John's Mandolin

[BRuddy]

You're not too picky Grant - but maybe over optimistic that a set of plans will ever answer all the questions. So far it hasn't worked for me yet.

In my experience building some fiddles, banjos and guitars from books or full size plans -- I've found errors and omissions in all of them regardless of the source. For something like fret location I'd run a fret calculator like StuMac's to double check anything offered up. I like this fret calculator - https://www.projectguitar.com/fretfind2d/, you can print the fingerboard full scale but you sometimes have to adjust printer scale to get the printout to match dimensions exactly but once you have it it is handy for neck layout.

My first banjo was based on a Siminoff book and just when things got rolling there would be something critical missing. I think the banjo book had a unique scale length I avoided for a more conventional one. Full size Gibson Mastertone plans from StuMac included errors even in neck angle. That was pretty disappointing when you think everything is done to find you have to redo the neck joint.

I started drawing full size plans of sub-assemblies to double check everything and still do it when I make a guitar.

Better to find a problem on paper than in wood you removed.

Course I know you know all that. I always thought a mando would be fun, so thanks for posting this build Grant, it will be a nice reference when the time comes.

[whitespruce]

Yup, I did double check with the Stew Mac calculator.

g

[Eben]

This is wonderful, G!

[whitespruce]

Slowed down a bid, but we did get the peghead inlay done. H M S, for Hazel Magnolia Sumption.

Cavities routed

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Glued in

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Gaps filled

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Just need a bit more fine sanding.

Working on the fingerboard now, but I have misplaced my 3/16" brad point drill bit and not a one to be found in a hardware store in the area. So, had to order one.

g

[Cajun]

Lookin' good G!

[whitespruce]

Lost track of this one, but it is finally strung up. In the white for now.

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Andy Cohen giving it a test drive.

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Will try to track down a video. I think Danny took some.

g

[Eben]

Gorgeous G! Lookin’ forward to checking it out live and in color!