I wanted a round hole mandolin as a contrast to my Fullerton Gloucester F-style, but didn't want to spend a lot. I bought a kit from International Violins without the F-holes cut for a whopping $130. All of the critical woodworking on these kits is already done. There's still plenty to do, but it's not really difficult, nor does it require a huge woodworking shop. I posted my results over on Mandolin Cafe:
http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/showt ... post974156
If you've wanted a mandolin but didn't want to make a huge purchase, this is a really nice option.
Build your own mandolin!
- brewerpaul
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Re: Build your own mandolin!
Looks great Paul! I was thinking of doing an IV kit before more wrist/arm problems made playing all but impossible. Anyway, so it sounds tight eh? Why not rent a ToneRite and run that on the mando for a week or two? That ought to open it up a bit.
Re: Build your own mandolin!
So how do you like it compared to the Fullerton? I've thought of trying out a kit before. Either the IV or possibly a Stew Mac campfire mandolin kit.
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Re: Build your own mandolin!
The Fullerton still sounds and feels better, but I'll reserve final judgement until I've played it a while.
Re: Build your own mandolin!
That's a real beauty, Paul. Congrats of a nice job.
I tried to make a dulcimer from a kit years ago, but I didn't have the tools. By the time I finished I'd spent at least three times what the thing would have cost finished!
I tried to make a dulcimer from a kit years ago, but I didn't have the tools. By the time I finished I'd spent at least three times what the thing would have cost finished!