ThickShag - I'm A Musician, I'm A Programmer: Building An F5 Style Mandolin - Part 6

Friday, September 4, 2009

I described in Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 and Part 5 how I prepared for my F5 mandolin build. Using the help of expert luthier Lies Muller who runs her Muziek & Ambacht workshop in Utrecht, the Netherlands, I will build my first instrument ever. I attend a workshop once a month under Lies' supervision and using her tools as well.

Meanwhile some time has passed, and I've graduated the back and front to a rough finish, ready to be carved more precisely. I've done the most work on the support blocks and glueing the sides to the blocks. I'm still struggling with the main top block, because I messed up sawing the curl with a jigsaw.. I think I have to fill it out with some wood, and then cut it again when the back and top are glued in place; suggestions welcome.

The photos say it all:

the back (left) and the top (right) roughly in shape

the point is glued, struggling with the top block

back point is glued, nice fit

looks alright thusfar

and it fits in the jig! top curl is still too long

loosely covered by the rough top

still needs a lot of carving

back is also in need of carving

bought small arkasas stone

During my vacation, I visited the city of Mirecourt in the Vosges region of France, where several luthier families live and work. There is a luthier college and a municipal luthier museum. The town is littered with luthierian referrals.

one of the shops in town

municipal art

that's the "je ne sais quoi"

it's quite obvious, really

another shop in town

even Lydia and Pascal the bakers profit!

some bar in town. it's shameless isn't it? :)

At this time, I've done more work on the top and back. Check back for the next part in which I will be closing the sides, shaping the top and attacking that awful cricket bat like monster of what should eventually become a neck (as seen in part 4). I am investigating making my own trussrods, but still looking for the parts in DIY stores. Come back for more!