How to Build an Octave Mandolin
The Octave mandolin, a fretted stringed instrument, has four pairs of metal strings that are plucked with a plectrum. Ken Cartwright of Cartwright's Music Repair in Stayton, Oregon, suggests that if you are interested in building a stringed instrument, such as an octave mandolin, build one from a professionally assembled kit. A guitar, ukelele or mandolin kit costs approximately $150 to $300.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
Making the Octave Mandolin
-
1
The Octave mandolin comes from a family of fretted stringed instruments. Locate and then position the bracing on the soundboard and back. Glue and then clamp the braces into place. Once the glue sets, carve and sand the braces to required specifications.
-
2
Apply glue to the flat side of the kerfing, defined as a length of wood with slits, or kerfs, that allow the wood to bend for application to the sides of the instrument. Kerfing lines the sides, providing ample contact for the top and back of the instrument. Hold the kerfing against the side as you place clothespins one next to the other, all along the edge. The clothespins hold the two pieces together as the glue dries.
-
-
3
Glue the back to the sides by adding glue to the kerfing. Add glue to the top and place it on the kerfing. Then surround the instrument with tape while the glue dries.
-
4
Add bindings along the outer edges of the body. Purfing is a seal between the binding and the soundboard. These often add a unique and visually pleasing accent to the instrument. Whether a visually subtle or more elaborate design is made with the binding, it has a practical role in that it seals the wood. Apply tape in strips from the back and top to hold the glued binding in place until it dries.
-
5
Fit the neck while setting the angle of the body, and bond them with glue. Use tape and clamps to keep the pieces together while the glue sets.
-
6
The octave mandolin is tuned one octave below a fiddle or mandolin. Apply finish, then sand and buff the instrument. Add the bridge, tuning machines and strings. Install four pairs of strings and tune to GDAE.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
You may need or want to make a special order from a luthier supplier to get the correct size and length of materials for your octave mandolin kit. Luthier's Merchantile International can handle unique orders.
Place a clean, soft towel on a table or workbench. The towel helps protect the wood surfaces as your mandolin begins to take shape.
Have a clean, damp cloth available whenever you use woodworking glue. Use the cloth to wipe away any glue drips or spills.
Always wear eye protection and take special care of your hands as well as your respiratory system. Wear a dust mask whenever you work with exotic woods and sandpaper.
Use woodworker's glue such as "Titebond."
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
