Results 1 to 14 of 14

Thread: Building the Double Top Mandolin in the Israeli Style

  1. #1

    Default Building the Double Top Mandolin in the Israeli Style

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSCI0032.jpg 
Views:	106 
Size:	327.0 KB 
ID:	196178

    What is a double top mandolin? Not to be confused with a construction method of laminating two tops together as an alternate to conventional top-bracing.
    Quite simply, it is a deep body mandolin with an additional sound board placed in the chamber of the mandolin. The idea is that the inner top acts to reflect and refract the sound waves to alter the sound of the mandolin. Some feel it “cleans” the tone of harsh overtones adding more balance in the highs and lows. I’m sure there is no shortage of opinions (pro and con) for adding the interior top, and its effect on tone and volume.

  2. The following members say thank you to Tukanu for this post:


  3. #2

    Default Re: Building the Double Top Mandolin in the Israeli Style

    The Design: Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSCF0001.jpg 
Views:	76 
Size:	375.9 KB 
ID:	196179Click image for larger version. 

Name:	scan.JPG 
Views:	77 
Size:	14.5 KB 
ID:	196180
    The first hurdle is the lack of information to guide the builder. It is a process of trial and error spread over several instruments to arrive at a satisfactory balance. After searching the web for clues as to construction, I came away with only a handful for photos. Thanks to Tom Gibson in Australia, Yaron Naor of Israel, and Richard-Depault of Canada for sharing photos on the web and in some cases, building details. The design is attributed to Kerman, however I wasn’t able to find any details of his construction methods to guide me.

    The overall size I chose for this mandolin: 9 ½”x12” body, 2 1/4” deep, 13 7/8” scale. The shape is based on the medieval lute. The round bottom has a 4 ¼” radius and it flairs out with a 9 ½” radius up to the neck joint. This a pretty simple design, but I think it works well on this style of mandolin.
    I decided to place the inner top about half way between the sound board and the back as a good starting point and it is based on various photos found on the web.
    There are two schools of thought for securing the inner top to the sides. Either you can anchor the entire perimeter of the inner top to the sides, or you can leave the lower end unanchored to allow it to vibrate more freely. I decided on the latter.
    In either case, you will need to add a pair of “false sides”. These perform a number of functions. They form anchor points for the forward section of the inner top. They extend all the way up to the sound board and offer some support for the top. Lastly, they create a secondary chamber of sorts. They are curved away from the actual sides to allow air (and sound) from the bottom chamber to pass up and out through the sound hole.

  4. The following members say thank you to Tukanu for this post:


  5. #3

    Default Re: Building the Double Top Mandolin in the Israeli Style

    The overall size I chose for this mandolin: 9 ½”x12” body, 2 1/4” deep, 13 7/8” scale. The shape is based on the medieval lute. The round bottom has a 4 ¼” radius and it flairs out with a 9 ½” radius up to the neck joint. This a pretty simple design, but I think it works well on this style of mandolin.
    I decided to place the inner top about half way between the sound board and the back as a good starting point and it is based on various photos found on the web.
    There are two schools of thought for securing the inner top to the sides. Either you can anchor the entire perimeter of the inner top to the sides, or you can leave the lower end unanchored to allow it to vibrate more freely. I decided on the latter.
    In either case, you will need to add a pair of “false sides”. These perform a number of functions. They form anchor points for the forward section of the inner top. They extend all the way up to the sound board and offer some support for the top. Lastly, they create a secondary chamber of sorts. They are curved away from the actual sides to allow air (and sound) from the bottom chamber to pass up and out through the sound hole.

  6. The following members say thank you to Tukanu for this post:


  7. #4

    Default Re: Building the Double Top Mandolin in the Israeli Style

    “False Sides”
    After the neck and tail blocks were glued in, the false sides were bent so that they could be to the neck block and blend into the sides. They are taller than the sides so that they could be shaped to match the crown of the soundboard.
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	fase sides.JPG 
Views:	99 
Size:	113.9 KB 
ID:	196183
    Last edited by Tukanu; Sep-07-2021 at 4:38pm.

  8. The following members say thank you to Tukanu for this post:


  9. #5

    Default Re: Building the Double Top Mandolin in the Israeli Style

    Glue linings were installed next, along with some strips to support the inner top:Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSCF0005.jpg 
Views:	93 
Size:	560.1 KB 
ID:	196184
    Last edited by Tukanu; Sep-07-2021 at 4:43pm.

  10. #6

    Default Re: Building the Double Top Mandolin in the Israeli Style

    The inner top was then installed from the underside:Click image for larger version. 

Name:	innertop.JPG 
Views:	111 
Size:	63.5 KB 
ID:	196185

  11. #7

    Default Re: Building the Double Top Mandolin in the Israeli Style

    Note that the inner top is free-floating beyond the false sides. It is spaced about 1/8” away from the sides and the tail block. A sound hole was cut before the inner top was glued in place.

    The rest of the construction was straight forward:
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSCI0023.jpg 
Views:	111 
Size:	630.9 KB 
ID:	196186Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSCI0024.jpg 
Views:	97 
Size:	571.6 KB 
ID:	196187

  12. The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to Tukanu For This Useful Post:


  13. #8
    Mandolin tragic Graham McDonald's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Location
    Canberra, Australia
    Posts
    1,645

    Default Re: Building the Double Top Mandolin in the Israeli Style

    Thank you, that is very interesting!

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


  15. #9
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    S.W. Wisconsin
    Posts
    7,507

    Default Re: Building the Double Top Mandolin in the Israeli Style

    Quote Originally Posted by Graham McDonald View Post
    Thank you, that is very interesting!
    Yes, I am curious as to how it sounds. It looks Great.
    THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE!

  16. The following members say thank you to pops1 for this post:

    Tukanu 

  17. #10

    Default Re: Building the Double Top Mandolin in the Israeli Style

    I cant post a sound file, but I can send you an attachment to your private email.

  18. #11
    Mandolin tragic Graham McDonald's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Location
    Canberra, Australia
    Posts
    1,645

    Default Re: Building the Double Top Mandolin in the Israeli Style

    Yes, please. PMed to you.

    Cheers

    Quote Originally Posted by Tukanu View Post
    I cant post a sound file, but I can send you an attachment to your private email.

  19. #12
    Registered User Willi Bahrenberg's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2021
    Location
    Düsseldorf, Germany
    Posts
    80

    Default Re: Building the Double Top Mandolin in the Israeli Style

    Sorry, messed up my question!
    Last edited by Willi Bahrenberg; Sep-08-2021 at 1:45am. Reason: didn't read the OP thoroughly enough, much to my embarrassment!

  20. #13
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    S.W. Wisconsin
    Posts
    7,507

    Default Re: Building the Double Top Mandolin in the Israeli Style

    Quote Originally Posted by Tukanu View Post
    I cant post a sound file, but I can send you an attachment to your private email.
    Sent you a PM, thank you.
    THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE!

  21. #14
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    S.W. Wisconsin
    Posts
    7,507

    Default Re: Building the Double Top Mandolin in the Israeli Style

    Tukanu, it sounds good, I think better that the Flatiron, and they get a lot of praise around here. Thanks for the sound file.
    THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE!

  22. The following members say thank you to pops1 for this post:

    Tukanu 

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •