The Birth of a MandoBeast

[Rob Zamites]

So whats number 2 Rob? Guitar body zouk or something crazy?

13" x 18" x 3" body, 23.5" scale length cittern.

Soundhole is not round - it will be somewhat like the shape of #1, but smaller in size.

[Marty Jacobson]

Looks cool. You'll want to practice bending on scrap to get those tight corner bends right, and don't try to bend the ribs if they're too thick. Typically guitar rib wood is supplied around .125" thick, but to get that shape to actually bend, the ribs should probably be no thicker than about .065" at the location of the cutaway points.

[Rob Zamites]

Looks cool. You'll want to practice bending on scrap to get those tight corner bends right, and don't try to bend the ribs if they're too thick. Typically guitar rib wood is supplied around .125" thick, but to get that shape to actually bend, the ribs should probably be no thicker than about .065" at the location of the cutaway points.

Thanks Marty - I don't even have a bending rig yet Maybe I'll post in the classifieds to see if anyone has a used electric one for sale - I'm somewhat leery of a metal pipe and torch method...

[Marty Jacobson]

Yeah, the fire in the hole method works just fine, but the 1500w charcoal lighter in a metal pipe is more convenient. You don't run out of propane in the middle of a job.
Silicone heating blankets are more expensive, but it makes the job really quick and easy, with the right accompanying fixtures.

[garryireland]

13" x 18" x 3" body, 23.5" scale length cittern.

Soundhole is not round - it will be somewhat like the shape of #1, but smaller in size.

You can build me a double neck after this one so!

[Rob Zamites]

You can build me a double neck after this one so!

I've already spent over $100 on La Balafenn, and all I have is back/side wood, a fretboard, rosette and headstock pieces and a Zer0glide. I still need a neck/heel blank, frets, tuners, truss rod, brace wood, binding, inlay and strings! And that is BEFORE a scroll saw, random orbital sander (screw hand sanding, that was exhausting), rib bending rig and rasps and chisels!

[rubydubyr]

Ummm, are you not gonna let Rosie strut her stuff after doing the bridge work and whatever else you were gonna do to get rid of the buzzing?

[garryireland]

13" x 18" x 3" body, 23.5" scale length cittern.

Soundhole is not round - it will be somewhat like the shape of #1, but smaller in size.

Just noticed the design is similar to Paddy Bergin Shanghai bouzouki. Check it out. He might be willing to help with build issues etc.

[Rob Zamites]

Ummm, are you not gonna let Rosie strut her stuff after doing the bridge work and whatever else you were gonna do to get rid of the buzzing?

I decided I wasn't pleased with the finish, as when I was doing the sides, I got edge dripping/running on to the top and back. So, sanding back to 320 grit and refinishing (again). This is a learning experience! Patience, grasshopper!

Just noticed the design is similar to Paddy Bergin Shanghai bouzouki. Check it out. He might be willing to help with build issues etc.

I might just do that. I'm also thinking of adapting the late Leroy Beal's Method just to simplify things as far as internal structure, dunno yet.

[Rob Zamites]

Rosie's top and back were taken all the way back to 80 grit. I've progressed to starting sanding with 150 grit, then I'll do 220, 320, 400 and then I'll do my first extra careful coat of finish. She's taking a beating, but she comes back for more, and will be better for the experience (and so will I)!

My side/back wood for La Balafenn has arrived, as has the Zer0glide nut/fret.

Don't panic, rubydubyr!