About
I started building a Stewmac pancake mandolin kit back in 2014. I have played mandolins for years, so I took the plunge to see if I could build one. Well, my 9-year-old son plays it, as I gave it to him as birthday present.
From there, I built an Arches F-5 mandolin kit, which took over three years to build.
Since then, I have taken on restoring German and French trade violins, two of which I have now restored. I am now considering building a violin from scratch.
I have also built an F-4 mandolin (copy of circa 1923 Gibson F-4 mandolin and an A-5 mandolin). Another A-5 mandolin is in the works.
I have spent a lot of time studying the building and renovation of instruments. I prefer to use natural finishes, such as Shellac. I have had some wonderful results in my finishes. I am going for that more rustic organic look rather than a super clean shiny lacquer finish.
