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Thread: First E-Mandolin build

  1. #1
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    Default First E-Mandolin build

    I thought I'd amuse you guys with my efforts to build my first electric Mandolin.

    My "plan" is to build it as a mini Les Paul.

    Body will be one piece Basswood with a maple top.
    Neck will be maple.
    Fretboard will be ebony.

    Here it is so far..

    Well, it's just the top so far
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  3. #2
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    Default Re: First E-Mandolin build

    Gonna be pretty if nothing else!

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  5. #3
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    Default Re: First E-Mandolin build

    Progress.. sorta.

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    When I get the bridge I can figure the fretboard width and all that.

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    Default Re: First E-Mandolin build

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    Neck and body wood arrived.

    Got the body rough cut. Is 1.75" too thick for this?

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  8. #5

    Default Re: First E-Mandolin build

    I don't think 1.75" is too thick. Is the body chambered (routed out) or is it solid wood simply routed for the p/ups and electronics? It could be kinda heavy. The top is some beautiful maple. Nice work indeed.

    Len B.
    Clearwater, FL

  9. #6
    Registered User mandrian's Avatar
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    Default Re: First E-Mandolin build

    Hi,

    My Farmiloe 5 string telemando is 1.625 inches.

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    Regards,

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  11. #7
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    Default Re: First E-Mandolin build

    Hi Len,

    The body is basswood so it's not too heavy, however I intend to chamber it also.

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  13. #8
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    Default Re: First E-Mandolin build

    Rough chamber done. Body is way lighter. I'll clean it all up when the bridge finally gets here, I'm not 100% sure where the four string-through holes will be.
    Got the ebony board tapered too. I need to order smaller fretboard dots.

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  14. #9
    Registered User John Kelly's Avatar
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    Default Re: First E-Mandolin build

    That is coming along well. What are you using as your pickup(s)? I noticed a six-pole humbucker in a scratchplate in the background in one of the photos.
    I'm playing all the right notes, but not necessarily in the right order. - Eric Morecambe

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  15. #10
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    Default Re: First E-Mandolin build

    Gonna try this and hope for the best

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    This is the build with the scratchplate, quickie mock up.

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  16. #11
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    Default Re: First E-Mandolin build

    There will be a short pause while I wait for USPS to actually do their job. I was hoping to use a 15" truss rod I had laying around but there's way too much math involved so I ordered a shorter version. Also ordered cream binding, I think it'll look cool, just going with a round-over on the back.

  17. #12
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    Default Re: First E-Mandolin build

    Can anyone give me neck thickness at the 1st and 12th fret? Front to back, not width just to be clear. TIA.

  18. #13

    Default Re: First E-Mandolin build

    My necks are 1/2" thick at the nut and taper to 3/4" to the 12th then a small fillet to 7/8" which is the heel thickness. I leave the board 1/16" proud of the top. These dimensions don't include the fretboard. Keep in mind the height of the bridge in relation to the fretboard so you have ample adjustment for the action. A little bit of neck angle helps too. No more than 1.5 degrees. Neck width at nut varies between 1" and 1 1/8" depending on number of strings. A general rule of thumb is that the width of the fretboard at the 12th should match string spacing at bridge. Also, If you plan to use a 3 way lever switch, you need to make sure you have room in the cavity. I learned that the hard way on a body that was 1 5/8" thick. I know this is more than you asked for but thought I'd throw it out there.

  19. #14
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    Default Re: First E-Mandolin build

    Very cool, I appreciate the info. Going single pickup here.

  20. #15
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    Default Re: First E-Mandolin build

    Put the fretboard together, went with 12" radius.

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  21. #16

    Default Re: First E-Mandolin build

    I put a marker at 10 rather than 9 however some of my guidance may have be questionable. It is looking super cool. Fun to see your progress!

  22. #17
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    Default Re: First E-Mandolin build

    Quote Originally Posted by MrMoe View Post
    I put a marker at 10 rather than 9 however some of my guidance may have be questionable. It is looking super cool. Fun to see your progress!
    Well, the person that will be playing this is used to guitar markings, just thought it would be easier for him.

  23. #18

    Default Re: First E-Mandolin build

    I wonder if we can get an argument going about whether or not the fret markers affect the tone. I say they do but so insignificantly that it is unquantifiable. I had a shop mate who accidently put markers at 11. He was scratching his head and starting to think about relocating the bridge before he saw the error. Thanks for the interesting posts, looking forward to more.

    Maurice

  24. #19
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    Default Re: First E-Mandolin build

    So the 12 string bridge arrived (finally)


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    Pulled two saddles off, look like it will work.

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    Half top load, half string through


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    And gluing the top on.

  25. #20
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    Exclamation Re: First E-Mandolin build

    8 thru body into 4 ferrule on the FM61 is PITA when 1 E breaks you have to replace both, as the balls jam together ..
    so you have to slack the unbroken one, to get the broken strings ball end out ..

    And returning the remaining E up to pitch a 2nd time tempts fate it breaks ..
    before again getting up to E ..

    writing about music
    is like dancing,
    about architecture

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  27. #21
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    Default Re: First E-Mandolin build

    Got the truss rod channel routed as well as the binding channel for the body. Just realized I'm out of skinny masking tape :/

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  28. #22
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    Default Re: First E-Mandolin build

    That's a neat binding channel you have cut there. Looking good so far in your build.
    Last edited by John Kelly; Dec-21-2020 at 4:32am. Reason: typo
    I'm playing all the right notes, but not necessarily in the right order. - Eric Morecambe

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  30. #23

    Default Re: First E-Mandolin build

    Where are you located? You need to use a more appropriate bridge than that one. Either a TOM or hardtail instead of a string through. Message me and maybe we can sort something out. I hate to see you put something like that on such a nice looking instrument.

  31. #24
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    Default Re: First E-Mandolin build

    Going with Grovers as I got them for a great price.

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  32. #25
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    Default Re: First E-Mandolin build

    Got the fretboard attached and started the neck profile. WOW it goes so quick compared to say, a 35" scale bass. It's about 1" at the second fret and that feels pretty good to me but since I've never held a Mandolin in my life, I just don't know.



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