Suited for first-time builders with limited woodworking skills as well as those looking for a challenge, this workshop manual features four mandolin projects that range from a simple flat top and back model to the more complex, fully carved “A” style mandolin. The accompanying narrative offers step-by-step instruction in a relaxed, conversational style that not only explains what and how something should be done but also why it’s executed in that particular manner. A set of full-size, detailed plans pairs with photographs, diagrams, and illustrations to round out the instruction materials. The manual's informative introductory section featuring a comprehensive history of the mandolin, construction techniques through the ages, and color illustrations of rare instruments—some of which have never been previously published—enhances the appreciation of this ancient string instrument.
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"An attractive piece of work, well thought out, and clear in its instruction. It's obvious that McDonald is open-minded about the possibilities of the mandolin and what it might be made from, and the reader won't be beaten over the head about specific details 'because that's the way Orville did it!'" —John Calkin, contributing editor, American Lutherie
About the Author
Graham McDonald is a mandolin and bouzoukis artisan and the author of The Bouzouki Book.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
There's a lot in this book,
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This review is from: The Mandolin Project: A Workshop Guide to Building Mandolins (Paperback)
This book is packed with information useful in building a mandolin. It has step by step instructions for 4 different kinds of mandolins, along with patterns. My favorite chapter so far is the first chapter, which is a history of the mandolin (and lute and guitar). There is a section on selecting woods, one on different ways to apply a finish. One section I liked showed how to carve a mandolin top quickly, using modern tools. If I didn't have access to another book, I think there is enough information in this one. More than many builders must have had historically.
One thing it didn't have that I was hoping for was a section on tone tapping.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Practical, detailed guide to mandolin construction,
This review is from: The Mandolin Project: A Workshop Guide to Building Mandolins (Paperback)
I am building my first mandolin using this manual, and have found it to be an excellent, helpful, and very practical guide to mandolin construction. I am building a flat-top, flat-back model.
McDonald provides all the detail needed, including clear plans of the body, neck, and a 15 foot radius template for the curvature of the top and back. For most steps, he provides several ways of completing the task. For example, he discusses how binding the edges can be done with hand tools or a router setup, or that the top can be thicknessed with a hand plane and scrapers or a thickness sander. This manual describes building a flat top and carved top models. However, it is not a guide to bluegrass mandolins, like the Gibson F-5. A sample chapter is available on the McDonald website that describes the instruments covered in the manual. My only complaint is that there are a number of typographical errors, but they do not detract from the usefulness of the manual.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
THE MANDOLIN PROJECT,
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Mandolin Project: A Workshop Guide to Building Mandolins (Paperback)
I am curently making an A mandolin and this book will help alot. It coveres every step in the process. Thank you for fast shipment.
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