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https://youtu.be/eRj3bp2nrH8

I contracted with Takeshi Iwamoto in February 2020 to build a mandolin for me.
http://www.acousticworld.com/mandolin.html

I've been posting on the progress of the build process and you can check...

If you want to remove the video embed, feel free.
Here's a link for anyone who wants to see the video:
https://youtu.be/VPjTimH47qY

I played one in Gryphon Strings and liked it.
Not quite as good as the Collings Waterloo, but half the price.

Yes I do. The builder said that it can probably be buffed out after, or if I intend to leave it there, that it won't be seen. I'm going to check it every few days.

https://youtu.be/VPjTimH47qY

Here it is outfitted with a matching maple McClung armrest from Doug Edwards at Hill Country String Works.
http://hillcountrystringworks.com/armrest5.html
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It arrived today!
Beautifully built and sounds great!
Came with a nice foam and canvas case, similar to Guardian and Gator cases, made by Hosco Japan.
186492...

Welcome!
Beautiful mandolin and a great story.
Once Covid restrictions are lifted, check out the bluegrass jam at Moon Stomp in Tokyo hosted by Takeshi Iwamoto, mandolin player and builder.
I just...

If you're looking for some superbly engineered and beautiful tuning machines, check out Alessi. Which are also not cheap!
https://alessituningmachines.it/collection/mandolins/

Welcome! And thanks for the info.
I'd get the setup checked out if you're having playability issues. Could need adjusting to help you get the most out of the instrument and make it more comfortable...

Those are terrific videos! Thanks.
I would add a 4th way to modulate volume. I often just change the firmness of my pick grip. Holding it tighter for more volume, and softer for less, while keeping...

That's a good lesson for learning and increasing tremolo speed. I would add that often it is desirable to play "unmeasured" tremolo so that you are not necessarily accenting the beat. It can give a...

I've been waiting patiently and watching the progress since Feb. Another week is not a big deal. Should be here by Friday. I'll post a video and a review when it arrives.

Check out Allen tailpieces.
Some of them will be direct replacement with the screw holes and a nice upgrade.
I like the TR2.
https://www.allenguitar.com/tpcs.htm
You can get it in satin nickel...

All finished and ready for shipping!

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Gold Tone sells something like that they call the banjola
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https://goldtonemusicgroup.com/goldtone/catalog.php?cat=banjolas

Play A 1,2,2,0
Am 0,2,2,0
A7 1,0,2,0

I'm a fan of EVO frets. I play for a few hours every day and standard nickel silver frets wear too quickly. When I need a refret on an instrument, I get EVO medium. If I have an instrument built for...

Finish complete. Test fit tuning machines and truss rod cover:

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I've owned 5 Eastman mandolins, from the 300 level to the 800 and 900 level. The one that sounded best to me was an MD-505. All instruments vary individually. Eastman is producing high quality...

I'd suggest stringing that as a mandola.
CGDA (a 5th lower than mandolin)
Daddario EJ76...

Clark A5

I'm not sure how you'll be able to use nylon strings since the bridge is made for ball end strings. I strum my steel string guitar and tenor with my fingers. I think you just need to get used to it....

I had no issues at all with the Rubner tuners.
The difference in shaft length is negligible.