Electric Mandolin Build Part 5

With the majority of the construction now complete, it’s time to concentrate on the tailpiece and bridge and getting the mandolin set-up. The bridge is made from rosewood and will be adjustable for height; so a bit of design work first……

….and then after a bit of work, it’s starting to emerge out of the wooden blank. Much of the shaping of the bridge goes on during the setting-up of the mandolin i.e. slots for string spacing and filing the correct break point for individual string’s intonation.

The tailpiece is hewn from a piece of extruded aluminium angle section.

Once the tailpiece is made and fixed into position, the setting-up procedure can begin.

Project K pt 3

In this video, I look at renovating the Kay’s body.

Electric Mandolin Build Part 4

The fretboard has been sanded to its compound radius and dot position markers inlaid. Next the mandolin can be fretted. 

Once the frets have levelled, ends bevelled and polished etc, I start shaping the neck.

Many hours later and after a good clean-up, here’s the result……

And, one of my favourite details!

Project K pt2

 I think I now know where I’m going with this bass!

Electric Mandolin Build Part 3

So, now is the time to join the neck and body together. This is all about super accurate marking out and careful sawing.

Once the neck has been fitted and glued in place, I “lock” it in place with 4 dowels: I’m great believer in both a belt and braces!

The neck leans back to give a good break angle over the bridge, this creates a gap between the end of the fret board and body, so a wedge to support it goes on next.

And last but not least the fretboard gets glued on. You can see how a leave the neck square: this will make working on the fretboard so much easier.

Project K

Look what the courier brought me!

The video says it all………….