A Little Something Different...

[Chris Barton]

I've been really busy with my job lately but, I have been getting a little work on various projects done here and there and finally finished one this morning. I made this mandolin from a Griz kit (had I done it completely from scratch I would still be working on it...). I'm in no hurry to make another one. Here are the obligatory pictures.

[Don Bullock]

Great job Chris. I really enjoy seeing finished projects of all kinds. How's the tone from the kit-built mandolin? BTW - I understand the time problem. Glad you found enough for your mandolin.

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Chris...... Very nicely done! What did you use as a finish?


And........how did you do that on the PM3520A?

[Corey Hallagan]

Excellent Chris! I love that and have considered making one many times from that kit. Awesome job.

Corey

[Karl Laustrup]

Very nice Chris. I presume you got to use the X-31 a wee bit in the making of it.

Do you play and how does it sound?

Karl

[Chris Barton]

Thanks for the compliments. The finish is Deft high gloss sprayed on over a shellac sealer. I used some Transtint on the mahogany parts (sides, back, neck). The x31 didn't see action on this piece since it really was more of a band saw, router, and hand tools project. While I can tune it and get a cord or two from it, I'm not a good judge of playability. I used to play guitar but, my fingers are way too fat for this little fretboard (at the nut it's only about 1" wide). And, past the 5th fret it would be impossible for me to finger the strings individually. You really need delicate hands for this baby. The tone is fair I would say but, I really don't have anything to compare it with. All things considered, if you are looking for a very modest mandolin from a quality standpoint, and you would enjoy building it (takes some considerable problem solving at times) then it might be worth the price (approx $130). The kit was not very precisely set up and some critical pieces required a lot of work to take this project to the finish line. I don't think I will be building another one... This one is a gift.

[Jim Becker]

That's really nice, Chris. I'll have to add something like that to "my list"...looks like a great project!

[David Wilson]

Chris........ Excelent job!!!!!

[Roy Wall]

Beautifully done-- as usual......!!

[Rich Torino]

nice job Chris..... I've always wanted to try one of their guitar kits...

[Anthony Anderson]

Chris, Beautiful. I am always impressed with your work. Bill