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 Post subject: My first mando
PostPosted: Tue Jun 19, 2012 10:13 am 
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Koa
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Joined: Thu Sep 24, 2009 9:50 am
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Location: Ellicott City, Md - USA
First name: John
Last Name: A
Focus: Build
Status: Amateur
Hi everyone -

I started tackling my first mandolin - at first I was planning a flattop - but after looking around I think I want to start with a carved top (considering I already make flat top guitars).
I joined some wood I got from International Violin - and I picked up a nice piece of poplar as well to make a 1 piece back.
I made a template based off plans on the internet, and modified the shape of an F5 to suit my tastes. I made it more Les Paulish/Archtop guitar with a cutaway look. I am using the arching patterns for a Loar F5 and the Siminoff book for the building procedure.

Today I setup my drill press planer to make the topo map on my sound board - and the ROS to even the planes - it's looking good and I am excited to take this project on, even though it is distracting me from finishing the binding channels my latest classical.

Camera phone pics -


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 Post subject: Re: My first mando
PostPosted: Tue Jun 19, 2012 2:37 pm 
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First name: Big
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State: Deep in the heart of Bluegrass
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Looks Like a Great Start To Me ! [clap]

Make a pic thread of it all the way through !

_________________
The Shallower the depth of the stream , The Louder the Babble !
The Taking Of Offense Is the Life Course Of The Stupid One !
Wanna Leave a Better Planet for our Kids? How about Working on BETTER KIDS for our Planet !
Forgiveness is the ability to accept an apology that you will probably NEVER GET
The truth will set you free , But FIRST, it will probably Piss you Off !
Creativity is allowing yourself to make Mistakes, Art is knowing which ones to Keep !
The Saddest thing anyone can do , is push a Loyal Person to the point that they Dont Care Anymore
Never met a STRONG person who had an EASY past !
http://wiksnwudwerks.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/groups/GatewayA ... rAssembly/


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 Post subject: Re: My first mando
PostPosted: Tue Jun 19, 2012 4:08 pm 
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Koa
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Joined: Thu Sep 24, 2009 9:50 am
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Location: Ellicott City, Md - USA
First name: John
Last Name: A
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Status: Amateur
Wud - you asked for it ! Sometimes I think you are the only one that see's me threads, and I sincerely thank you for it ! here's a couple of more shots after profiling the top


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 Post subject: Re: My first mando
PostPosted: Tue Jun 19, 2012 6:22 pm 
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First name: Big
Last Name: Jim
State: Deep in the heart of Bluegrass
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I like I like !! Keep going , It may get lonely in this subforum , but hey we have beer ! LOL

_________________
The Shallower the depth of the stream , The Louder the Babble !
The Taking Of Offense Is the Life Course Of The Stupid One !
Wanna Leave a Better Planet for our Kids? How about Working on BETTER KIDS for our Planet !
Forgiveness is the ability to accept an apology that you will probably NEVER GET
The truth will set you free , But FIRST, it will probably Piss you Off !
Creativity is allowing yourself to make Mistakes, Art is knowing which ones to Keep !
The Saddest thing anyone can do , is push a Loyal Person to the point that they Dont Care Anymore
Never met a STRONG person who had an EASY past !
http://wiksnwudwerks.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/groups/GatewayA ... rAssembly/


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 Post subject: Re: My first mando
PostPosted: Tue Jun 19, 2012 9:59 pm 
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Location: Powell River BC Canada
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Did someone say beer! :lol: I'm watching too John. Keep it coming. If I have time this winter I'm going to do an "F" so I look forward to see how you make out. I've done an "A" and was really happy with the outcome. Looks like you're off to a great start.

Cheers,
Danny


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 Post subject: Re: My first mando
PostPosted: Wed Jun 20, 2012 11:49 am 
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Koa
Koa

Joined: Sat Apr 19, 2008 10:08 pm
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Location: Missouri
First name: Patrick
Last Name: Hanna
State: Missouri
Country: USA
I'm watching, too. I like the way you've simplified the upper bout / neck block area of the box. At the same time, you've retained some traditional features. That's cool, and it's what I've tried to do, too. I've got one in process, but it'll be on hold until fall or winter when the humidity in my shop goes lower. Press on!

Patrick


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 Post subject: Re: My first mando
PostPosted: Wed Jun 20, 2012 8:35 pm 
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Koa
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Location: Ellicott City, Md - USA
First name: John
Last Name: A
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Status: Amateur
I Les Paul'ed it :) - I like how the carved arch top guitars look - so I tried to emulate that - I have seen a few mandos around the web like this - so I figured it was ok to cut out the scroll - I am having a hard time also understanding why there are so many top builders building exactly the F5 like Loar did. I guess it is the same as having so many Strat style electrics out there.

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 Post subject: Re: My first mando
PostPosted: Thu Jun 21, 2012 8:15 am 
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First name: Big
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John A wrote:
I Les Paul'ed it :) - I like how the carved arch top guitars look - so I tried to emulate that - I have seen a few mandos around the web like this - so I figured it was ok to cut out the scroll - I am having a hard time also understanding why there are so many top builders building exactly the F5 like Loar did. I guess it is the same as having so many Strat style electrics out there.



