Building an A style Mandolin

[sleewood]

Hello folks
I am interested in building an A style mandolin. I see quite a lot of information online about how to build an F style mandolin, and have Siminoffs book "Constructing a Bluegrass Mandolin", but I don't see much at all on constructing the A style. The only book I've found is "Making an "A" Style Mandolin" by Gary Brenchley, but I can find no reviews. Does anyone have any knowledge of this book, or any other information that might be of help to me? I have a fair amount of woodworking experience but have never built a musical instrument. Thanks in advance!

[Skip Kelley]

You can use the Siminoff manual, you will just have a different body shape. No scroll or points. I have no knowledge of the Brenchley book. There are tons of information on here. Also, ask all the questions you need!

[Charles E.]

Graham Mcdonald published a useful book, "The Mandolin Project".......

http://www.mcdonaldstrings.com/mandolinproject.html

You can also order A style plans from Stew Mac.......

http://www.stewmac.com/How-To/Bluepr...olin_Plan.html

[sunburst]

My first mandolin, started in about 1985 or so, was an "A", built using the Siminoff book as a guide. I just re-drew the shape and left off the points and scrolls, and used a dovetail neck joint, and slightly different graduations, and other small changes. The point is, all we need is a guide. We don't have to slavishly adhere to a book.

[j. condino]

The Guild of American Luthiers just published a 1925 Gibson snakehead A mandolin blueprint.

[CarlM]

The Guild of American Luthiers just published a 1925 Gibson snakehead A mandolin blueprint.

Do you have to be a member or can anyone purchase it?

[Jonathan Ward]

Do you have to be a member or can anyone purchase it?

You don't have to be a member to buy plans. But the membership is a really good deal if only for their excellent quarterly journal. You can learn an enormous amount from reading it.

[Timbofood]

You know what?
There is not one attempt for "Duck" plans!
Feel free to correct me if I am mistaken but, as far as I know, there are none.

[Charles E.]

Why a "Duck".............

[Timbofood]

I wasn't sure who would post that first!
I salute you Charles!

But to answer the "Why?"
Because I'd know who stole it pretty darned fast!





But who'd steal a duck anyway?

[Charles E.]

Sorry If I hijacked this thread but for those wondering what a "Duck" is........




John Duffey developed this shape and called it the Duck.

[Timbofood]

Well you kind of have to admit that the "duck" is "a" mandolin. Not an "A" but you know what I mean.
The whole thread on Duffey's "Duck" is really interesting, I will re watch the whole thing one of these days. I watched it a year ago and was very impressed with the details Amira brought up.
I miss John!