A-Model Mandolin

This is my 11th shot at making a mandolin. I was very fortunate to get this great wood from Orcas Island Tonewoods in Washington state.

The top is Adirondack spruce. The grain lines are very bold in that wood. These soundholes are a hybrid of my own design between the Jazz guitar style usually found on a mandolin and a violin pattern

As you can see, this wood will be fabulous with a finish on it. The only thing I am having a hard time with is deciding what color to make it. I don't want to use anything too dark that would obscure the quilt.

More quilt from a different angle.

This fleur de lis was just a whimsy of mine. You can also see the Brazilian rosewood binding on this instrument.

Here the belly arching is clearly visible. As is my design for the fingerboard extension.

Now for the view of the back arching.

This is a shot from underneath the front of the fingerboard.

The profile of the end of the fingerboard is intended at a counterpoint to the headstock.

The end of the instrument where the tailpiece and strap button will be mounted.

Closer view of the fingerboard extension.

Another detail shot of the carved heel.

This is the upper end of the neck.

Full Monty

This is the full view of the fingerboard for the mandolin.

Here is a close-up where you can see the detail of the engraving (almost).

After the first coat of sanding sealer.

 

The adirondack spruce has a nice warm color to it without any stain.

Beautiful quilt.

 

The flame of the neck contrasts well with the instrument body.

 

I'm not sure I will color this mandolin at all.

 

Keep watching for this mandolin to be finished soon.