Thinking About A Mandolin

[Workingman]

All the great instrument builds on this site have given me the urge to get past my repair and restore hobby to building something. I have limited power tools and was thinking that a solid body mandolin might be a good first project. My thinking was that it would be smaller and cheaper to make while still helping me develop some skills. It also would be fun to have and a can't really justify another guitar or bass at this point.

What does everyone think?

[dpm99]

A mandolin would be an excellent first project. Ideally, I'd recommend starting with one of the StewMac kits, and buy the instructional DVD that shows you how to do it.

http://www.stewmac.com/shopby/product/5148

http://www.stewmac.com/shopby/product/5370

http://www.stewmac.com/shopby/product/5160

[SwedishLuthier]

I've built a semi-solid body electric mandolin. Fun project for sure:

http://peternaglitschluthier.com/guitars/mandolin.htm

I also built a electric steel-string ukulele (essentially a four string mandolin with the bottom string tuned one octave higher):

http://peternaglitschluthier.com/guitars/elukulele.htm

However the way I did that last one I had to manufacture some of the parts myself (ie only the bridge). However mandolin bridges are available as well as all the other parts if you would like to use a more standardized setup. So if you have the urge for a build and think that the smaller size will make it easier to handle, I think you are on the right track. Go ahead and good luck

[ScottR]

I agree totally. Dive in and have fun.

SR

[Workingman]

Thanks all. It looks like I am going to be spending the next few weeks getting ready to move (new apartment still in NYC). After that...

[dpm99]

Thanks all. It looks like I am going to be spending the next few weeks getting ready to move (new apartment still in NYC). After that...

Then a mandolin build is definitely a good idea. Much less mess than a solid body!