My mandolins are inspired by classic early 20th century American instruments. I make a carved A style, an asymmetrical two-point model and an F style mandolin. String length is the standard 13.875" scale or a classical 13" scale can also be used.
They can be built with an oval soundhole or f-holes. Soundboards are spruce, sitka or englemann with an option of King Billy Pine from Tasmania or Bunya pine from Queensland. Bodies can be made from American maple or a range of Australian timbers such as Tasmanian blackwood, Tiger myrtle, Blackheart sassafras, Tulip satinwood and Huon pine.
Fretboards are ebony or rosewood with a carbonfiber/epoxy bar in the neck for stability. A range of tailpiece and tuner options is offered. Binding is tortoise celluloid or ivoroid, although timber binding is an option.
Mandolas are offered in a 16.5" and 18.5" scale. The 18.5" scale instrument is five frets longer than a mandolin, so can be used with standard mandolin strings using a Daeb' tuning, which can be good for Celtic music accompaniment.
Prices start from A$2400 for a carved mandolin.
Call or email for details of what may be currently available.
On the right, from top to bottom:
• an F-5 style, in Sitka and blackwood;
• the latest (2020) in the King Billy & Huon pine oval hole mandolins. This is a sweet and responsive combination of timbers;
• a new Art Deco style, inspired by Jimmy D’Aqisto, made from Sitka and Big-leaf maple;
• an A-5 style in Sitka and Osage orange;
• a 13”/33cm scale classical mandolin inspired by a couple of Italian mandolins from between the wars. A carved soundboard with a low arch and a low bridge. Rubner tuners are cut down to fit the tapered head.
