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Thread: Solid electric mandola

  1. #1
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    Default Solid electric mandola

    Hi. I'm starting to build a chambered solid-electric mandola (with book-matched spruce top). I originally bought some Meranti for the body, but I would like to find a wood that has a good tone AND looks a bit more interesting! I've found a nearby timber-warehouse in the UK where I can go & choose.
    However I wonder what your thoughts might be on the type of hardwood to go for. "Crisp" or "bassy"? Should I look for some Cherry, English Ash or Maple .. or go for something like Mahogany, Poplar (which are available in the warehouse)?
    Unfortunately woods like Swamp Ash & Alder are not easy to find locally & are outside my price range.
    Many thanks

    Click image for larger version. 

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  2. #2
    harvester of clams Bill McCall's Avatar
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    Default Re: Solid electric mandola

    With a magnetic pickup, it’ll sound mostly like the pickup and the amp, dependent on where the pickup is in relation to the bridge. I’d choose something reasonably dense and pretty.
    Not all the clams are at the beach

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  3. #3

    Default Re: Solid electric mandola

    I used quilted maple on my octave. Love the looks of it. As Bill said, though. In a semi-solid/chambered body, you're not really getting much of the sound from the wood in the top.


  4. #4
    Registered User PT66's Avatar
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    Default Re: Solid electric mandola

    I have made a dozen solid body mandolins. I echo what others have said. It’s the pickup not the wood. Go for what looks good and hard enough to be durable.
    Dave Schneider

  5. #5
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    Default Re: Solid electric mandola

    Thanks PT

    - - - Updated - - -

    The octave sounds beautiful; what pickups have you used?

    - - - Updated - - -

    Thanks Bill

  6. #6

    Default Re: Solid electric mandola

    Thanks! I was very pleasantly surprised. It's a pair of el cheapo chrome mini humbuckers from ebay. These appear to be identical.

    Thanks,

    Magnus

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