Flat Top Mandolin

[Kim Strode]

This project has been on the bench for about a year and has been a delight to create. I have started two more, both on the bench at the moment. The design and plans were from Graham McDonald’s book. Extra thanks go to Graham who advised on pick-up placement, and Bob Connor who was my mentor extraordinaire throughout the build.

The back and sides are fiddle back Blackwood, the top Sitka Spruce, the neck Queensland Maple with a Blackwood centre stripe and the bridge Brazilian Rosewood. The bridge was inspired by Red Henry’s Bridge designs. It is fitted with a mandolin truss rod, K&K twin spot mandolin pick-up, and Golden Age Restoration tuners and tailpiece.

It is strung up with Elixir 80/20 Bronze NANOWEB® light weight coated strings, and is finished with multiple coats of Tru-Oil and a wax finish.

I am delighted with the sweet and balanced music it produces. Sound clip to follow.

kimmandolin.wav

[68matts]

Beautiful Kim, a lot to be proud of. That's some stunning Blackwood.

[Allen]

That's some spectacular wood in that one Kim. I'm in love with that Bear Claw soundboard.

[ozziebluesman]

Absolutely wonderful looking Mandolin Kim.
You beat me to build mine after all.
Congratulations be very proud.
Cheers
Alan

[Kim Strode]

Good to hear from you Alan, I've been contemplating a visit to see you for some time, maybe I can watch as you finish yours.

[ozwood]

Very nice indeed , gotta be happy with that.

cheers,

[kiwigeo]

Nice work Kim.....really nice work.

[ozziebluesman]

Your welcome for a visit here anytime Kim.
I have a four builds on the bench ready for the finish process.
Three of them I have been working on for the past three years.
Also no snow up here Kim as its 12 to 25 degrees. Our two weeks of winter
Cheers
Alan

[Nick]

My two favourite timbers come together in one instrument. Absolutely beautiful Kim, I know nothing of Mandolins but that doesn't stop me appreciating them.

[soulman]

What a ripper. Really nice.
I have some left over blackwood like that from Curly.
I think you just inspired me to have a crack at one of these.

Ross

[peter.coombe]

Nicely done.

Peter

[dotbot]

Hi Kim

Beautiful! A Drooling Homer for me, too.

I'm just about start on the same project; picked up the book from Graham last weekend. If I do half as well as you have, I'll be delighted.

Thanks so much for the inspiration.

Cheers,
Aaron

[RobDyball]

Beautiful!

[kiwigeo]

Nicely done.

Peter

Positive words from the master.....Kim, ya cant do better than that!!

[Kamusur]

Just looking at it Kim makes you want to pick it up and play. Very well done indeed.

Steve

[charangohabsburg]

What a beauty!
Craftsmanship fits the wood you used.

[Woodsy23]

Fantastic looking instrument. It's inspired me to have a go at a mandolin.

[lauburu]

Stunning looking instrument. Great work
Miguel

[Kim Strode]

Thank you to all for your kind remarks and words of encouragement.

[charangohabsburg]

Now that's a real gem! It even would be one if you had used some plain, non-figured wood, it is so nicely crafted!

[Wayde Christie]

Gorgeous work. Gonna have to try me one of those

[Mick101]

Hi Kim. I’m also in the process of making my second mandolin based on Graham McDonald’s book. The first one very similar to yours but mine has a few minor errors. However the reason for the email is to source the placement for the twin spot K and K pickups that I wish to fit. Any help would be grateful. Cheers Mick Watts.

[kiwigeo]

Mick, you're responding to a post from 2015. I'm not sure if Kim is still active on the forum. The last time I heard from Kim he was having a few health issues.

Ill send him an email and hopefully he'll respond to your post.

Note Graham McDonald is on this forum..maybe flick him a message.

Welcome to the forum.

Hi Kim. I’m also in the process of making my second mandolin based on Graham McDonald’s book. The first one very similar to yours but mine has a few minor errors. However the reason for the email is to source the placement for the twin spot K and K pickups that I wish to fit. Any help would be grateful. Cheers Mick Watts.