Mandolin Family
'07 Model Mandolin
For my '07 mandolin design, I have increased the overall area of the soundboard into this pear shaped form. The idea is to increase the volume and also enhance the range of tonal response. As you may expect, this design gives a fuller, more rounded sound, while my '04 & '05 designs (pictured below) tend to have a more punchy, direct sort of voice.
'07 Model Mandolin 2009 - Rosewood body, Old Sitka Spruce soundboard, Flamed Maple Neck
One feature worth mentioning is the raised fingerboard shown here. This allows even more of the soundboard to vibrate, creating a wider and fuller response.
Tenor Mandola (2005)
Mandolin 2005 - Mahogany and Maple
I often use reclaimed materials for my instruments when I find suitable, well seasoned timber. I found a table leg made from particularly fine, figured mahogany. Being unable to throw it out or burn it, I decided to see if I could turn it into a mandolin. It wasn't very wide - hence the stripes - yet I still managed to stretch it to the backs, sides, neck and even had a bit left over for the rosette.
'Three Little Mandolins' 2004
These three mandolins are all built to the same template, though each has slight variations in the materials used and the construction. Each one has its own unique sound and character, like their appearance - distinctively similar, yet distinctly different.
The soundboards are of Sitka spruce. Backs and sides of flamed maple from Sherwood forest. Fingerboards and bridges of Brazilian rosewood. Necks of maple, one of flamed mahogany. Head veneers, two of English Yew, one of Elm Burr. Mahogany bindings.
Octave Mandola 2004
