Aug 28, 2012

9:00am - 3:00pm

Today is the day!!

 

 

First up, ream the holes to fit the tuner grommets.

 



All grommets installed.

 



Install the tuners.

 

Front view of tuners.

 

Next, file slots into the bridge to hold strings.

 



 

and finally...file slots in nut to hold strings.

All strung up and ready to play. I actually had to do a few things to set the proper action. First, I had to sand the bridge because it was leaning slightly front too far when strung up. I then had to make addition filings in the nut to lower the action a little.

 



 

Mark playing my mandolin.

 



 

Cody playing my mandolin.

 

Me proudly holding my mandolin.

 

Well, it took 351 hours to completely build my mandolin. I had several frustrating days, but most days were fun. I really enjoyed building it. Would I build another one? Maybe, but I would need several months off the reflect on this build.

 

Finally, a big thank you to my wonderful wife, Sue. Without her I would never have completed a project as big as this. Sorry I complained so much on my bad days. I really like my new mandolin!

 

What's next....???

Maybe build a bouzouki.......???