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Thread: Ebony mandolin

  1. #1
    Mandolin & Mandola maker
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    Default Ebony mandolin

    This is a recently finished flat top mandolin that is a bit unusual. It was experimental so I had no idea how it would sound. The back and sides are of Macassar Ebony, top is Red Spruce, neck Brazilian Mahogany, bindings are Bloodwood. The Ebony came from some mandolin size Ebony I purchased 25 years ago and have been saving it for a special project because cutting this stuff up is like pouring money down the sink, only the money is actually sawdust. Well this is the special project so I used some dark Brazilian Mahogany for the neck. Could say it is the rare woods mandolin. Turned out incredibly well. The mandolin looks stunning, and the sound is so good I am not selling this one, it stays right here, well until I make one better. However, at the moment I can't imagine a flat top mandolin could sound any better than this one. If we are onto a good thing stick to it, so I made another one and that should be finished in a week or two.

    Don't believe me? Here are some MP3 sound clips
    http://petercoombe.com/Sound/classic...-inchiquin.mp3
    http://petercoombe.com/Sound/classic.../hornpipe7.mp3
    http://petercoombe.com/Sound/classic...ttop/begsi.mp3
    http://petercoombe.com/Sound/classic...er-fellows.mp3

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Peter Coombe - mandolins, mandolas and guitars
    http://www.petercoombe.com

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  3. #2
    The Amateur Mandolinist Mark Gunter's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ebony mandolin

    Sounds great and looks gorgeous!
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  4. #3
    Registered User William Smith's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ebony mandolin

    That looks great! The body shape reminds me of a flat top L&H, I've always had a soft spot for back and side wood like that! How hard was the sides to bend? I know some use my ultimate favorite Cocobolo for guitars but it seems it would be very tough to bend, Well for an amateur like me anyways! Well done!

    I just listened to the Demo's and very nice tone!

  5. #4
    Registered User Sue Rieter's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ebony mandolin

    That is lovely! The colors of the woods and the way they look together is very appealing and it sounds very nice. Don't blame you one bit for keeping it!

    I especially like the bindings.

  6. #5
    Kelley Mandolins Skip Kelley's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ebony mandolin

    Peter. your mandolin looks classy! I love the wood combinations! It sounds incredible too!

  7. #6
    Mandolin & Mandola maker
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    Default Re: Ebony mandolin

    The Ebony sides were not difficult to bend, but the bloodwood bindings were. Bloodwood is difficult to bend and is brittle, so much bad language was directed at the bindings. However, the end result was worth the trouble.
    Peter Coombe - mandolins, mandolas and guitars
    http://www.petercoombe.com

  8. #7
    Registered User
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    Default Re: Ebony mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by peter.coombe View Post
    The Ebony sides were not difficult to bend, but the bloodwood bindings were. Bloodwood is difficult to bend and is brittle, so much bad language was directed at the bindings. However, the end result was worth the trouble.
    I never would have thought I would like that color for binding. But that is stunning. "It ties the room together".

    The whole instrument is beautiful.

  9. #8
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Ebony mandolin

    Sweeeet!
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

  10. #9
    Play on FredK's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ebony mandolin

    Just WOW! She's a beauty.
    "If your memories exceed your dreams, you have begun to die." - Anonymous

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