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Lynn Dudenbostel Pictures |
Go |
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Series of pictures documenting the building of two mandolins (one for Chris Thile). They were originally
posted to a Photopoint site but I think they've gone out of business. The link above is the last place I've
found them. If it doesn't work, do a Web search for "Dudenbostel mandolin" and you should find something.
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"How to Build a Bluegrass Mandolin" by Roger Siminoff |
Buy it at StewMac |
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The only book you're going to find on building a Bluegrass mandolin. I've heard disparaging remarks
about some of the measurements in his plans and some of his techniques (neck joint) but have found
the book a nice reference, especially when used along with the Don MacRostie video and the
plans that come with the StewMac kit (also available separately from StewMac).
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Kathy Matsushita's Amateur Luthier Page |
Go |
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A great site from an amateur luthier with accounts of building a mandolin, a violin, and several guitars.
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Steve Smith's Building a Mandolin Site |
Go |
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He now makes them professionally - http://www.sirenstringworks.com/
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Mandolin Cafe |
Go |
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The message board has a lot of info about mandolins in general as well as a discussion area for builders.
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Musical Instrument Maker's Forum |
Go |
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Not specific to mandolin but a good resource for tools, tips, and techniques.
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Stewart MacDonald Guitar Supply |
Go |
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My source for everything I wasn't able to find at the local hardware store.
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Don MacRostie's Mandolin Building Video |
Go |
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For me, this was the essential resource. Don clearly demonstrates each step and discusses
tools, jigs, and techniques. I very rarely diverged from Don's process.
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Benedetto Archtop Guitar Design And Construction |
Go |
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In addition to providing very applicable information to mandolin building (although I didn't
watch any of it until it was time to finish my mandolin), the Benedetto video was my primary resource during
finishing. Unfortunately, I neglected to notice a crucial difference between his process with spray equipment and
mine without. More info about this debacle, uh, I mean, lesson in the Finishing section.
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Frank Ford's Frets.com |
Go |
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A great collection of instrument care and repair tips.
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Antonio Stradivari, His Life and Work, 1644-1737 by William Henry, Hill, Alfred E. Hill, Arthur F. Hill |
Buy at Amazon |
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Okay, it doesn't contain much information about how to build a mandolin (or a violin for that matter),
but it's an interesting look into the evolution of the violin and the minute details experts look for
in the works of a master. It's amazing that in addition to being able to spot a fake by the label or a design
never used by Stradavari, experts claim to be able to differentiate individual chisel marks as those of the
master, one of his pupils, or someone of another school altogether.
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The Red Violin |
Buy at Amazon |
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Has no valuable information for building an instrument but is fun to watch and ponder while making one.
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Getting Started