Because there is an underlying attitude in the Mandolin community that is " If it dont look like an "F" it aint a real Mando " . idunno

Build what YOU like !

_________________
The Shallower the depth of the stream , The Louder the Babble !
The Taking Of Offense Is the Life Course Of The Stupid One !
Wanna Leave a Better Planet for our Kids? How about Working on BETTER KIDS for our Planet !
Forgiveness is the ability to accept an apology that you will probably NEVER GET
The truth will set you free , But FIRST, it will probably Piss you Off !
Creativity is allowing yourself to make Mistakes, Art is knowing which ones to Keep !
The Saddest thing anyone can do , is push a Loyal Person to the point that they Dont Care Anymore
Never met a STRONG person who had an EASY past !
http://wiksnwudwerks.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/groups/GatewayA ... rAssembly/


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 Post subject: Re: My first mando
PostPosted: Thu Jun 21, 2012 9:29 am 
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Koa
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Location: Ellicott City, Md - USA
First name: John
Last Name: A
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Status: Amateur
So I guess I will call this my "FU" shape .... wow7-eyes

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 Post subject: Re: My first mando
PostPosted: Fri Jun 22, 2012 7:05 am 
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First name: Big
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State: Deep in the heart of Bluegrass
Country: usa
Focus: Build
Status: Amateur
John A wrote:
So I guess I will call this my "FU" shape .... wow7-eyes

laughing6-hehe laughing6-hehe laughing6-hehe laughing6-hehe Sounds Goood to Me !!

_________________
The Shallower the depth of the stream , The Louder the Babble !
The Taking Of Offense Is the Life Course Of The Stupid One !
Wanna Leave a Better Planet for our Kids? How about Working on BETTER KIDS for our Planet !
Forgiveness is the ability to accept an apology that you will probably NEVER GET
The truth will set you free , But FIRST, it will probably Piss you Off !
Creativity is allowing yourself to make Mistakes, Art is knowing which ones to Keep !
The Saddest thing anyone can do , is push a Loyal Person to the point that they Dont Care Anymore
Never met a STRONG person who had an EASY past !
http://wiksnwudwerks.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/groups/GatewayA ... rAssembly/


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 Post subject: Re: My first mando
PostPosted: Sun Jun 24, 2012 8:29 am 
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Koa
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Joined: Thu Sep 24, 2009 9:50 am
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Location: Ellicott City, Md - USA
First name: John
Last Name: A
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Status: Amateur
OK here are more pics - I drilled out the inside and today and tomorrow I will work on carving that out -


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 Post subject: Re: My first mando
PostPosted: Sun Jun 24, 2012 1:14 pm 
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Location: Glen Burnie Md.
First name: steve
Last Name: barbour
Country: U.S.
Focus: Build
Status: Amateur
John, looking good. I've never built a mandolin, I'm just starting to finish my third guitar, but would love to try it when I feel comfortable my skill level is up to it. I've been wanting to stop by International since I found out about it a year or so ago. Do they stock much in the way of guitar parts, or is it mostly violin family stuff?

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 Post subject: Re: My first mando
PostPosted: Sun Jun 24, 2012 7:08 pm 
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Koa
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Joined: Thu Sep 24, 2009 9:50 am
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Location: Ellicott City, Md - USA
First name: John
Last Name: A
Focus: Build
Status: Amateur
International Violin is close to us -

they have fretboard blanks - rosewood and ebony, some preslotted (from Stew Mac) - but the prices are very good.
Tools - chisels and smallplanes (Ibex) purf cutters
Rosettes and purfling (Martin styles) I know it comes from StewMac - but their prices are good and not marked up over Stew Mac prices.
premade bridges, tuning machines for guitar and mandlo - mando bits and pieces -

Tonewoods they have a prettty good selection of Euro spruce both for tops and braces

the service is good -

check the website - they stock what they show on the web. For backs and sides, I go to Linithicum, World of Hardwoods.

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 Post subject: Re: My first mando
PostPosted: Sun Jun 24, 2012 7:54 pm 
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Thanks John, I'll have to check out World of Hardwoods also.

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 Post subject: Re: My first mando
PostPosted: Mon Jul 02, 2012 5:07 pm 
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Koa
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Joined: Thu Sep 24, 2009 9:50 am
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Location: Ellicott City, Md - USA
First name: John
Last Name: A
Focus: Build
Status: Amateur
Hi everyone - this past weekends and today's activity -

Made a side/body mold
Bent my sides and placed in mold.

Next up body blocks, finish final sanding carving of top and backs - then attach.
Work on the neck - already cut out - I think I missed pictures of it - but I will post again shortly -


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 Post subject: Re: My first mando
PostPosted: Thu Jul 19, 2012 11:06 am 
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Koa
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Location: Ellicott City, Md - USA
First name: John
Last Name: A
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Status: Amateur
ok been busy with other things lately - but in the past couple of days I made some progress -

F-holes marked out, patched with fine linen, and cut on the scroll saw.


