Building a Mandolino Bresciano

[Tukanu]

I've started work on a Mandolino Bresciano. Here a few progress photos:

[Jim Garber]

David: This is exciting. Is this your first bowlback or have you built this type of mandolin before?

[Tukanu]

Hi Jim,
This is my first. I have been thinking about building a lute for some time, and this instrument seems to be a good introduction. Four nylon strings (new Nylgut actually) and a short scale (330mm) is very similar to the ukuleles I have been building for years. The structural and tonal considerations are already familiar to me.
I am documenting each step and will share the photos and narrative when I get further along.
The bowl turned out very nicely. All nine ribs are the same shape because of the simple design, which greatly helped with the learning curve.

[Jim Garber]

Excellent, David. Are you copying an existing instrument or plans from the lute book or is this your own design? As a representative of the MC Bowlhead Society, I can say we are following this thread with bated breath. :-)

[Tukanu]

I may have to apply for membership...if the dues aren't too high.

I don't have a set of plans, just a lot of research on the web, and the book: Historical Lute Construction.

[sebastiaan56]

I bought Alfred Woll’s book, a really great read if nothing else. The plans and instructions are pretty clear. Recommended.

[Tukanu]

Thank you, I was not aware of that book.