garynava
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 460 
My main instrument is: Stanley No.5
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Post by garynava on Sept 15, 2017 15:52:12 GMT
Well, this could be the longest build thread ever- I started this archtop mandolin project 8 years ago, who knows when it’ll be finished but in the meantime- for your viewing pleasure………..Cheers Gary
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leoroberts
C.O.G. 
Posts: 26,148
My main instrument is: probably needing new strings
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Post by leoroberts on Sept 15, 2017 16:29:35 GMT
8 years? Good Lord, man! Can't beat an old mahogany desk, though, and it's definitely upcycling (unless you want a desk, of course)  |
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garynava
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 460
My main instrument is: Stanley No.5
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Post by garynava on Sept 26, 2017 15:10:25 GMT
I’ve just finished the shaping and thicknessing of the archtop mandolin’s top plate. The external profile takes a long time to shape: checking against templates, shaping the re-curve, ensuring symmetry etc.etc! But carving the internal surface is much quicker as “all you need to do is” check its thickness with callipers.  At the same time I’ve been trying to record some of the top’s physical attributes to allow for objective comparisons when the next one is built.  Here I’m using a dti to measure the deflection when a 1kg mass is placed on it: this will give me an idea of the top’s stiffness.  Cheers Gary |
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garynava
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 460
My main instrument is: Stanley No.5
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Post by garynava on Oct 20, 2017 14:36:22 GMT
Hi Guys,
Here’s the second instalment of my archtop mandolin video build thread. In this part you’ll see all the work on the top plate; carving the shape, cutting the sound holes and fitting the tone bars.
Cheers Gary
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ocarolan
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Post by ocarolan on Oct 20, 2017 22:18:59 GMT
Great thread Gary - thanks for taking the time and trouble to document your work so comprehensively - much appreciated!
Keith
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davewhite
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Luthier
Aemulor et ambitiosior
Posts: 3,548
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Post by davewhite on Oct 21, 2017 7:46:30 GMT
Fascinating stuff Gary - the soundtrack of wood meeting sharp edges plays beautifully to the ear. There's also that gorgeous looking mandolin hanging behind you teasingly which draws the eye. I have to applaud the appropriate choice of your Aerosmith tee-shirt when demonstrating the "heavy metal" pin router set up - a Kraftwerk one would have been a good second choice  |
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andrewjw
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Post by andrewjw on Oct 21, 2017 17:14:19 GMT
Very interesting and informative videos Gary...moving into a third dimension really complicates things even more than you'd think! Love the shape of the sound holes...very Nava!!  Sartorial elegance too ... all those different T shirts show how many hours you are putting into this build!! |
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garynava
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 460
My main instrument is: Stanley No.5
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Post by garynava on Oct 22, 2017 16:41:53 GMT
Fascinating stuff Gary - the soundtrack of wood meeting sharp edges plays beautifully to the ear. There's also that gorgeous looking mandolin hanging behind you teasingly which draws the eye. I have to applaud the appropriate choice of your Aerosmith tee-shirt when demonstrating the "heavy metal" pin router set up - a Kraftwerk one would have been a good second choice Kraftwerk- I see what you did there Dave! The mandolin hanging up is going to be quiet something, even if I say so myself- Macassar ebony back and sides and some recon rock inlays. I’ll post some pictures when she’s finished. Cheers Gary |
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garynava
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 460
My main instrument is: Stanley No.5
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Post by garynava on Nov 7, 2017 16:18:42 GMT
Hi Guys,
Here's the 3rd episode- the bindings. Hope that you find it interesting.
Cheers Gary
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davewhite
Luthier / Guitar Maker
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Aemulor et ambitiosior
Posts: 3,548
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Post by davewhite on Nov 7, 2017 16:53:40 GMT
Gary, Lovely to watch a master at work Good practice for your Christmas wrapping too  |
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ocarolan
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Post by ocarolan on Nov 7, 2017 18:25:21 GMT
Fascinating! Exellent vid - thanks Gary.
Keith
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garynava
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 460
My main instrument is: Stanley No.5
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Post by garynava on Dec 18, 2017 16:07:12 GMT
Here’s the latest instalment; the neck being joined to the body, fretboard extension etc. Hope you find it of interest, cheers Gary.
PS Have a good Christmas!
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Post by Onechordtrick on Dec 18, 2017 16:35:59 GMT
Fascinating thread, just wish I could afford one!
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garynava
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 460
My main instrument is: Stanley No.5
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Post by garynava on Feb 4, 2018 12:01:24 GMT
Frets are in! Slowly getting there...............
Cheers Gary
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garynava
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 460
My main instrument is: Stanley No.5
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Post by garynava on Feb 8, 2018 16:21:31 GMT
Here’s latest video; the neck is finally being shaped (remember it’s been left “square” all this time). Essentially, this is the last woodworking task that I do on an instrument. So when the next video instalment is ready, you’ll be able to see the finished instrument and hear what it sounds like too.
Cheers Gary
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Jo whoever he is.
