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Thread: A potential project or a horrible concept?

  1. #1

    Default A potential project or a horrible concept?

    I would like to build a rustic travel mandolin. I am considering making it from the most raw material I can think of and I am curious if this is a horrible idea. The concept involves a Y_shaped Maple branch. I intend on using the "Y" for the tail and the other end for the fretboard. It will be electric. Any feedback would be very much appreciated before I get any further.
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    Last edited by digitalphil; May-21-2021 at 5:30pm.

  2. #2
    Registered User sunburst's Avatar
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    Default Re: A potential project or a horrible concept?

    Quote Originally Posted by digitalphil View Post
    ...It will be electric. Any feedback would be very much appreciated...
    Maybe if you stand right in front of the amp...

    (Sorry, tried to resist.)

    I don't have a clear picture of what you are thinking of doing so I can't offer any helpful feedback.

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  4. #3

    Default Re: A potential project or a horrible concept?

    I saw that one coming �� Maybe I'll draw a mockup to clarify my full concept.

  5. #4

    Default Re: A potential project or a horrible concept?

    Since you want electric and don't care about tone, you could
    make fabrication go much quicker by starting with a piece of
    3-1/4 inch maple flooring. Deflection under string tension
    would not be an issue.


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    Thanks,
    sounds_good

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    Default Re: A potential project or a horrible concept?

    Frets?

  8. #6
    harvester of clams Bill McCall's Avatar
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    Default Re: A potential project or a horrible concept?

    Yes, it’s a horrible idea. (You asked. But don’t let that stop you from working on it.

    It seems the gain from the small size will be overwhelmed by the hassle of the amp.
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    but that's just me Bertram Henze's Avatar
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    Default Re: A potential project or a horrible concept?

    I see two options -

    - make a wishbone and find water
    - follow the concept of Wood Viper violins
    the world is better off without bad ideas, good ideas are better off without the world

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    Default Re: A potential project or a horrible concept?

    If you're determined to proceed, what about boring out one of the legs of the 'Y' to accommodate Bluetooth circuitry and a battery, and then play the instrument through earbuds?

    I like @Bertram Henze's idea that you could also use it to hire out as a dowser.

  11. #9
    Registered User John Bertotti's Avatar
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    Default Re: A potential project or a horrible concept?

    I think it would make a cool electric if you put some thought into its design. You aren't relying on acoustic properties for the electric so go for it. I still remember the guy who made an electric guitar out of an old saw blade or gears.
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  12. #10

    Default Re: A potential project or a horrible concept?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jonathan Ward View Post
    If you're determined to proceed, what about boring out one of the legs of the 'Y' to accommodate Bluetooth circuitry and a battery, and then play the instrument through earbuds?
    No doubt you're just kidding, but ... no. "Low latency" (Aptx) Bluetooth is 40 ms, which is way too high for playing music. 20 ms is annoying but tolerable for me, when playing keyboards (and I'm more forgiving than most musicians I've discussed this with.) I suspect most mandolin players wouldn't be happy over 10 ms.

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    Default Re: A potential project or a horrible concept?

    Quote Originally Posted by JeffLearman View Post
    No doubt you're just kidding, but ... no. "Low latency" (Aptx) Bluetooth is 40 ms, which is way too high for playing music. 20 ms is annoying but tolerable for me, when playing keyboards (and I'm more forgiving than most musicians I've discussed this with.) I suspect most mandolin players wouldn't be happy over 10 ms.
    That's good to know. Thanks. I hadn't considered considered that.

    What transmitter technology is low enough in latency and could have a small enough transmitter size to accomplish the task? (Not saying this is a good idea, just trying to understand how you could do it if you were going to try it.)
    Last edited by Jonathan Ward; May-22-2021 at 7:16pm. Reason: Addendum

  14. #12
    Adrian Minarovic
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    Default Re: A potential project or a horrible concept?

    I think if the wood is good without cracks or defects it will work. There are many "showel basses" or guitars around. If the stick is straight enough to carve neck shape you will be OK....
    Good luck!
    Adrian

  15. #13

    Default Re: A potential project or a horrible concept?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jonathan Ward View Post
    That's good to know. Thanks. I hadn't considered considered that.

    What transmitter technology is low enough in latency and could have a small enough transmitter size to accomplish the task? (Not saying this is a good idea, just trying to understand how you could do it if you were going to try it.)
    Any wireless unit for electric guitar. The ones I know of are analog, though maybe they have digital ones now. Might not be as small as you're hoping. They generally hold a 9V battery, which is the biggest component (plus the 1/4" connector.) But of course you also need the receiver.

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