Customer Reviews

The Mandolin Project: A Workshop Guide to Building Mandolins

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I didn't give this book 5 because I thought it needs more pictures in regards to some of the processes and also some of the jigs that it outlines. This made it a little unclear at times. I general though it was easy to read and I feel confident to be able to make the mandolins in the book. It comes with 4 plans which are great and the book is printed on nice paper. The section on the history of mandolins was inspiring and had some nice photos. The book left me feeling excited about making mandonlins which is a good sign.

First off, please understand that this book is not for the construction of a bluegrass mandolin. There are complete plans for four mandolins, the fourth being a carved top A style mandolin. This book however does provide a complete construction overview for making the mandolins. The author has provided a lot of detail and plans are included. This book is very complete and the tone is friendly and informative.

Overall, an excellent book and you can make the mandolins with the information provided.