Hello all,
I am new to the forums here, so first, a little bit about myself:
My name is Jake, I am a bass (solid-body electric) builder in Chicago. I started out as a one-man operation, but over the last 6 years, we have grown to four-man shop building around 200 instruments a year. The company is called Serek Basses for those curious.
But I didn't come here to self-promote. Recently, I have become a bit burned-out running the business. I spend way less time these days working with my hands, so I started dreaming up a personal project to re-ignite my passion for woodworking; something to challenge me as well.
It turns out I have also recently become completely enchanted with the Mandola. Something about its sweet, deep sound really calls to me. I also appreciate that it doesn't quite fit in; its a bit of an outsider. I owned a cheap Mandolin many years ago, but could never quite wrap my sausage fingers around it comfortably, so I have high hopes that the Mandola will be my glass slipper.
Now, on to the build: I have designed a flat-top, two-point, oval-hole Mandola with a 17" scale. It will be a fairly traditional build, however, I am going to lean on my instincts along the way. I realize some folks may balk at some of the choices I make, and that's okay. This is an experiment, and while I have complete respect for tradition, it is also important that I try things my own way.
I have attached my drawings and I will post my progress along the way. I look forward to hearing what you all have to say!
TL;DR - Bass builder attempts to build Mandola, kinda winging it so hang on tight!
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