Octave Mandolin Construction

Trad Strings
1

Hi All:

Besides ‘trying’ (optimal word . . . ‘try’) to play, I also like to mess around with woodworking. A few years ago I built a zouk kit that came out ok. But since then I’ve really started reading a lot of material on luthery, and have watched a fair number of videos, as I want to give building quality instruments a shot. I’m only a hobby builder, and just build for myself (so I’m empahtically not trying to sell anything, at all). But for those of you who like building too, I thought I would post this: http://northwaystringedinstruments.blogspot.com/

It is a blog that I’ve set-up in the hopes of helping other hobby builders. It documents the building of a very nice kit I purchased from luthier Don Kawalek. Here are a couple pics:

Thanks for looking!

Best,
Trout

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I’ve been considering one of those.

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s1m0n - Don has a really nice kit. Well worth the money. Good luck if you choose to build!

Best,
Trout

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Thanks, Trout. I adore watching instrument builds.

5

I have no wood-working skills, but had a friend of mine build me a Kawalek kit. These can certainly make great instruments!
I got mine last Wednesday. Here’s a link to the thread for mine at Mandolin Cafe, updated last night with pictures:
http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/showthread.php?58301-My-new-OM-(in-progress)!

I hope to get a sound clip posted in the next few hours.


Updated with sound clip:
http://www.box.net/shared/1x4nxxker

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Thanks fearfaoin. I appreciate it!

Thomaston - Very cool! Sounds great too! I will ditto this over on the MandoCafe board. :slight_smile: Thanks for the post.

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Interesting, Trout! :slight_smile:

I’m currently getting the bits together for a series of builds: flat top (more accurately shallow induced arch) mandolin, mandola and octave mandolin. Also a concert 'ukulele (maybe archtop).

I’ll be doing mine from scratch rather than from a kit, but I have certainly eyed Don’s kits hungrily in the past.

I have the books and plans and the enthusiasm. Now I just need the woodworking experience and skill, the tools and materials and a heap of luck.

Gonna be watching the blog with great interest. Cheers!

@Thomaston… Wow, unique OM! Looks like your fella really is InlayMan. That’s some neat looking work. :slight_smile:

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buddhu - sounds like you are ready to go! Grab a tool or two and jump in!! :slight_smile:

Thanks for the nice comments.

Best,
Trout

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Trout,
I just looked at your progress. Looking good! I really like the peghead shape.

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Heck yes! Looking very good. :slight_smile:

That blog is great. Please keep it up. Thanks for the thoroughness of yr posts and pics.

Sadly, financial stuff is delaying my own builds. My car just had extensive work done. :frowning:

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Man, I sure love this stuff. Thanks for the link
to Lynn Dudenbostel’s blog… That guy is terrific.

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Thanks Thomaston. I appreciate it.

I’m glad you like the blog buddhu. I’m trying to keep it updated as often as possible. I’m actually about to mount the tuning machines, tail piece, and sand the bridge. Then it will be time to string 'er up in the white . . . finally. :open_mouth: Hopefully I will be plinking away by the middle of the week.

You bet fearfaoin! He is a fantastic builder.

Again, thanks to all of you for having a look, and for the encouragement!!!

Best,
Trout