"Campfire" Mandolin

Now can you play “Wreck of the Old ‘97”?

Looks Great!!

very cool…may it bring you years of beautiful music…

-- Matt, Napa, CA...fun is beautiful...just trying to have some fun...

It looks like it will have a good depth when its finished, looks great, have fun at the camp fire.

-- another tip from cooperedpatterns

Looks pretty darned good to me!

looks great. Does anyone know, if you wood burn the outside of a guitar or string instrument. will it change the way the instrument isounds?

-- www.robneves.com

Very pretty!

-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"

I think this is great I would have been sorely tempted to keep the original to make more than one kit from it .Did you at least make templates from the original to make others.I am sure you could sell these kits on ebay patents permitting of course.well done again good luck Alistair

-- excuse my typing as I have a form of parkinsons disease

Very very cool. Post some more pics once you get it finished. I’ve been giving serous thought to doing one of the Siminoff H5 Mandola kits http://www.siminoff.net/parts/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=3_36
I’ve got a decent mando but have rather large hands and those itsy bitsy frets are tough for a guitar player to get used to. Figured the mandola might be a bit easier for me to play.

-- Use the fence Luke

Great workmanship.
If I’m not wrong, this musical instrument was originated from Middle East ? I did not make any research on it, just guessing.

thanks for the post.

-- masrol, kuala lumpur, MY.

Very nice, I’ll be looking forward to it’s completion.

-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1

It is really beautiful. It would be fun to hear it. I don’t know how, but could you post a little video?

Rob

-- Sharp tools and thin whispy shavings make woodworking a joy.

I use specially formulated oil (linseed) varnish on the violins I make. This can be a bit chippy and sensitive to heat for quite some time after application. Also each application takes quite a bit of time to dry unless you have a drying cabinet wit ultra violet light. The instruments need quite a bit of cherishing and looking after. I would use something more robust and quicker such as a cellulose lacquer finish if the instrument is going to be used regularly and taken to the camp fire sing along. I have heard of luthiers using danish oil or some such rubbing oils. What kind of glue did you use to join it together?

-- Dave D

Dave D—Complete agreement on using a lacquer finish on a mandolin. Safest way to fly, and will give lots of longevity.

Romans—Actually, I find all string instruments quite sensitive to materials and finish. Having said that, it stands to reason that woodburning would not have a positive effect on the instrument, unless you intend to play on the Grand Ole Opry. Folks there have been using inlaid instruments, and instruments with painted racing stripes for years.

Randy—Stewmac uses top-notch stuff in their kits. Good choice, and great execution. DO NOT start any campfires with that mando!

-- There's no tool like an old tool...

Thanks for your comments and advice on finishing the mandolin. One reason I have not applied the finish is that I am still a bit unsure as to what to use. I bought a water based brushing varnish from StewMac but I’m not sure I want to use a brush on finish, plus I would like to get an amber vintage look to the wood before applying the final finish. StewMac has some liquid color stains, one being vintage amber. I am thinking about getting the stain and trying it on some sample wood (I saved the cut offs from building the mandolin). Does anyone have experience with this type stain and/or varnish?

Thanks for your help,

Randy

-- Randy, http://www.randallprice.com

really sweet deal Randy !! ... you also have a nicely done website

welcome to lumberjocks

-- work from your heart and your spirit will live forever

Hey randy,
Another finish to consider is shellac, french polishing. This was quite common in days gone by but takes a lot of work. Also make sure you put a ground on the wood to seal it. If varnish soaks into the wood it can effect the sound. Use a shellac based sanding sealer followed by your finish.

-- Dave D

That’s pretty cool being in the “white”!!

-- Matt, Houston Texas