Black Walnut flat-back Mandolin just finished

[Bob Clark]

This Flat-back style mandolin that I have been building for a customer is finally finished and will be picked up tomorrow. This build took a while for a variety of reasons, but I am really happy with the result. It has a sweet voice that is more maple-like than my cherry mandolin builds, but still different from maple.

I like working with black walnut, and the resulting mandolins. The wood for the back of this one was from a limb-crotch so it has really interesting grain, and was exceptionally hard wood. The ribs were from the same locally-cut tree and have lots of flaming. The top is Adirondack Spruce and the neck is Maple with lots of flame. The fret board is Bamboo (I don't use tropical hardwoods), with a 13" scale length.

Attachment 194418

Attachment 194419

Attachment 194420
Some of you may have seen that last photo in an earlier posting. Look closely and you may see a pair of 'eyes' in the wood looking back at you! Open the photos and click on them and they will rotate to their upright position. I don't know why, but they are sideways here.

[John Bertotti]

I can’t get the attachment pictures to open.

[Bob Clark]

Let's try again. Here are the pictures (I hope).

[Sue Rieter]

It's very nice looking, Bob, and I am really impressed by your dedication to local and sustainable

[Dusepo]

Beautiful!