A new book on mandolin building

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graham mcdonald
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A new book on mandolin building

Post by graham mcdonald » Tue Apr 08, 2008 8:07 pm

It is with some pleasure, and not a little trepidation, that I can announce that the first copies of The Mandolin Project, my new book on building mandolins, will be arriving from the printer tomorrow. It will be available in ring bound (for the workshop) and perfect bound (for the library) formats. There is information about what is in the book and how to buy a copy at www.the mandolinproject.info

The book describes the building of four different types on mandolin from a basic flat top to a carved A style. The introductory chapter as well as an extensive section on the history of mandolin construction can be downloaded as pdfs from the website to give you a taste of the rest of it.

At the moment it will only be available from the website, but StewMac and LMI should have copies as soon as I get some printed in the US.

Feel free to pass this information on to other forums and the like.

cheers

graham
Graham McDonald
http://www.mcdonaldstrings.com

Paul B

Post by Paul B » Tue Apr 08, 2008 9:24 pm

Any chance of us blokes getting signed copies?

Congrats on the new book, can't wait to read it :cl

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Lillian
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Post by Lillian » Tue Apr 08, 2008 9:38 pm

I really like the cover. Sweetie is a bookseller and you would be amazed at the number of books that don't sell because the cover is silly or stupid or has nothing to do with the book. I really like what you have there.
I would second Paul's comments. Author signing please?

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Arnt
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Post by Arnt » Tue Apr 08, 2008 10:07 pm

Fantastic, Graham! Consider me in the book signing line as well, should you decide to do it.
Arnt Rian,
Norway

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Kim
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Post by Kim » Tue Apr 08, 2008 10:11 pm

Looks first class Graham,

I really like the layout and how the images have transparency backgrounds, this always seems to show the detail much better. I also must add that it reads very well. One thing I would address on your site however is that the links which say "Click here for" are in the same colour and font as the surrounding text and only change to a lighter grey once used. I first assumed that they did not work so that is a little tricky and may lead some to think you are only displaying the cover for assessment. I must add that I am glad I took the time to put the cursor over them and have a good look at what you have there.

Anyhow, well done and I also add my name to the call for author signed copies for members of the ANZLF 8)

Cheers

Kim

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Bob Connor
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Post by Bob Connor » Tue Apr 08, 2008 10:25 pm

Looks great Graham.

I've just sent a Paypal through to you.

I'd love a signed copy too if it's not too much trouble.

Cheers

Bob
Last edited by Bob Connor on Tue Apr 08, 2008 10:44 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Craig
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Post by Craig » Tue Apr 08, 2008 10:31 pm

Congratulations Graham . Looks brilliant !


Cheers , Craig

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Post by ozziebluesman » Tue Apr 08, 2008 11:14 pm

Hello Graham,

I also would like a signed copy of your book please. I have plans to build a mandolin one day. Congratulations, i hope the book is a success for you!

Cheers

Alan

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Post by Hesh1956 » Tue Apr 08, 2008 11:18 pm

Congrats Graham!!!! :cl :cl :cl :cl :cl

I'll be wanting a signed copy too! :D

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sebastiaan56
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Post by sebastiaan56 » Wed Apr 09, 2008 5:39 am

Hi Graham,

as a proud owner of your other tome Im sure this one will be just as good. Order on its way,

Sebastiaan
make mine fifths........

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graham mcdonald
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Post by graham mcdonald » Wed Apr 09, 2008 7:39 am

No problem to sign copies. Just put a note in the PayPal comments box (or whatever it is called) at the bottom of the page. For our American readers, they should be available there in a couple of months from at least StewMac and LMI, but won't be autographed, unless you come and see me at the GAL convention in June.

If someone wanted to pass this info on to the OLF I would be grateful. I am a member, but I don't think I have ever posted anything, and it seems a bit rude just to pop up with this blatant self promotion. :)

cheers

graham
Graham McDonald
http://www.mcdonaldstrings.com

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Bob Connor
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Post by Bob Connor » Wed Apr 09, 2008 7:51 am

I've already given it a plug over at the OLF Graham.

I already sent through the Paypal to you but didn't mention the signing so if you could do that for me it would be appreciated.

Cheers

Bob

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sebastiaan56
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Post by sebastiaan56 » Wed Apr 16, 2008 5:45 am

Hi Graham,

I received the book last night, it looks good thanks. Now to put all your efforts to work,

Sebastiaan
make mine fifths........

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Post by Dennis Leahy » Wed Apr 16, 2008 7:21 am

Hi Graham,

I pasted your announcement on the Luthierforum.

I plan to get a copy from you at some point too...

Dennis
Another damn Yank!

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Bob Connor
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Post by Bob Connor » Wed Apr 16, 2008 7:31 am

Mine arrived yesterday too Graham.

It looks great. Thanks for the swift service.

Bob

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graham mcdonald
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Post by graham mcdonald » Wed Apr 16, 2008 7:52 am

Once you have had a read, I would be pleased to have your responses (especially if you like it) There are lots of potential customers out there, and I have to convince them that getting this book is good for them 8)

cheers

graham
Graham McDonald
http://www.mcdonaldstrings.com

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sebastiaan56
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Review

Post by sebastiaan56 » Wed Apr 30, 2008 4:35 pm

Hi Graham,

Ive had a chance to go right through the book now. There is a lot to like about what you have created. It is effectively five books. I found the history of the Mandolin fascinating and am glad you included it. As you well know there is a school of thought that development stopped with Lloyd Loar and I glad you have contextualised that bit of history for all builders.

I thought the plan to offer four sets of instructions was ambitious but you've pulled it off with the "modular" approach. I particularly like your comments on the advantages and disadvantages of various types of builds. I am yet to put your instructions into practise, woodwork classes commence tomorrow!

If you need me to elaborate the above for quoting let me know,

Sebastiaan
make mine fifths........

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ozziebluesman
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Post by ozziebluesman » Wed Apr 30, 2008 10:26 pm

Hi Graham,

I have just sent through PayPal payment for your Mandolin Book. Could you please sign it for me!

Cheers

Alan

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graham mcdonald
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Post by graham mcdonald » Thu May 01, 2008 9:39 am

Thanks Sebastiaan for the kind words. I am glad it makes sense to you :)

It is always a bit worrying when writing something that it can be understood by those reading it.

cheers

graham
Graham McDonald
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Post by jackspira » Mon May 12, 2008 11:32 pm

I got mine last week and am really enjoying it. I too loved the chapter on mandolin history. It set to tone for the whole book, filled out with plenty of detail, but not dry and very readable and interesting. Seems Graham has quite a talent for writing these things!
Jack

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