Nearly a year ago I was asked to build a mandolin similar to the one and only original Loar A5. I thought that would be a fun project and decided to build a pair of A5s. I wanted to try some Carpathian Spruce so I built one with a traditional Red Spruce top and one with a Carpathian Spruce top so that I could compare them. There was a dramatic difference in tap tone while they were free plates but now that they are all together in the white (not strung up yet) their tap tones are identical to my ear.
I should have these finished for Wintergrass next weekend and hope to see some Mandolin Café members there that will give them a go.
Here are some pictures.
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