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Thread: A couple of new mandolins

  1. #1
    Mandolin tragic Graham McDonald's Avatar
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    Default A couple of new mandolins

    A couple of new mandolins strung up, one for a client, the other an experiment in soundboard carving and bracing. The commissioned mandolin is a 2 point model inspired by the Washburn mandolins of the 1920s. A shorter 13"/33cm classical scale, strung with light strings (10-34) mostly made from Australian timbers. A King Billy pine soundboard, a Huon Pine back and Australian Red cedar neck with a CF bar for stiffness. The head overlay is overlay is figured gidgee, with a rosewood fretboard and ebony bridge. Tortoise binding, Rubner tuners and an Allen tailpiece. The second mandolin also has a King Billy soundboard, but with a knot in the middle, which meant it will likely not ever get sold. The body and neck are Queensland maple, with a Gidgee fretboard and Mulga head overlay. The soundboard was carved to a constant thickness, .150"/ 3.75mm, and used a carbon fiber re-enforced lattice to stiffen up the centre while keeping the soundboard as light as possible. It is very loud, but perhaps a bit too bright, so the next one will be carved a bit thinner.

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  2. The Following 5 Users Say Thank You to Graham McDonald For This Useful Post:


  3. #2

    Default Re: A couple of new mandolins

    Great stuff!
    "your posts ... very VERY opinionated ...basing your opinion/recommendations ... pot calling ...kettle... black...sarcasm...comment ...unwarranted...unnecessary...."

  4. #3
    Registered User Eric F.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: A couple of new mandolins

    Those are gorgeous, Graham.

  5. #4

    Default Re: A couple of new mandolins

    I like the knot. It adds a bit of natural elegance.

  6. #5
    harvester of clams Bill McCall's Avatar
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    Default Re: A couple of new mandolins

    Really like the rod in the second mandolin. Do you do that to take a bit of tension out of the top? I would think that would do that and provide a little freer vibrating surface. Since it is so loud, do you think there’s cause and effect there?

    Very nice, all the way around on both instruments.
    Not all the clams are at the beach

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  7. #6
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    Default Re: A couple of new mandolins

    Happy to see that other builders are using a rod from the head block to the tail block. I have found that when I have used the same that my projects hold tune amazingly well. I suppose that the rod acts to stabilize the "two ends against the middle" and may also keep the neck from working.

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