Workingman Posted October 19, 2011 Report Share Posted October 19, 2011 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dpm99 Posted October 19, 2011 Report Share Posted October 19, 2011 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SwedishLuthier Posted October 22, 2011 Report Share Posted October 22, 2011 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScottR Posted October 22, 2011 Report Share Posted October 22, 2011 I agree totally. Dive in and have fun. SR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Workingman Posted October 22, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 22, 2011 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... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dpm99 Posted October 22, 2011 Report Share Posted October 22, 2011 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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