I’M GARY NAVA, A PROFESSIONAL LUTHIER MAKING MANDOLINS AND GUITARS BY HAND, TO THE HIGHEST STANDARDS, IN MY ANALOGUE WORKSHOP. HERE ARE VARIOUS TALES FROM MY WORK BENCH.
Friday, March 18, 2022
Mandolin For Sale
The latest Standard
mandolin is now complete and ready for sale. You can see the full spec on my website and I run through most of the details in the above video. If you’re
interested in owning this mandolin, please feel free to contact me. You’ll find
my email address on the website.
If you follow the blog, you’ll be aware that I tried a
couple of new things on this one: how did they turn out?
Firstly, the tuners. We all know that the Gotoh mini sealed
unit tuners are super smooth and function superbly. I guess my concern was that
they are a bit heavier than 4-on-a-plate tuners, but playing the mandolin, I
don’t think that it makes an appreciable difference. Also, visually a “traditionalist”
might not like them, but I think they suit the minimalist look of this
mandolin. Would I use them again? A resounding yes!
Secondly the 360 mm scale length. This is only 8mm longer
than the traditional 352mm scale so it increases the tension in the strings by
2.3% which, is negligible but, it does seem to give your fingers a bit more
room. So again, a resounding yes! To the question would I do it again?
The twin-point mandolin has now been completed and is safely
residing with its new owner. I’m really pleased with all aspects of it and below is a
video and some photos for you to see.
Over the years (like most woodworkers) I’ve built up a stash
of wood that I’ve saved for “something special” and this Claro walnut, that the
back and sides are made from, was from that stash: I’m very happy that this
mandolin justifies its use!
Hi, I make mostly mandolins and guitars, entirely by myself and by hand. Although I’m based in the Norfolk Fens, my instruments can be found all over the world. I made my first guitar when I was 14 and during the 1970s studied luthiery at the prestigious London College of Furniture. I’ve been making them ever since!