK Luthier to build 4 String Solid Body Electric Mandolin

    I sure like the looks of Dick Levens' instruments, but I can't say I've heard one.
    Emando.com: More than you wanted to know about electric mandolins.

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  35. #25

    Default Re: UK Luthier to build 4 String Solid Body Electric Mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by mandrian View Post
    Hi Andrew,

    I emailed him at the beginning of last week. No reply.

    Regards
    Odd. I'd send a note to Pete at Almuse too. They have a joint venture.

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