Current build Flat top Mandolins

[Graham Long]

Tail Piece & Truss Rod Cover

Thinning the soundboard prior to fitting bindings

Front bindings on

Shell installed and levelling the inside purfling

Getting ready to spray

A friend asked if I could make a Mandolin for her 60th Birthday, only a few weeks now until the party.
I used a guitar back and side set of Indian rosewood and soundboard of Adirondack spruce.
Didn't want to waste any wood so ended up making a pair of mandolins. They started out as flat tops, but the soundboard was quite thick so instead to thicknessing it I carved the top, or more correctly, thinned the top around the edges.
I haven't tested them yet but a simple tap test sounds nice.
The design takes some of Graham McDonalds design and some from John Houghton's book.
As mentioned back and sides are Indian Rosewood and soundboard is Adirondack Spruce.
Neck is curly American Maple
Bindings and Fretboard are Indian Ebony,
Ebony, what a pain in the arse to use, have to be careful the dust doesn't get onto lighter colour timber. The Indian Rosewood is similar, both leaving their mark on the White Curly maple neck.

They are being lacquered at the moment
The Tail Piece and Truss Rod Cover are made from 1.2mm brass, engraved and then plated, so hopefully they won't tarnish.

I'll post some pictures of the pair when completed
Cheers

[Nick]

Beautiful craftsmanship Graham, being a Kiwi I'm not a fan of Paua inlay (keep thinking "ashtrays" for some reason ) but I can see the neat work that's gone into it, I'm sure the birthday girl will absolutely love it.

[Graham Long]

Hi Nick, yes, I know what you mean, when I was a kid we used to burn silky oak in our wood fired hot water system.
I still view silky oak as firewood, which of course it shouldn't be.

[routout]

Cool engraved tail piece I like the need for different way to go ,I covered mine in wood

[Graham Long]

The tail piece was cut from some brass, thick shim material I think.
1.2mm anyway. Then cut out with a jewellers saw.

[simso]

Nice work

Steve

[dshaker]

The tail piece was cut from some brass, thick shim material I think.
1.2mm anyway. Then cut out with a jewellers saw.

Did you do the engraving? Or send it out?

[Graham Long]

No I didn't, it was done by London Engravers. He does very nice work, this is about as simple as he does.

[routout]

Yes it looks like a diamond drag tool has been used .