looking for oval hole mandolin kit

[darrylicshon]

Does anyone sell an oval hole mandolin kit an F style would be best, but any would work as long as it isn't a flat top really want an arched top thanks

[Marty Jacobson]

Siminoff sells an F-4 kit. While you're at it, get an H-4 kit.... :-) Also check with Chris Baird, he may be able to hook you up with an Arches oval hole kit. Both of those are $700+ kits, though they are pretty nice quality from what I've seen.

[Rob Zamites]

Sometimes, I get tired of Googling for others, but here you go:

International Violin F5 Mandolin Kit, no Sound hole

Cut your own hole and Bob's your uncle.

[Timbofood]

Rob, your generosity and talent do not go un noticed! "Sharing is caring". There will be stars in your crown!
You probably search faster than I do, I will call on you when I can't find something.

[darrylicshon]

Sometimes, I get tired of Googling for others, but here you go:

International Violin F5 Mandolin Kit, no Sound hole

Cut your own hole and Bob's your uncle.

I did do some searching and read if it was made for F holes it might be to thin and i did see that kit but i thought it was made to be an f hole

[darrylicshon]

Siminoff sells an F-4 kit. While you're at it, get an H-4 kit.... :-) Also check with Chris Baird, he may be able to hook you up with an Arches oval hole kit. Both of those are $700+ kits, though they are pretty nice quality from what I've seen.

Thanks Marty i had looked at Siminoff but somehow missed the f4 that is what my friend is wanting, if i build it for him i will post some photos

[Whittle]

I second the recommendation for the Siminoff kit. Roger makes excellent parts and is good about helping over the phone or email if you run into a wall. I'm not sure what quality you would end up with if you went with the international violin kit, especially if you're building for someone else.

[Rob Zamites]

Sorry if I came across as a grumpus, dealing with my father passing on Wednesday. My apologies to all. Sorry.

[Randolph]

Rob, My condolences...and I didn't notice anything mean spirited in your initial response.

[David Houchens]

Rob, Sorry for your loss. I also appreciate those who can find things online that elude me. Thanks

[darrylicshon]

Sorry Rob , for your loss

[jerryk]

I think the no-sound-hole IV kit is an excellent idea! Only thing is, the bracing needs to be different. I was just reading about oval
hole bracing in Graham McDonald's excellent book. Apparently, the round ( or oval ) hole is in a really bad place WRT the structural
integrity of the instrument, so you need good bracing. The two little tuning wands that we use in an F hole won't cut it.

- Jerry Kaidor

[mandroid]

A No sound hole Top and a side sound hole in the Upper edge so you can hear yourself well would be an interesting alternative .