Here is my latest Piccolo (Sopranino) Mandolin build, completed just a few days ago. I am still tweaking the setup, but am pleased with it already. I love its sweet, clear voice and easy playability.
I wrote about my piccolo project in an earlier thread here: https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/t...ilding-Project
This is not simply a small Gdae-tuned mandolin, but the next higher instrument in the mandolin family. These are about the same size as a concert ukulele, with a 10.5" scale length. Tuned Cgda, a fourth above a mandolin or a full octave above a mandola, they add a distinctive, sweet voice to an ensemble. I had Mike Black build me a carved-top A-style piccolo a couple of years ago which I love and recommend, but I am now having fun with these flat-tops, too. These have become my go-to instrument for relaxed picking around the house, and blend well with classical guitar in my Renaissance/ World Music Duo.
This one is built with an Adirondack Spruce top, Red Maple neck, hard Yellow Pine back, sides and headstock overlay (flooring cut-offs), a bamboo fretboard and maple bridge. The Yellow Pine was an unconventional choice, but I have saved these floorboard cutoffs for many years because they were too pretty to part with. I decided to give them a go. They are a pain in the neck to bend, but resulted in a really sweet instrument. Don't consider them like other pine woods; they are heavy, resinous and harder than you might think. The nut is naturally-shed deer antler found on my farm. For stain, I used reduced dry Fuji Apple wine, and I finish with a hardening oil.
I hope you like the look. I am having a lot of fun with this one!
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