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Turned out it has a crack in the end block, so now its off getting repaired.

Sorry the picture didn't include the peg head, it is indeed a snakehead, original tuning machines and all. The repair is for a 1 1/2 crack ironing with the grain in the middle of the side...

I recently acquired a 23 Gibson A-4 in good condition, it has a small side crack near the tailpiece, which Im having repaired by a luthier. Still has the Virzi, all original with case. Im not sure...

im in.

Well, I carved the top to rough size, and the joint looked fairly good, then I hogged out the inside of the plate, carved it smooth, gave it a flex and SNAP. Broke right at the joint. Obviously the...

Im beginning a claro walnut A mando, with claro back, sides, and neck. I had the back plate all ready to rough shape but then it potato chipped out on me. In an effort to flatten it, I wet the...

I recently came across information about a mandolin building workshop to be run by Rosa stringworks in the near future. Is anyone familiar with this builder, or this week long workshop? I'm not very...

Just a follow-up. I recently received the mandocaster, and it is not that bad. It does need work however. New bone nut, larger frets, and probably switch the pickups. Nothing huge though, and when...

Ok. I just ordered one of these electric mandos. To be clear, I have "no" great expectations for what I will receive. It is after all, a $299.00 chinese made mandolin. However, as a fledgling builder...

I use the drill press method to rough out the plates, and then either the larger ibex plane or gouge to smooth it out before the real carving begins. I thought that the veritas might be quicker and...

Just wondering if anyone has used one of these to hollow out a top or back, I saw it in the new lee valley/ veritas catologue and it looks like it might work pretty well. Any thoughts? Also, hows...

Just to let everyone know the outcome...
I ended up speaking with the folks at DiMarzio, and went with their DP127 Split P Bass pickup. Its a dual rail humbucker. Buying the set gives you two of...

Im beginning an Electric solid body mandolin, 8 string, (not 4 or 5). I would like to know if anyone has any recommendations as to what kind of pickup to use. Seymour Duncan has a mandolin humbucker...

Thanks for all the replies, I have to agree with the longer is better school of thought. StewMac sells a 16" fret/fingerboard leveller made of steel. Just apply appropriate sandpaper to the flat...

What do most of you folks use to level frets on a mandolin? Im considering the 6 inch Fret leveling file sold by StewMac, but now think it may be too big? What works for you guys?

Thanks James,
I saw that video clip and it was very helpful. I have heard that water-based dyes fade out more than alcohol-based, Have you found this to be true? I would prefer to work with the...

Im sure this has been discussed before, and I have already checked the archives. But, what Im interested in finding out is the pros/cons of each method. Not so much "I use this and like it", but, why...

I just received the shipment of basswood kerfing, and I must say it rivals anything else out there. Clean consistent cuts, good quality wood, and cheaper too! I wouldnt hesitate to buy more. I would...

I should have mentioned that I have no connection with him, or know him. I just thought someone might be interested.

Ive been buying kerfing from StewMac also, but just ordered a bunch from Bob Tibbetts of www.guitarwoods.net . He sells on ebay, but also from his website. I just ordered 24 pieces of 7/32 x 3/8 x...

I was very surprised at how this sounds. It is very loud, with very, very good sustain. It is very much an oval hole sound, perfect for Celtic music, which is what I built it for. It plays very easy,...

Headstock

Back, one-piece curly maple

Just finished setting up #1, heres a few pics. The finish was done by my friend Bill Bonanzinga of Bonanzinga Guitars.

Heres a better pic of the whole fiddle. It did kind of look like a shoe horn, hopefully it'll be a good sounding one!