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Thread: Snakehead Drawings

  1. #1
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    Default Snakehead Drawings

    Help!!
    I want to make a Snakehead headstock but cannot find any drawings or dimensions.
    Can anyone help please?

    Also, is there anything wrong with doing a straight mortice & tenon neckjoint - I'm trying to save time!!

    many thanks
    Jeremy

  2. #2

    Default Re: Snakehead Drawings

    I am an absolute beginner at this but check out the build photos on the Crystal Forest site regarding the neck joint. I recently built from his plans and was happy to have just a simple mortise and tenon joint that was in reality a tenon and slot joint.

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  4. #3
    Registered User j. condino's Avatar
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    Default Re: Snakehead Drawings

    The Guild of America Luthiers sells a very accurate 1926 Gibson snakehead mandolin blueprint.

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  6. #4

    Default Re: Snakehead Drawings

    I've done some "mortise and slot" joints as well. A well-made mortise and tenon joint will be very similar in function to a dovetail. Make sure you get good mating surfaces on the sides and bottom (attaching the neck heel to the back). Should last as long as anything. Might fail a little more dramatically (lift more) if it's left in a hot car, but that's about the only downside I can see.

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  8. #5
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    Default Re: Snakehead Drawings

    Thanks Marty, I was hoping you would say that - I need to have this finished by 19th May! I shall also pin the joint with dowels either side.

  9. #6

    Default Re: Snakehead Drawings

    Don't build on a deadline... it's a good way to show up without a gift.. :-) If it's just for you, go for it.

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  11. #7
    Registered User jim simpson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Snakehead Drawings

    I have made templates by folding a piece of paper in half, then cutting out the shape using a photo for reference.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

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    Old Hometown, Cabin Fever String Band

  12. #8
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    Default Re: Snakehead Drawings

    Marty, it's for my own use - I'm off on 19th May to Canada for a fortnight of ceilidh music with some Canadian friends and I've been threatening to make this mando for years, so it's a "pride" thing. If I don't finish it I'll swallow my pride and take my old Harmony Monterey. One of my friends is a violin maker in Regina who visits my violin workshop here in UK every year.
    I'll post the finished result later.

  13. #9
    Registered User j. condino's Avatar
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    Default Re: Snakehead Drawings

    Here you go.....
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

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