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 Post subject: Re: My first mando
PostPosted: Thu Jul 19, 2012 5:20 pm 
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First name: Martin
Last Name: Kelly
City: Tampa
State: FL
Zip/Postal Code: 33634
Country: USA
Focus: Build
Status: Amateur
I'm watching too, John. Just recently started on guitars due to my retirement, but started a mando years ago, but gave up when trying to bend the sides. Really hadn't done my homework. I started carving the top and back, and I still have the plates. As soon as I finish the Classical I'm working on, think I'll give the mando another try, since I finally learned how to bend some sides. Anyway, John, just wanted you to know I appreciate the thread. Keep up the good work. [clap]


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 Post subject: Re: My first mando
PostPosted: Mon Jul 23, 2012 8:14 am 
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Koa
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Location: Ellicott City, Md - USA
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Last Name: A
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Status: Amateur
If you can bend sides for the classical - then the mando side should be a breeze. Also for the classical, I never worked with a mold. Making the mold was very easy for the mando, and then bending the sides and slapping them in the mold while still warm and moist allowed them to dry to the precise shape, so the bending does not have to be perfectly exact as when the sides dry they will conform to the mold shape.

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 Post subject: Re: My first mando
PostPosted: Tue Jul 24, 2012 12:17 pm 
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Walnut
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Joined: Tue Jul 24, 2012 11:37 am
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First name: cameron
Last Name: B
State: Nova Scotia
Country: Canada
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Status: Amateur
I m on my first mandolin too. Since I just got into luthierie I decided to go with a kit from stewmac.
Do you have any advise I could use :?:


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 Post subject: Re: My first mando
PostPosted: Tue Jul 24, 2012 12:36 pm 
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Koa
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Location: Ellicott City, Md - USA
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Last Name: A
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Status: Amateur
Since you have a kit - I guess everything has been well planned first.
I am working out of the Siminoff book and Grahman Macdonald's book - so my planning is not that great.

I should have started like I did with my classical build (from the Cumpiano book) where everything was drawn out first - I find that both these books do not include precise dimensions, unlike Cumpiano - who lays out all the dimensions as he walks you through drawing plans.


So if you can - plan everything out and know every dimension of all the pieces.

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 Post subject: Re: My first mando
PostPosted: Sat Aug 18, 2012 7:47 am 
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Looking good John ! [:Y:]

_________________
The Shallower the depth of the stream , The Louder the Babble !
The Taking Of Offense Is the Life Course Of The Stupid One !
Wanna Leave a Better Planet for our Kids? How about Working on BETTER KIDS for our Planet !
Forgiveness is the ability to accept an apology that you will probably NEVER GET
The truth will set you free , But FIRST, it will probably Piss you Off !
Creativity is allowing yourself to make Mistakes, Art is knowing which ones to Keep !
The Saddest thing anyone can do , is push a Loyal Person to the point that they Dont Care Anymore
Never met a STRONG person who had an EASY past !
http://wiksnwudwerks.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/groups/GatewayA ... rAssembly/


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 Post subject: Re: My first mando
PostPosted: Fri Dec 28, 2012 11:32 am 
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Location: Ellicott City, Md - USA
First name: John
Last Name: A
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Status: Amateur
a little more progress during the holidays !


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 Post subject: Re: My first mando
PostPosted: Fri Dec 28, 2012 8:40 pm 
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Joined: Mon Jul 27, 2009 7:52 am
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First name: Big
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State: Deep in the heart of Bluegrass
Country: usa
Focus: Build
Status: Amateur
I like what I see , Never enough time is there .

_________________
The Shallower the depth of the stream , The Louder the Babble !
The Taking Of Offense Is the Life Course Of The Stupid One !
Wanna Leave a Better Planet for our Kids? How about Working on BETTER KIDS for our Planet !
Forgiveness is the ability to accept an apology that you will probably NEVER GET
The truth will set you free , But FIRST, it will probably Piss you Off !
Creativity is allowing yourself to make Mistakes, Art is knowing which ones to Keep !
The Saddest thing anyone can do , is push a Loyal Person to the point that they Dont Care Anymore
Never met a STRONG person who had an EASY past !
http://wiksnwudwerks.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/groups/GatewayA ... rAssembly/


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 Post subject: Re: My first mando
PostPosted: Sat Jan 05, 2013 10:26 am 
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Brazilian Rosewood
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First name: Bryan
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State: Mo
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Focus: Build
Status: Amateur
Looking good, keep the updates comming. Slow and steady wins the race. I like the upper bout shape.

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 Post subject: Re: My first mando
PostPosted: Sat Jan 05, 2013 10:34 pm 
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Joined: Fri Mar 04, 2011 3:02 pm
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Location: Glen Burnie Md.
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Focus: Build
Status: Amateur
Looks good John. I also am loving the shape. I look forward to seeing more pics.

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