Octave Mandolin Build Workshop - Don Kawalek

[bill_w]

I attended Don Kawalek's annual mandolin/banjo build workshop this week at the Holiday Lake State Park 4-H Educational Center near Appomattox, VA this week. What a blast! I built an octave mandolin with redwood top, Virginia walnut sides, back and neck. We started with one of Don's kits and completed the instrument in just a few long days. Don makes all the parts, bracing, bindings, purfling, tops, sides, back, etc. Even with a kit start, there was plenty of work to be done including cutting top and back, shaping braces, routing and installing inlay, shaping the neck and, of course, lots of gluing and sanding. An excellent place to start your first instrument. All that remains is to put on the finish.

Just a shout out to Don, so very helpful and willing to pass on a some of his skill and knowledge from 40 years of building instruments. Thanks a bunch Don!

[Mark Gunter]

Nice!

[Rick Lindstrom]

Great looking OM. I like your gecko inlay a lot!

[Luthier]

It is always a pleasure to do the workshop. It is an intense, fast paced five days but it is great to watch as new instruments are born. Thanks for the accolades, Bill!! Your craftsmanship was superb.
Don

[Dean2]

Hi All,

Long time lurker, but first time poster. I also did the course (octave) and will second everything Bill said. The kits are great. I went in with no more woodworking experience than nailing stuff together around the house and came out with a pretty darned good octave mandolin. We also had a ton of fun after the tools were put away each evening. If anyone has been thinking about building a kit or getting a start with instruments, this is definitely the way to do it.

A hearty thanks to Don for his knowledge, patience, and good humor!

Dean