Customer Reviews

The Mandolin Manual: The Art, Craft and Science of the Mandolin and Mandola

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
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I'm about half way done with building a mandolin using this book. I found the instructions to be clear and very complete and so far have not run into any problems that the book did not forewarn. I would highly recommend it.

The mandolin is not a widely utilized instrument compared with its relatives the guitar and violin, and even less has been written on its construction. Enter Troughton's guide, which covers the making of the mandolin in all its details. While no prior knowledge of woodworking is assumed, readers should be interested in both the instrument itself and woodworking in general in order to gain the most from this survey.

Any non-bluegrass type of mandolin Family interest would do well having this book, TRULY. HOWEVER, make no mistake. This will get you nowhere in producing a Bluegrass Mandolin. As long as that is understood. Nobody else will make the same mistake I made.

A well detailed book. I've been assembling a mandolin from scratch and have found this to be a wonderful resource of detail and guidance. I'd previously built an octave mandolin from a Music Maker's kit. It's been fun improvising along the way as well, making jigs and tools for different phases in the process of instrument making. The principles outlined in this book are explained in detail sufficient to enlighten the novice and renew the enthusiast! I'd recommend this book to anyone wanting to began stringed instrument making.

The explanation in this book is fantastic, and covers every step of the mandolin construction process in detail. The techniques mentioned are in the grasp of even the most inexperienced of luthiers and Troughton's cordial narrative makes the reading of an otherwise dry topic easy and enjoyable. However, I don't think the plans are very good, as they are missing dimensions in many critical areas and are drawn too poorly to be accurately enlarged on a photo-copier.